David O'Kell
Managing Consultant
Abilita Telecom Consultants
dokell@abilita.com

Whether travelling for business or pleasure, we all want to keep in touch. With global cellular coverage on the GSM network, keeping in touch is virtually seamless. But without some planning and discipline, your cellular roaming charges can rival that of a 5-star hotel.

International roaming rates for calls to/from Canada range from $2.00 per minute in Europe, $3.00 to $4.00 per minute in the Caribbean, and $2.00 to $3.50 per minute in Asia/South Pacific. The rate for local in country calls ranges from $1.00 to $3.00 depending on the country. Even just a few calls to check voice mail can add up. (Rates may vary somewhat between providers)

You can reduce international voice roaming charges about 80%-90% by using a local cellular provider in the country. You will have a local telephone number for the country that you are visiting. Typically calls to Canada will be about $0.20 to $0.30 per minute and local calls will be about $0.10 per minute. There is no charge for incoming calls, as the calling party pays for calls to cellular phones.

How to go local…..

1. First you need to have an unlocked GSM cellular phone. Most cellular dealers will unlock you phone for a reasonable charge.

2. On departure, set your voicemail to say that you are travelling and will check for messages. You may also want to call forward your cell phone to your office voicemail, which will reduce the number of calls to check voicemail.

3. On arrival in your destination, get a pay as you go cellular account with a local provider. These can easily be obtained at any cellular dealer, and sometimes even at the airport.

4. Replace the SIM card in your cellar phone with the new local SIM card. If you are at a cellular store, get the store to do the switch and test the service.

5. Text message or email your new international number back to your office, family and other key business contacts.

6. If you run low on pre-paid minutes, these can be topped up using your credit card over the phone.

The added benefit is that you will have a local number to use for incoming calls when needed.

If you have employees who regularly travel internationally to the same countries, you can re-use the local pay as you go SIM card and telephone number by just keeping it topped up with minutes. Normally, pre-paid minutes will last 4-6 months before the card/account is cancelled.

Blackberry and Data Roaming

It is more difficult to set up a prepaid data account and synch your email.

If you have a Blackberry or other voice/data device, you should use it for data on international roaming and call forward or turn off the voice calls. For voice, use a cellular phone for voice with a local number.

International data roaming charges are typically $0.05 per kb with a 10 kb minimum.

Best Practices when travelling

1. Change your voicemail to let people know that you are travelling.

2. Call forward your messages to a single voicemail box.

3. Where practical, use text messaging or email rather than voice as these are less expensive than voice calls.

With some planning and foresight you can keep in touch without having a 5-star cellular bill on your return.

For more information on how to control and manage cellular costs, call 1- 800-594-1346.