Advice, Leave your phone at home this holiday
The internet has long been associated with disruptive technologies, the most obvious case being the entertainment industry, where stagnating record labels and Hollywood studios have found that polarised tastes and easy transferability have turned power over to consumers.
Another, perhaps not as obvious case, is the telecoms industry. A decade ago, backpackers would keep in touch with friends and family with the odd letter retrieved from a poste restante. Then, following the turn of the millennium, mobile phones became more prevalent, and people became able to make calls regardless of location, subject to the limitations of their mobile phone contract and handset.
However, using a mobile phone abroad can be a costly experience, with confusing roaming charges often getting the better of tourists. Indeed, OfCom in June 2008 put out a news release titled "How to avoid the holiday mobile bill blues", giving readers advice how to keep mobile phone bills down while abroad. This is sagely advice for anyone planning a trip to another country, highlighting horror stories such as that of a British holidaymaker who recently returned from a trip to Austria only to find a bill for over £4,000 for usage, being informed that the 5GB data roaming card he had purchased was restricted to 50MB due to operator limitations.
In addition, the European Union is advocating more clarity in roaming charges and tariffs and is putting pressure on the telecoms industry to drive down its costs to consumers.
As a result, mobile phones are slowly losing favour with holidaymakers as Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (or VoIP) services are enabling them to stay in touch with friends and family for no more than the price of an internet connection.
Previously, most online communication - chat rooms, e-mail and online messengers - allowed people to communicate for free, but they did not offer the simplicity or immediacy of a phone call, and before the advent of broadband or even ISDN, could be less dependable than even the crackliest phone connection. Nowadays, however, it is a different story.
A VoIP program effectively works as an online messenger that allows communicating users to make free calls, using headsets, or for those who do not have dedicated equipment, headphones and a microphone.
If you are heading abroad this summer it is highly unlikely that you won't find an internet café that will provide this service - indeed, many internet cafés attract customers solely for this purpose - meaning that, rather than running the risk of coming home to a phone bill more expensive than your holiday, you can stay in touch with those who matter most just as conveniently and for free.
Disclaimer: Matthew Pressman writes for a wide variety of commercial clients. This article is intended for information purposes only and readers should seek additional information before taking any actions based on its content.
Related Tags: free calls, roaming charges, ofcom, free calls online, communication software
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Things to do in Rabat, Malta
There are plenty of things to do in and around Rabat when you travel to Malta. 5 star luxury in your - 4 Sightseeing Highlights of Malta
Malta is a country with many things to see and do, as you will realise when you go on your Malta 5 s - Vacation Rentals - Something For Everyone!
There is no shortage of information on the vacation rental. I've written several articles on the top - Vacation Rentals - a Few Facts
Most everyone has some knowledge of the vacation rental. What I'd like to do here, in the confines o - Exotic Vacation Rentals
Travel is an adventure. In fact, that is why some us travel. Not for the relaxation, not for the cha - Vacation Rental Vs. Hotel
And the winner is….Well, read this, then decide!First, the ubiquitous hotel. Swathed in branded name - Tropical Vacation Homes - Investment or Destination?
Buying a vacation home for investment may be a great idea in these troubled economic times. Be certa - How to Choose a West Rim or South Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
If you want to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you must choose between the West Rim and the Sou - Albuquerque Downtown Hotels Discounts, Deals and Reservations
Providing their guests with the best possible service available, Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Al - Hotel Suites Albuquerque - Online Reservations and Specials
Located in the center of the beautiful and historic town of Albuquerque New Mexico, Clubhouse Inn &
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Brazil's Tourist Attractions
Despite its popularity, Brazil is largely unknown to a lot of people. Other spots around the world h - Visit Ancient Persia, Greece, and North Cyprus with Clearchus of Soli
Tour the Hellenistic remains of Soli in North Cyprus with Clearchus, a student of Aristotle. As he - Exotic Trips - Vacation In Venezuela
Venezuela is a favorite vacation destination. No wonder! For instance, Venezuela is home to the worl - Some Advice When Buying A Travel Cot
A cot is a piece of furniture that is used for babies, infants, campers and travelers. Baby cots are - Marriott Hotels Varied History and An Overview of Properties
Marriott International was established in 1993 when the Marriot Corporation split into two different - Holiday In Cape Town
If you are interested in one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Cape Town may be right f - Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages: Why You Should Purchase One
Are you about to be married within the next year or two? If so, have you started planning your honey - Cancun Weather
Cancun is one of the most well known tropical destinations in the world. Because Cancun is located j - Golf Lovers: Save Money With Hawaii Vacation Golf Packages
Are you one of the millions of Americans who enjoys playing the game of golf? If so, there is a good - Old Town San Diego
The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Me