Personal Experience with International Phones

My hope in writing this page is that you the consumer relate to and understand the world of international phones. In a word, my experience with these phones has been extremely confusing! I have been in the business of telecom 26 years. I am trained in technology and hardware. I have a degree in electronics, and hold awards for my accomplishments over the years. I say this not to boost, well maybe a little, but to show even with this vast experience and knowledge, I am as confused as you are in the massive world of international phones.

What I have found is there is just too much to know. With 568 countries and cities around the world, and approximately 183 distinct phone companies within these countries, the land, cellular, and digital technologies vary quite a bit. Yes there are standards by which we all interconnect to one another, but after that, the array of features and services, and the technology to support them, turn off the main highway and we then need to take “their train the destination”, if I may use this example. In other words, we have to use their network and phone.

Many customers, me included, find the gigantic question in front of them when making travel plans. “What phone do I use to make calls while in another country”? “Can I use my US phone, or do I have to buy a model that will work in the country I am going to, or can I buy a phone that will work in all countries and save money by buying these types of international phones now”? I face the same question. Of course you base your decision on what countries, or countries, you visit and how long you will be there. As we know, traveling with your US phone, when roaming, can cost a small fortune. What then? Wouldn’t it be nice to have just one choice? Unfortunately, I have not found one either.

What may help in the selection of international phones is a short plan of what and how you will use it. Where are you going? How long will you be there? How much time do you need to make calls. While in the country you visit where will you call to?  These questions will narrow the decision that will most benefit your search. Now comes the search.

When searching, the problem with international phones is they still have issues when calling country to country, being compatible in certain countries. This is the largest concern of all, will it work? Though much less than ‘Roaming’ costs on our current cellphones of $.99 to $4.99 per minute, these rates can reach $.49 to $.99 cents per minute. This is why international phones are growing slowly and have less to choose from. Your choices include;

• Convert your existing cellphone modified with a SIM card to work within another country.
• Buy a phone that will work in the country or countries you wish to visit when in that country.
• Rent an international phone when visiting another country with the time you need for calls.
• Rent a Satellite phone. (See below).
• Use a land line or payphone and buy calling cards as you go.

Several items mentioned above, regarding the use of renting international phones, I would now like to explain in greater detail. When you visit a country, instead of buying a phone, you can rent one for your stay. It is a bit more, but for some short visits, it pays for convenience and is less than the roaming using your existing phone from home. The last example of rentals is the Satellite Phone. Satellite phones are generally very expensive, the average is $6.00 per minute, but they can work worldwide in any country. These phones are based on digital voice sent through satellite communication networks. This technology is very common. We have used satellites for telecom since 1978 when MCI Communications, (Microwave Communications, Inc.) began selling alternative domestic long distance calls vs. AT&T. Soon this technology was used for voice calling worldwide because the actual undersea cable was becoming to busy. Now the undersea cable is used for high speed data and internet. Being that Satellite phones are so very expensive, most of us do not need the use of these phones in remote jungles and deserts.

I could talk all day and still not scratch the surface of the choices in this world. That is the reason I built Cellular International.com. I was tired of trying to find the right phone! I built a ‘virtual international calling card network’, so that I could use ANY PHONE, with access from anywhere worldwide. Cellular international.com will work with international phones, or any phones you may choose. This freedom and cost saving has bridged a gap for the consumer to save money now, and enjoy the ease and reach of worldwide calling today.

For those customers that find Cellular International calling rates to be more within their budget, with good service, and help customers save money. Cellular International service is very good and reliable, and is used by thousands of customer’s worldwide everyday. We offer a full refund if not absolutely satisfied. Guarantee. Join us today.

Clifford R. Evens
President
Cellular International.com, LLC

Learn More About International Phones:

• Turn Your Phones Into International Phones
• Why International Phones Have Replaced International Calling Cards

Learn more about Cellular International and how our Service works - How It Works

Learn more about all the great features we offer - Features