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Five Things You Need to Know Before Using a Cell Phone Overseas

1. Why can't I use my current cell phone overseas?

The U.S. is actually behind the rest of the world when it comes to cell phone technology. Most cell phones in the U.S. are not compatible with the frequency or bandwidth used overseas. To get technical, only a tri-band phone (known as a GSM phones) with a 900, 1800 or 1900 frequency phone will work overseas. You can buy tri-band phones in the U.S. but they are generally more expensive, harder to find and only a few local networks sell them. All those big telco's you know and love will only sell you what's called a "locked GSM phone" meaning that you are locked into using that provider's service and there's no actual key you can use to unlock it. That translates to huge roaming fees and a big bill at the end of the month. You could use one of their phones, but why would you? An "unlocked"� phone is what you want, one that isn't tied to a particular network, so you can choose any network or provider and the service that suits you best.

2. How does a GSM phone work?

Cell phone users need to know what a SIM (Subscriber Information Module) card is, because it is the SIM card that operates a GSM phone. A SIM card is a small encoded chip that is inserted into the back on the phone, containing your unique account information including the telephone number and your personal address book. SIM cards are removable, interchangeable and can be purchased for individual countries or for multiple countries (i.e. a global roaming SIM card).

3. Is it true that I can get free in-coming calls, free text messages and local call rates overseas (without roaming charges)?

Believe it or not, what we consider as normal in the U.S. is to pay for the in-coming calls. Your friends across the pond have it much easier. In-coming calls on cell phones are actually free in almost every country in the world (with the exception of the U.S., Mexico, Canada, China, the Bahamas, Kuwait, Singapore, Hong Kong and parts of Russia). Instead of paying for in-coming calls, try Telestial, which has free in-coming calls in 40 of the most popular destinations around the world. You'll pay the local cell phone call rates in most destinations, without being penalized with exorbitant international roaming charges. With Telestial's Explorer SIM card, customers can also receive free text messages plus family and friends of Telestial customers can send free SMS text messages from www.telestial.com to Telestial Explorer subscribers overseas.

4. Do I need to sign a contract for my international cell service?

The beauty of owning an unlocked cell phone is that there are no contracts. SIM cards are pre-paid and can be purchased on a country by country basis. Alternatively, travelers can buy a global roaming SIM card which allows for usage in multiple countries. With Telestial's global roaming "Explorer" and "Passport" SIM cards, users have cell phone coverage in 100+ countries and can set up an auto-recharge facility with no need to go online or phone in to recharge the card. You can start with as little as $10 of air time credit.

5. Is it cheaper to rent or buy a phone?

Depending on the type and frequency of travel, purchasing an internationally compatible unlocked GSM cell phone is both affordable and practical. It is especially economical for people who travel overseas often and is certainly a cheaper and easier option than renting. Factors to be considered are the length of a trip, the purpose (business or leisure) and your budget. The down side of renting is being locked into paying the rental company's call rates, which can be as high as $5 per minute from some countries (plus many charge for in-coming calls). Purchasing a phone gives the freedom to choose a SIM card that suits your needs, without being tied to a particular network or provider. And, of course, the reality is that at the end of the rental period, you have to give back the phone whereas the price of purchasing it out right may not be much higher.

Purchasing also helps avoid additional administration each time you travel, including ordering, paying for shipping, always having different telephone numbers when you travel and the paranoia of keeping track of how much each call is costing. Add in the fact that you won't need to become familiar with a new handset every time you rent, and that you can loan it out to friends, family and colleagues, and you have some pretty compelling arguments in favor of purchasing. GSM phones start from as little as $99, which is a small investment to make if you are a frequent leisure or business traveler.

About Telestial

Telestial is a leading provider of deeply discounted international cell phones, pre-paid SIM cards for global coverage and other communications services that allow travelers to easily retain control over costs while staying in touch overseas. Unlike phone rental options, Telestial eliminates problems associated with incompatible cellular networks abroad or being tied to a U.S. network that charges exorbitant international rates. Working with providers worldwide, Telestial customers can get the same low local call rates that international residents would pay, plus the convenience of an enabled phone prior to arriving in an international destination. Telestial ensures affordable and simple international calling options for business or leisure with a wide selection of phone types and packages. For more information visit www.telestial.com

Satellite Phones are an essential communication device for many businesses and professionals. While most built up areas are conveniently covered by mobile network

antenna providing maximum coverage there are remote parts of the World where a normal mobile phone is completely unusable.

These remote areas may be secluded forests where forestry workers have to operate or maybe professionals in the mining, excavation and structural engineering fields who have to work in locations miles from the nearest telephone. It is essential that these people have some form of communication to enable them to complete the necessary work.

There are other people who need to use satellite phones because they work in extremely dangerous environments. The military, security services, media and explorers all rely on the satellite phone as their only source of communication with the outside World. The reasons why they use satellite telephones on a daily basis are quite diverse though they all have one thing in common. They all appreciate the benefits that a satellite phone can provide in their particular line of business. They are not a luxury, they are a complete necessity.

While modern mobile telephones work by using radio waves then the satellite phone does exactly the same only it works a little harder over greater distances. We have all appreciated the benefits of the mobile phone in our everyday lives and it seems that getting a signal to communicate is never a problematic issue due to the network of aerials conveniently located around the country. It is only when we travel to remote locations that the problems of communication is very apparent.

Satellite phones use the exact same technology and simply locate low orbit satellites that encircle the globe in space. When we connect to the satellite it redirects the signal to a communication station down on earth and from there the signal is redirected again into the common telecommunications network where the call will be answered. Modern technology ensures that the signal is clear and that you can connect in a matter of seconds. This is quite remarkable when you consider the distance that the signal has to make.

There are various options when choosing a satellite phone so you will need to ensure that you have the correct one for your location and needs. You will first need to consider the area you need to operate in to find a Company that has a suitable network. Some Companies only operate in certain areas while the bigger ones. 

The type of phone you need would also depend on your personal needs. The most common form of satellite phone is the handheld device where you are completely mobile. As long as you have direct path to the satellite then connection should not be a problem. There are certain weather conditions that can effect this along with nearby electrical structures or tall buildings.

If you need to use your satellite phone indoors then you will need a fixed site phone. Handheld phones will not work inside. An outside aerial is fitted to the building so that the connection can take place.

If you intend to be mobile by a use of vehicle then you will have the option of the handheld phone or to use the vehicle static model that is attached to the interior of the vehicle. The connection is via an outside aerial attached to the vehicle.

If you are going out to sea then the marine satellite phone is the ideal option. When you consider the harsh weather conditions that some of the yachtsmen and women have to face when they sail into savage storms you can understand the benefits of satellite communication.

The importance of satellite phone communication cannot be underestimated. In many cases they are a life saving device though even in the most remote places sometimes time is against the emergency services to arrive and many lives have been lost. Satellite phones are the essential lifeline to the rest of the World and thanks to modern state-of-the-art technology they form as essential contact that enables us to communicate even in the most secluded areas of the planet in a matter of seconds. Satellite phones have become the ultimate life saving device.

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