Connectivity overseas can be a real pain. Roaming is prohibitively expensive, so a local SIM is best. But most American mobile phones are “locked” to a carrier, and American phone companies use different network technologies and frequencies than most other countries. That’s why I was excited to test my Verizon iPhone 5 abroad.
AT&T
Is there no such thing as a cheap, prepaid data SIM in the USA?
It’s hard to believe that a true prepaid mobile data SIM doesn’t exist in the USA, but it’s true. A GoPhone, H2O, or Net10 SIM isn’t a bad idea for your smartphone, but it’s not exactly cheap. The best option for those needing just mobile data is a local Virgin Mobile hotspot or a brand new Android phone or iPad!
Switching from AT&T to Verizon for the iPhone 5
I am in exceedingly impressed with the iPhone 5 and the Verizon LTE network. Making the switch was smooth and simple, the Verizon could have done much better in the order status department. I look forward to seeing how this service holds up as more and more customers make the same decision I did.
What’s the Difference Between a Jailbroken and an Unlocked Phone?
If you’ve traveled much, you’ve probably run across “unlocked†mobile phones and devices. If you own an Android or iPhone smart phone, you probably also heard about “jailbreakingâ€. It seems like lots of people are confused about these two things, so I decided to write down a quick post explaining them.
How to Prepare Your AT&T Phone for Travel Abroad
The difference between American and European mobile phone providers are vast, and the modern traveler is likely to run afoul if they are unprepared, running up a surprisingly large bill! Here’s a rundown of my standard techniques to prepare my American mobile phone for travel abroad.
