Mobile phone networks tend to provide several different ways for people to access calls and the internet. Pay-as-you-go is one option, and mobile phone packages are another. These packages often include information about international roaming and international call charges. It is important to understand the difference between these to avoid large and unexpected fees while you are outside your home country.
What is Roaming?
Mobile phone voice and data packages often include something called mobile roaming. This is the process by which your mobile provider allows you to connect with their partners in different countries while abroad. Mobile roaming means that you can still use your cell phone outside the country you live in.
This will typically either be included in the price or may cost more on top of the monthly fee you pay your mobile network provider and may be charged per call or by megabytes or gigabytes of data used. You may also find that your internet speed drops markedly as roaming data is sometimes “throttled” to give priority to local user data.
What is an International Calling Plan?
An international calling plan is typically a subscription from a mobile phone network that includes a number of minutes of calls to another country or a specific set of countries. This can be included as part of the monthly fee and you will only pay extra for your international calls to these countries if you exceed the “free” time that is part of your package.
International calling plans can also offer seasonal incentives, such as the one offered by BOSS Revolution. Between December 24 and 25, US customers who recharge their calling balance between $5 and $100 will receive 20% of the sum. A promo code is needed to access this offer. You will also receive a $2 credit if you are a new customer. To access this offer, download BOSS Revolution app for Android and iOS devices.
i. Types of International Calling Plans
There are prepaid international calling plans where the customer pays for a set number of minutes, which must be topped up once the plan expires. There are also postpaid plans that rely on the customer paying as part of their normal mobile phone bill. Both of these options are workable and provide a good experience for the end-user.
ii. How International Calling Plans Work?
There are different types of international calling plans from various providers. Some Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers offer monthly calling plans that involve calls using their data networks. These typically require you to use their app to make the calls. Some mobile phone providers offer an international calling “add-on” to their normal monthly mobile subscription price. There are also low-cost SIM cards, usually aimed at expats from other countries, that typically provide international minutes as part of their default package.
iii. Coverage
International calling plans tend to be rooted in the place where the person lives, so if they are calling from a different country, they are no longer calling from the US to Mexico and may no longer be able to use the plan.
Key Differences Between Roaming and International Calling Plans
i. Roaming vs. Calling Abroad
One of the main differences between roaming and international calling plans is that roaming refers to using your normal mobile phone provider in a different country. A calling plan can work via your normal mobile provider or a third party and allows for calling someone in a different country while you are at home.
ii. Cost Comparison
Roaming costs can typically be between $3 and $10 per day when abroad whereas international calling plans generally charge as an add-on to your normal mobile subscription and can be 300 minutes for $12.50 with some major providers.
iii. Service Scope
International roaming typically includes text, calls, and data while international calling plans tend to focus more on call time and sms messages.
When Should You Use Roaming?
When you are able to access a favorable roaming plan, it makes sense to use it when you are in another country. Mobile network providers often make it so that their customers are able to access favorable deals via their partner networks. If this is the case, you may be able to use roaming at the same cost or just slightly more than you would in your home country.
When Should You Use a Calling Plan?
i. Long-Term or Frequent Calls Abroad
If you frequently call numbers outside your country of residence, whether for business or personal reasons, it makes a lot of sense to invest in a calling plan. A prepaid plan ensures that you can always access calls when you need them without worrying about the cost.
ii. Staying Home but Calling Abroad
Making calls to other countries when you are at home can be expensive, and it makes a lot of sense to use international calling plans if you call someone abroad on a regular basis.
iii. Specialized Destinations
Some countries aren’t well covered with roaming plans, so it can make sense to use international calling plans to circumvent this. This can be due to poor mobile infrastructure, underdevelopment or local conditions that aren’t stable due to geopolitical events.
How to Choose the Right Option for You?
One of the most important considerations when choosing which option to use is the price. You also need to assess your individual needs and ensure that the plan you choose fits your needs.
Final Words
It is important for consumers to understand the difference between roaming and international calling plans. This will help them to choose the package that is best suited to their needs.
Roaming refers to the use of data and calls when you are outside your home country, whereas international calling plans refer to phoning another country while you are still in your country of residence. This is the key difference to take away.
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