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Tariff Calculator - To view our full tariff across the globe please Click here.
Coverage - To view our coverage across the globe and the countries in which incoming calls are FREE please Click here.
How does the SIM avoid mobile phone roaming charges?
The Global SIM card service combines the convenience of mobile technology with the value of a landline service to ensure that not only do you save money but you also receive greater quality.
The innovative patented technology of our global SIM means that by connecting your call via a central platform you can save up to 80%. Hence the calling process differs slightly; when you make an outgoing call your handset will actually direct the call via the platform and then call you back to connect the call.
Making a call
Calling from the Global SIM card is a slightly different experience to a normal mobile phone call:
Dial the number including the international dialing code as per normal
- You will see a "Please Wait" message. The phone will then disconnect.
- After 10 seconds or so you will receive a call
- Answer the call - wait for a few seconds
- You will be connected to the person you are calling - Your caller ID/phone number will not be shown when making a call.
This innovative calling method not only ensures that you save money but also produces greater call quality. Receiving calls and sending SMS is exactly the same as normal!
Compatible Handsets
The Global SIM card will work in any handset just as long as it is unlocked. However, the calling procedure may differ depending on your handset. This makes no difference to the call quality but it will just take you a few seconds longer to dial a number. In general;
- 60% of handsets – Call as instructed above.
- 40% of handsets – Enter a short 5 digit prefix before you make a call.
Unfortunately every handset is different and there are too many to test. Please note that all global SIM cards operate in this manner so no matter which network provides the SIM you will still have the same issue with compatibility.
Validity
To keep your account active you must top it up at least once every 15 months and to preserve existing credit you need to make a call or send a text every 9 months. If you do not make a call or send a text within a 9 month period, your remaining credit will be lost and you will need to top up again (minimum $30US) to re-instate any lost credit. Unused credit rolls forward and is added to the new amount when a top up is made.
Topping-Up
Buying more calling time is simple. Use your American Express, MasterCard or VISA card to add USD $30, $50, $100, $150 or $200 to your account. (Debit cards are not accepted.) All top ups are made in $USD due to the fact that the SIM can be topped up from anywhere in the world. Top ups can be made in four easy ways;
- Online via a secure web site
- From the handset with a short code (free call)
- Via customer service lines (24/7 – calls are chargeable) or
- By auto top up (adds $30 when you reach $5.00 credit remaining.)
Full details are included with the SIM. Your account balance and call history can be accessed online 24/7 using your unique user ID.
Data and GPRS
Prepaid Data is a brand new feature on the global SIM card designed for those who wish to use MMS (picture messaging), Instant Messaging, read and send emails and access WAP or the internet using their mobile phone whilst they travel. Prepaid Data uses the GPRS and 3G standard.
Coverage
Prepaid Data coverage is available in 71 countries (including North America, Caribbean, Europe and much of Asia Pacific). However, some network operators in these countries may not offer data on their network, even though they offer calling via the global SIM card.
- Rate area 1 - Ireland, United Kingdom £3.10 per MB
- Rate area 2 - Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Mozambique, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden £6.20 per MB
- Rate area 3 – Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Grenada, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Jamaica, Malta, Montserrat, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Samoa, Singapore, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks & Caicos, Ukraine, USA £9.30 per MB
- Rate area 4 - Belgium, Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia (test), Spain, Turkey, UAE £12.40 per MB
- Rate area 5 - China, Egypt, Japan, Netherlands, Thailand £15.50 per MB
- Rate area 6 - Australia, Chile £18.50 per MB
3G prepaid data will be available in 10 countries initially
3G is available only on a more limited selection of networks in these countries, and often not the preferred network (requiring you to change the network in order to access prepaid 3G data). You will also need an unlocked 3G phone to use the global SIM card and data facility.
- Australia - Optus
- Canada - Rogers Wireless
- France - SFR
- Germany - O2 DE
- Ireland - O2
- Italy - TIM
- Puerto Rico - Cingular USA
- Spain - Telefonica
- UK - O2, Orange and T-Mobile
- USA - AT&T
Upload and Download Speeds
The majority of GPRS handsets can download data at speeds of up to 24Kbps. 3G speeds vary a lot by handset, but are generally a lot faster than GPRS.
Phone Configuration
Your phone must be configured to work with our Prepaid Data service. This involves setting the Access Point Name (APN) to 'mobiledata'.
Please click here for general manufacturer configuration information. and follow the instructions to setup GPRS data for the listed handset brands. If you have any further queries or your handset is not listed, please consult your handset's user guide or contact Ekit Customer Service.
Customer Support
Voice mail, account balance enquiries, top ups, customer service and call forwarding functions can all be managed directly from the handset using short access codes. (full details included in the user guide).
Why should you get a Global SIM card from 0044 rather than another Global SIM provider?
Because they are an independent retailer, they have been able to research the market for the best solution. There are many resellers of global SIM cards offering phone numbers from a variety of European countries like Iceland, Lichtenstein and Estonia which are all impractical and expensive to call.
Our SIM card has several advantages over the competition:
1. UK (Isle of Man) Mobile Number
Unlike many similar services our SIM card has a UK mobile number (+44 7924)
Having a UK mobile number means that from a BT landline* it only costs 13p/min (peak) and 8p/min (after 6 pm) to call the SIM wherever it is in the world! Many UK national mobile networks also include calls to +44 7924 IOM mobile numbers within their inclusive minutes bundles, but please check with your specific UK mobile provider for latest information and to ensure your inclusive minutes can be used.
*If you use a service other than BT please check with your land line or mobile service provider the exact cost to call a UK Isle of Man (+44 7924) number, as prices vary.
Consequently your contacts save a massive 70% when calling their SIM card as opposed to calling any other global SIM. This is a vital consideration to make if you want to be regularly contacted by friends, family and business colleagues while abroad.
2. Cheap Roaming SMS (Text Messages)
Many other global SIM providers still charge a premium to send a text message with their global SIMs. This is to encourage you to make calls instead. The rate starts at just 43p/text from most major destinations
3. The rates to call landlines are often lower
Although 0044 cannot offer as many ”Free incoming countries“ since this is subsidized by the high cost to call a Liechtenstein or Estonian mobile number, we do offer lower call rates in most destinations (Please note a per call connection rate currently exists at 16p/call).
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