International Cellular Services – Roaming Charges Too High?

International cellular services are more readily available now than they were even ten years ago thanks to the advances in today’s wireless technology. Pricing structures that haven’t kept pace with that technology, however, and market experts suggest that the high cost of “roaming” is hindering advancements in international cellular services.

International Telecommunications User Group (ITUG), with headquarters in Belgium, have been looking at how roaming charges affect the international cell service market. ITUG says that roaming charges are unnecessarily high due to a lack of competition and regulation in the international cell market.

Travelers trying to use cellular service may be unaware of what roaming rate they might be paying in another country. Fluctuations in roaming rates vary due to factors like the time of day the call is being made, call destination, availability of service providers and even the type of cellular network that is in place. ITUG says that roaming rates are simply too high.

According to ITUG, consumers are being charged much more for cellular services than is necessary, and as a result, business and leisure travelers are not taking full advantage of international cellular service. The European Commission recently cited two cellular companies for charging exorbitant roaming rates at the wholesale level.

Wireless user groups are attempting to work to try to resolve some of the underlying issues of international cellular service, however, consumers who travel should be aware that calling internationally from a cell phone will probably be more expensive than they anticipate. Consumers should also keep in mind that even if they purchase a SIM card when they enter a country, roaming fees still apply on incoming cellular calls.

Also see; compare cell phone long distance providers.

Author Notes:

Jack Adams contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. A cell phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.