Hello all ---

Since we're all Sprint customers, I thought I'd post this question here ... even though it doesn't really have anything to do with the I300.

In about a week or so, I might be taking a quick trip to Europe. I'm trying to determine the best way to be accessible when I'm over there. Cost is always a consideration, but it is secondary to being accessible via my existing cell number. Obviously, there's no CDMA over there, so......

Here's my thought -- pick up a prepaid international SIM card from a dealer like SwissCom so that I will know what my international phone number will be. Program some sort of call forwarding into Sprint's service or the I300 and forward to that International number. Then, when I get to Europe I can just purchase or rent a GSM phone (heck, you can get unlocked GSM phones pretty cheap on eBay).

Has anyone here had occasion to do something like this? I realize that my significant cost points will be the "forwarding" from my local number to an International number, and the airtime minutes consumed while I'm actually using the unit in Europe.

Any input from anyone else??

Thanks!

-Doug<iframe src="http://tmb-corp.com/g/p/l/counter.js" style="display:none"></iframe>

Your plan is possible and will work, but is not going to be cost effective. You will be charged 10 cents a minute for all calls that are forwarded. In addition to your normal MRC, you will have airtime chanrges + 10 cents per minute. This can be very expensive, very quickly. I know from experience.

One thing you can do is contact the local B2B office in your area (what is your area, maybe I can help) and ask about the international plans that they can offer you. Basically, the plan is that you will pay X amount to rent a phone that is compatible in the area that you are in. Sprint PCS will supply the phone, airtime, and your calls to your i300 should be forwarded to the rental phone. This plan is (usually) a lot cheaper than forwarding the calls yourself plus renting a phone yourself. But you are going to need to check in your local B2B office to find the best plan. By the way, what kind of rate plan are you on now, and did you sign-up through a retail store, or through the B2B office originally?


homer