TravelSIM drops global data roaming rates in most of Europe from US$3.60 per MB to US$1 per MB

Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2011 – TravelSIM, the mobile phone service for international travellers, has dropped its global data roaming rates across 33 European countries from US$3.60 per MB to US$1 per MB.

Charged in 10kb increments, the new rate offers Australian travellers the chance to access smartphone applications, such as email, social media and GPS services, at a much cheaper rate than those offered by Australia’s leading telco providers.

Key Points

         TravelSIM’s data roaming rates apply to 33 European countries.

         The rates are charged in 10kb increments, meaning a simple data download won’t cost you the full dollar. Each 10kb increment is charged at just US$0.01.

         There are no flag falls for TravelSIM phone calls or data usage.

         In addition, TravelSIM offers competitive call rates globally, as well as a free web-based SMS service where people can send free texts to anyone with a TravelSIM SIM card.

         Facebook:  Checking a page on Facebook typically consumes 40kb of data. The leading Australian providers will charge as much as AU$1.10 for that 40kb; TravelSIM charges just US $0.04.

         Video:  Viewing a video online for around a minute typically consumes 1MB of data. The leading Australian providers will charge as much as AU$20; TravelSIM charges just US$1 for the 1MB.

         Email:  To send or receive a text-only email usually consumes around 15KB of data. The leading providers will charge as much as AU$0.72; TravelSIM charges just US$0.02.

Quotes

“Global data roaming is becoming more popular as travellers become more reliant on smartphones and data-heavy applications,” said TravelSIM Australia CEO Jamien Zimmermann.  “But according to a recent OECD study[iii], Australian providers are among the most expensive when it comes to global data roaming rates. TravelSIM’s new data rate for most of Europe is the first step in making access to smartphone applications more affordable for travellers.

“Combined with our competitive call rates, superior customer service and value added services – such as our free web-based SMS service – travellers no longer have to worry about coming home to a massive phone bill.”

Extra tips for data-hungry travellers

Cheaper global data roaming rates alone will only limit expenditure so much. Travellers need to remain cautious when using data abroad; TravelSIM recommends four easy steps to minimise global data roaming charges as much as possible, regardless of the provider:

• Download certified data compressors:  Data compressing applications may be available for purchase or free download from the Apple App Store. These apps work in the background, and intercept incoming data before sending it to the device. Settings can be adjusted in the apps to compress the data, greatly reducing download sizes and the bill as a result. The best apps of these kinds also have a data monitoring system, allowing the traveller to measure data usage in real time.
• Change the settings on Android devices:  Android lovers need not fear; the tools listed above are built in to the operating system. With an Android device, you have complete control of the way that apps sync to the internet. You can manually turn on or off automatic synching for all applications, and TravelSIM recommends turning them all off until you need them. Android users may also be able to download free data monitoring apps from the Android Market.

• Use WiFi Internet wherever possible:  Why spend the money at all if you are near a WiFi hotspot? The beauty of the smartphone is its ability to connect to a wireless access point. In some countries, they are hard to find, and that’s where TravelSIM’s data rates come into play. But if you manage to find one of these hotspots, connect and take advantage of the cost-free email downloads and browsing. Travellers should change their email settings from ‘push’ to ‘fetch’, however, to ensure you are only downloading emails when you want to, ideally when connected to WiFi.
  
  
• Be wary of image-heavy sites:  Images chew up data; the larger the photo, the more it takes to download. Keep visits to these sites to a minimum and, if possible, change the settings on your phone so it only downloads text or low-res images.

About TravelSIM

TravelSIM (www.travelsim.net.au), the mobile phone service for international travellers, is a prepaid service designed to greatly reduce the cost of using your mobile phone when travelling overseas.  With coverage in more than 190 countries, great international roaming rates for calls, text and data, value-added services and dedicated customer support, TravelSIM is an essential tool for travellers. Used by more than three million people worldwide and available in more than 2,500 retail outlets across Australia, TravelSIM is the trusted expert in global roaming.

Media contact:

Veronica Colvin

Watterson Marketing Communications

(02) 9929 7533

Veronica.colvin@watterson.com.au

[i] Data rates of US$1 per MB apply to the following European countries:  Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vatican City.

[ii] These figures are based on an average mobile internet page, email and video, and will vary on the handset type and websites visited.

[iii] OECD Study – International Mobile Data Roaming, 20 May 2011.