September 08, 2004

By: Wendy Whittaker
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

Roaming charges drive up the cost of international cellular service

Advances in wireless technology mean that international cellular service is more widely available today than ever before. But pricing structures have not kept pace with technology and the high cost of roaming is hindering the advancement of truly international cellular service.

The International Telecommunications User Group (ITUG), headquartered in Belgium, has been looking at how roaming charges affect international cellular service. ITUG has concluded that international roaming charges are unnecessarily high for several reasons including a lack of competition and lack of regulation in the in the international cellular market.

Consumers traveling abroad and trying to use international cell services will find it almost impossible to guess what roaming rate they might be paying. International roaming rates fluctuate with everything from time of day, to call destination, to availability of service providers, to the type of cellular network. Even it were possible to figure out what international roaming was costing, ITUG says the rates are too high.

ITUG claims that rates way above what it cost cellular providers to support international roaming are being charged to consumers. This practice, ITUG says, is discouraging business and leisure travelers from taking full advantage of international cell services. The European Commission recently cited two cellular companies for charging exorbitant roaming rates at the wholesale level.

While countries and wireless user groups work to try to resolve some of the underlying issues, consumers who travel should be aware that international cell service will probably be more expensive than meets the eye. Even if your purchase SIM cards when you enter a country, you will be charged international roaming fees on incoming cellular calls.

Also See: cell phone calling plan comparisons.

Author Notes:

Wendy Whittaker contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  A cellular phone industry resource featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phone and service plans.