subject: Three Things To Check Before Getting A Global Phone [print this page] A world cell phone is one of the 'must-haves' for any international traveler. After all, it can help you get network coverage in multiple countries around the world. World phone rental plans also ensure that you don't have to buy a phone if you don't want to. Moreover, such world phone rental plans also offer you cost effective call rates in several countries. However, there are a lot of global phone rental companies out there. To help you choose the best world phone rental plan, we will give you a few tips below:
1. Check the type of network the world cell phone uses: First of all, you need to know that there are two different types of technologies for mobile phones. These are CDMA and GSM. Each has a set of standards that define which frequencies are allowed and how they are used to transmit voice and data.
There are both CDMA and GSM global phones in the market. Which type of phone you choose will decide where in the world you can use that phone. For example, if you get a CDMA based global phone, you will be able to use it in the USA and many Asian countries. If your itinerary is confined to the countries which support CDMA, then you can go ahead and get a CDMA world phone. However, if you are planning to go to other nations as well, then it would be better to rent a GSM phone. GSM is the more popular mobile technology and serves 75% of the world's mobile users. With the right GSM phone, you can get coverage in over 200 countries.
2. Check the hardware specifications of the global phone: Besides the network used by a global cell phone, the hardware of a phone also affects the range of coverage you can get. For instance, within the GSM standard, each carrier uses different frequencies. To get cellular reception on any of the GSM-enabled networks, you will need to get a 'quad-band' GSM world cell phone. Similarly, if you get a CDMA phone, you will have to check that its operating frequencies are compatible with the CDMA network frequencies used in the countries you are going to.
3. Check the service features of the cell phone rental plan: You should check the specific service features offered by a particular telecom company as part of its cell phone rental plans. For instance, if you are getting a GSM world phone, you should check whether the company includes a global SIM in the rental package. You should also check the call rates offered by it, and compare them to those offered by other telecom companies. Check the delivery and billing options as well.
by: Rebelfone
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