Part 2: More information about Phones, SIM Cards and Airtime Vouchers |
International prepaid cell phone service may not be as easy as eating a hot dog (Soy hot dog for vegetarians) but this section helps to break it down into nice bite sized morsels, with lots of photos. This step by step tutorial will demonstrate what you will need in order to step off the plane and start talking like a local.To take advantage of the Telestial prepaid solutions you will need the following: |
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The Cell Phone - GSM
The cell phone that you take overseas will need to be GSM, SIM unlocked and compatible with the 900mhz and 1800Mhz frequencies, for Europe, Asia and Africa (and the 1900Mhz frequency is a must for North and South America). GSM (Global Services for Mobile) is THE wireless standard used overseas. We are talking 200 countries and counting. Due to incompatible standards, most U.S. cell phones will not work overseas. More specifically, most U.S. subscribers are with a wireless carrier that is not GSM such as Verizon, Nextel, Sprint, Cingular (in most markets), and ATT in half of their markets (though they are doing a full conversion to GSM…eventually). I know that last sentence was a big mouthful, but if you would like more information on GSM check out "Getting Started" section on the Navigation bar.
| Hint: Do not expect cell phones to be cheaper in Europe (though in Asia there are some deals), particularly in Europe. A $300 cell phone in the US is not $200 in Holland and in fact may be $350. Bargaining is one thing. Dreaming is another. |
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The GSM Unlocked Cell Phone
GSM is implemented on different frequencies across the planet. Your international destination(s) will determine which frequencies you will need. In summary:
- Europe, Asia and Africa including the South Pacific operate on the 900Mhz and 1800Mhz frequencies.
- North America and Central America operate on the 850Mhz and 1900Mhz frequency.
- South America and The Caribbean may use the 900Mhz, 1800Mhz and/or the 1900Mhz frequencies.
Some phones switch between bands automatically while others must be set manually (this is no big deal). The Motorola Timeport demonstrates a manualband selection. The 2 options are GSM 900/1800 (for your trip to London) or GSM 1900 (for when you return to North America).
There are many cell phones for your review at Telestial by simply <a href="http://www.telestial.com/gsm_phones.php">clicking here</a> or the International Cell Phones link on the navigation bar.
| Hint: There are GSM cellular phones that are only GSM 900/1900. Many wireless carriers in Europe operate on both the 900 and 1800 frequency. If your phone only operates on the 900 band, then you have a 2-lane highway but you can only use one lane. |
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GSM SIM Cards
GSM is implemented on different frequencies across the planet. Your international destination(s) will determine which frequencies you will need. |
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