PrePaidGSM.net Forum - View Single Post - Are "international" SIMS becoming obsolete?

snidely · **Are "international" SIMS becoming obsolete? -** 22-05-2009, 23:51

T-Mobile U.S. (and one or two other carriers in the world) can make use of UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) to connect via wifi and make "cell" calls as though you were home. No $1 to $3/min. roaming calls. No 30 to 50 cent/min calls using an intl. SIM.
It is as simple and easy as using your same cell phone at home.

Just hung up w. the otherr half who is in Costa Rica. UMA connection was perfect. Once you have connected to a wifi spot, the phone will automatically connect whenever you come in range.

I have a question: Wouldn't some 'smart" phones that can load and use Skype do the same sort of thing? How about users of Google Voice?

With wifi around the world becoming more ubiquitous, and more and more people using smart phones, it would seem this is what roamers will do more and more.

Am I missing something?

...mike

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snidely (Offline) Senior Member Prepaid Expert Posts: 355 Join Date: 09 May 2005 Location: Berkeley, California and Miami Country:	Are "international" SIMS becoming obsolete? - 22-05-2009, 23:51 T-Mobile U.S. (and one or two other carriers in the world) can make use of UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) to connect via wifi and make "cell" calls as though you were home. No $1 to $3/min. roaming calls. No 30 to 50 cent/min calls using an intl. SIM. It is as simple and easy as using your same cell phone at home. Just hung up w. the otherr half who is in Costa Rica. UMA connection was perfect. Once you have connected to a wifi spot, the phone will automatically connect whenever you come in range. I have a question: Wouldn't some 'smart" phones that can load and use Skype do the same sort of thing? How about users of Google Voice? With wifi around the world becoming more ubiquitous, and more and more people using smart phones, it would seem this is what roamers will do more and more. Am I missing something? ...mike Primarily uses my grandfathered U.S. T-M phone when traveling - 29¢/min. incoming in many countries. [Had to give this up last year when I changed plans.] Now also make usee of T-M's UMA/wifi free calling from any place in the world w. access to wifi. Wife uses BB 8900, I use BB 9700, both UMA capable. U.S. T-Mobile unlimited minutes - $40/mo. BB is $20 extra + $5 for SMS.