September 13, 2004

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

Companies offering international cell phones

For many years, it was impossible to use your US cell phone overseas. When you traveled, you had to buy separate international cell phones that didn’t work in the United States or rent international cell phones when you arrived at your destination. Now, companies are starting to introduce phones that are compatible with rest of the world.

GMS, or Global System of Mobile Communications, is the standard cell phone technology used in Europe, Africa, Australia and most of Asia. International GSM cell phones can be used in throughout these countries and continents. GSM phones are also sold in the United States, but the technology is not always compatible internationally. An international cell phone needs to be 900MHz or 1800MH. Most GSM phones available in the U.S. are 1900 MHz.

To meet the growing demand for truly international phones companies like Ericcson, Panisonic, Motorola and Nokia have introduced new models. When buying a phone, be sure to specify that you want an international cellular phone that can be used in both the United States and abroad.

To use an international cell phone in another country you will need to make sure that the phone is unlocked. Simple instructions for unlocking your GSM cell phone are on the Internet. Unlocking your international phone will allow you to use a SIM card—a Subscriber Identification Module. SIM cards plug into GSM cell phones and contain all of the information needed to access a local service provider. SIM cards prevent the need for having to enter into a contract with service providers in every place you travel. You can buy SIM cards when you arrive in a foreign country, or you can purchase them through a company called Telestial before your trip.

Also See: prepaid cell phones.

About The Author:

Wendy Whittaker is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  A cellular phone industry resource featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phone and service plans.