Hi @ats-david - I'm still learning about the VIVA project especially since I don't come from any kind of crypto background but I've been fully immersed for over a month now and hopefully can expand on this a little.

"Practically free" is speaking about the cost to transfer funds from peer-to-peer anywhere around the world through traditional wire transfers and bank remittances. If you've ever sent money through Western Union, it's often cost prohibitive but in cases of emergency, a painful necessity.

Of course Steemit can transfer STEEM & SBD free between us, but there is still usually a fee to convert and cash out. The VIVA project is actually bridging the gap between fiat and crypto. You can send you STEEM & SBD there, convert it to VIVA Coin - and pretty soon be able to SMS text a friend funds (at the cost of an SMS message - whatever cell service providers charge). Additionally, spending the VIVA will never be easier because we're going to be able to tie our Mastercard to VIVA and spend it wherever MC is accepted. Because the Crown holders are responsible for holding the value of VIVA Coin at ~$5.50, you never have to worry about the fluctuation of a volatile market. What's $5 in your account one day should only fluctuate +/- 10%. Hope that helped you understand the scope of the project a little?