Like Sprint, but considering T-Mobile's GSM Int'l. phones
Greetings gang!
I've been with Sprint for about 4 years, and have no complaints with the service that I have received during that time. I'm still using my original Qualcomm 2700, but am going to upgrade to something else real soon.
Over the past 2 years I have been making trips to Europe (mostly Russia) about once or twice per year. It would be very convenient if I could use my cell phone while in Europe. However, apparently Sprint doesn't offer any phones that are GSM (SIM card) compatible (or do they?). The ability to just pop-in a SIM card from whatever country I'm visiting sure seems appealing.
After researching other cell companies, the logical choice from what I've read points to T-Mobile. They supposedly have great service on their network, and have several really nice GSM Int'l. phones.
I'm sure there's other Sprint users who travel the globe, and wish to carry their cell phone without having to rent one. What do some of you other Sprint users do when you travel to other countries? As much as I've been satisfied with Sprint, I'd sure like a more globally compatible cell phone.
Top phones I'm looking at right now:
T-Mobile:
* Nokia 6610
* Samsung E715
* Samsung E105
Sprint:
* Nokia 3588i
* Sanyo RL2500
My next question, you'll have to pardon my lack of education about cell phone technology:
Can't Sprint offer a GSM -compatible (tri-mode) phone to work on the Sprint network, AND be internationally capable? Any feedback on this issue is much appreciated! Thanks!
~ CFonde
I've been with Sprint for about 4 years, and have no complaints with the service that I have received during that time. I'm still using my original Qualcomm 2700, but am going to upgrade to something else real soon.
Over the past 2 years I have been making trips to Europe (mostly Russia) about once or twice per year. It would be very convenient if I could use my cell phone while in Europe. However, apparently Sprint doesn't offer any phones that are GSM (SIM card) compatible (or do they?). The ability to just pop-in a SIM card from whatever country I'm visiting sure seems appealing.
After researching other cell companies, the logical choice from what I've read points to T-Mobile. They supposedly have great service on their network, and have several really nice GSM Int'l. phones.
I'm sure there's other Sprint users who travel the globe, and wish to carry their cell phone without having to rent one. What do some of you other Sprint users do when you travel to other countries? As much as I've been satisfied with Sprint, I'd sure like a more globally compatible cell phone.
Top phones I'm looking at right now:
T-Mobile:
* Nokia 6610
* Samsung E715
* Samsung E105
Sprint:
* Nokia 3588i
* Sanyo RL2500
My next question, you'll have to pardon my lack of education about cell phone technology:
Can't Sprint offer a GSM -compatible (tri-mode) phone to work on the Sprint network, AND be internationally capable? Any feedback on this issue is much appreciated! Thanks!
~ CFonde
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sprint does have an international roaming department. you can purchase a gsm phone and a sim card from sprint for when you travel but it will only work out side the country and of course roaming rates will a apply but it will still be cheaper then t-mobile.
if you do not want to purchase a phone you can rent one insted.
how ever the cheep thing to do is when you get to russia buy a pre payed phone. it is cheeper then both traveling with your t-mobile phone or your sprint phone
if you do not want to purchase a phone you can rent one insted.
how ever the cheep thing to do is when you get to russia buy a pre payed phone. it is cheeper then both traveling with your t-mobile phone or your sprint phone
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i have not heard a thing about sprint getting a gsm cdma phone however verizon will be comeing out with one latter next year. the reason they will be comeing out with one will be because they are owned by voda phone who is gsm network
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hear is also a link to sprints international roaming page
http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/coverage/internati ... »
http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/coverage/internati ... »
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wow i just looked up the roaming rate. to roam in russia with a t-mobile phone it is 4.99 a min!!!! sprint on the other hand is 1.50! you have to see it to believe it!
http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/coverage/internati ... »...
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http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/coverage/internati ... »...
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However, if a TMobile customer wants to have their phone SIM subsidy unlocked so as to use a prepaid SIM from a Russian carrier, we will give them the unlock code after 90 days in service. That way, TMobile customers have the option of using whichever SIM will give them the least expensive options when calling, they have their own handset and phone book available when travelling, and can get GPRS service to check email and such while travelling. Oh, and a toll free international roamer's customer care number to boot. 😎
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Aleq,
That's exactly what I'm talking about. A phone I can use in the States, and when I travel abroad, just buy the pre-paid SIM card and use in my cell phone. I have no intention of paying those roaming rates with the US carriers while I'm in Russia. Unfortunately, I leave again towards the end of April, but read about another fella who T-Mobile unlocked his phone for, and he had not been a 90 day customer yet. Thanks folks, for all the good information!
~ CFonde
That's exactly what I'm talking about. A phone I can use in the States, and when I travel abroad, just buy the pre-paid SIM card and use in my cell phone. I have no intention of paying those roaming rates with the US carriers while I'm in Russia. Unfortunately, I leave again towards the end of April, but read about another fella who T-Mobile unlocked his phone for, and he had not been a 90 day customer yet. Thanks folks, for all the good information!
~ CFonde
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It also helps a lot that TMobile reps get trained in int'l roaming info and procedures--not all are as up to speed as could be, but at least the information is there, and the infrastructure is in place to accomodate seamless global use. We hear from lots of customers who travel, and it's usually pretty easy. Just FYI, though, it's gotten pretty strict regarding the 90 day rule, so ASAP is your best bet... 😉
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