[Updated Jan 26th: the free incoming in USA has already stopped, so all of the messages below are just historical...]

The 0044.co.uk website has now been updated with new rates. It confirms what I've know from the online billing for a few weeks but assumed was a billing error - the 0044 Global Sim (which is the Callkeyone card) is now FREE incoming in USA!

It's possibly the only prepaid that has free incoming in the US - I don't think any domestic ones have that.

Of course the number is a UK (really IOM) mobile so even callback isn't that cheap.

Does anybody know the cheapest callback company for UK mobile to UK/US? 23c per min is the price to beat. (Enlinea Mango shows a rate of 25c/min to US, but bills 23c, I've just tried it).

(BTW IOM mobiles can currently be reached from Skype out for 2c/min but I don't expect that will last).

When I looked at 0044 tariff calculator yesterday, I noticed free incoming in USA but but I thought it was just an error. That's quite amazing :).

BTW, Effendi - why haven't you put an info about 0044 in the International Cards section yet?

Are we sure that this is a standard UK mobile number rather than some premium rate number, e.g. an 0702 or an 0900 number os something. Also, note that many of those funky UK numbers cannot be called from outside the UK at any rate.


With respect to the US rates, checkout this link:

http://0044.co.uk/global-sim-coverage.htm

This is their coverage list. It says that the US is a country with incoming call charges.
Also note that incoming calls in Canada are US$0.59 a minute. Canada and the US are usually the same rate. What's the difference here?

Note: their rates for Russia aren't bad.

Yes, that's out of date. I have the card, and I've received calls in the US with it, the rates shown on the rate calculator have now been updated to show that the US is $0.00/min incoming. My online billing shows these calls, and they are free.

The number is a Callkey number range in the Isle of Man (subcontracted from Manx Telecom), which is the same range GT-sim use (i.e. +44 7624 10n nnn). Charged same as UK mobiles by most companies (a few might get confused as it is a "pager" number range, and Skype at least charges it as a landline). Enlinea charge it as UK mobile and callbacks to it with Enlinea work (23c/min to US).

I agree it's odd Canada is still charged for. It's too cold just now to drive up there to check the rate. :D

Perhaps the main difference is the 0044 card isn't their product, they are simply retailers for the card, which is a "CallKeyOne" card. Callkey are a callback company (Isle of Man and Tucson, Arizona), so likely have a switch in the US already.

So maybe the expected reduction in the GT-sim surcharge in the US will be soon as well, GT-sim did mention "February" for that (and more roaming) at one time.

Do you have any knowledge whether the SIM will work in Japan with a WCDMA handset?

I've had my eye on Voipfone at 9.5p per minute.

They have some interesting call options, even for people that do not actually use VoIP directly - call forwarding, voicemail to email, fax to email, callback triggered by portal number, website or sms (+ conferencing, virtual pbx ...)

But I'm wondering if the direct callback won't work with the caller ID off

http://www.voipfone.co.uk/builder.php
http://www.voipfone.co.uk/PB_Free_Access_Call_Back.php

... and I'm wondering about Skype call diversion too ...

Very unlikely - Japan isn't listed as a roaming country.

Voipfone.co.uk was the first one I tried, but it doesn't work in this case. It uses a single trigger number, and relies on caller id to know who to call back. So a trigger call from 0044 (or United Mobile etc) that already comes from a callback doesn't work, nor can a second phone be used.

A bit off topic: for the past few months I've been using voipfone.co.uk as my primary landline phone (via a cable modem), excellent quality and good access to UK non-geographic numbers. I use it via a Sipura VOIP adaptor, so I've set a dial plan, and here in the US I can pick up the phone and dial Isle of Man numbers as local (the price is close to local also), dial UK numbers as in the UK, US numbers as in the US, etc. The days of POTS phones are numbered.

I've also been using that, as my "find me" number (my home Isle of Man number is on call-divert to the Skype number). One US number on Skype-in, rings three outgoing numbers at the same time. However, they don't support some numbers, e.g. the 09 Iceland number range can't be reached from Skype (nor UK 056 VOIP numbers yet).

Is there no way to set up a wap/gprs trigger, either directly or their web call-me-back button, similar to what DRN suggested for CBW/Enlinea?

Or with a call divert, and CallKey's callback, via sms or email?

Yes, there is a web trigger, which would suit some people. (there's a page where you just enter any two numbers, and they'll connect them).

Normally if I'm near the internet I'd have access to a landline, voip or Skype phone though, all preferable to a callback.

apologies - I thought you were asking for ideas and tariffs for access from a mobile

Yes, callback from a mobile where I don't have the internet.

More for others really, just to see how low the price can go (still, it's already close to beating my US domestic pre-paid).

no way
no way this is going to last. There are no CPP operators in the US, this must be a startup marketing trick or something

I still wouldn't bet much on the 0044 call calculator - 51p to a Spanish landline from UK?

And in the CallKey site, the tariffs in USA are blank - try calling Falkland Islands or Vanuatu and see if they are free too?

Why not? If the termination fee for roaming in the US mobile network is included in the rate paid by calling party in order to reach Manx mobile, technically this should work.

And look at Hop - its incoming rate is 35 US cents/min worldwide, including US and Canada of course. Theoretically, if rates for calling Monaco mobiles went up by (at least) 35 cents/min worldwide, this would make it possible to have free incoming calls worldwide.

What's wrong with my reasoning :)?

I agree, I've no idea how much it costs for the US mobile portion but it'll be only a few cents per minute as the best retail rates for incoming are well under 10c/min. Most carriers charge 22c+/min a minute to IOM mobiles (14-60c/min from UK), a big chunk of that being the IOM termination, and UK-USA is under 1c. There's plenty of profit margin. Suprising it's taken so long.

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Andy)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
I still wouldn't bet much on the 0044 call calculator - 51p to a Spanish landline from UK?
[/quote:e589736eb3]

Yes, the outgoing calls are expensive - a domestic US call is 76c/min, which is why free incoming and callback is interesting. I was billed 37c for a test call under 30 seconds within the US, which about confirms that rate (allowing for currency rounding).

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Andy)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>
And in the CallKey site, the tariffs in USA are blank - try calling Falkland Islands or Vanuatu and see if they are free too?
[/quote:e589736eb3]

The Callkey tariffs on their site are for a different product, their callback service (i.e. 4c for a US domestic call, 29c/min UK mobile to US). US to Falkland shows 97c, Vanuatu 1.01 - maybe we're looking at different rate charts? (either way, that's not the CallkeyOne tariff, and it's not supposed to be).

I'm only reporting my experience - incoming calls on this card in the US are not charged for. the 0044 rate calculator shows they are not charged for, and the outgoing rate matches the rate on the rate calculator. It may be of interest to somebody, which is why I mentioned it. Like all rates, it might change.

sorry, I was kidding about looking up those destinations ...

but the SIM card tariffs are in the same place on the rates page - just press the other button in a column to the left of the drop down box entry (below the photo)

Time to work :)

Also I'm just studying this new sim card... it's the only one that I miss, I just want to contact them. :construction:

Yes, really... but I think about a error too. If you calculate it's fre, but the link in homepage has the surchage for incoming calls (thanks to Stu for the info).


Help/FAQs for Global SIM Cards

How can the Global SIM avoid roaming charges?
Unlike local mobile networks that have been designed to offer the greatest benefit to customers who spend most of their time in a specific country, the Global SIM service has been designed specifically for the international traveler. We recognize the problems of roaming with UK networks and have delivered a unique product to UK travelers that enables cost effective international mobile phone roaming across multiple destinations.

Our Global SIM is in a unique position to offer a global service because of its network status and patented call connection technology. The Global SIM 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. Innovation has lead to the discovery that by connecting your call via a switch platform you can save you 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.

When does the charging start?
Charging starts as soon as the number you wanted to call answers. No charging before callback or while waiting for callback occurs.

What charging interval do we use?
Unlike UK operators and our competitors who charge on a Per Minute basis, our Global SIM charges on a six Second basis.

What mobile number will I get with the Global SIM?
You will be given a +44 UK mobile phone number from the Isle of Man. Most operators classify the I.O.M as a UK number, however please check before dialing.

Can I keep my UK mobile number?
International number portability is not possible. However, by diverting calls from your UK mobile to your Global SIM you can retain your number and avoid all mobile roaming charges. However please check the cost of the divert with your mobile operator first.

Can I make data connections with?
Unfortunately, at present this is not possible.

What are the reasons that my mobile may not automatically connect to an available GSM network?
By default, your handset will automatically connect to the GSM network with the strongest signal. However, you may need to select a network manually in cases when coverage is poor, or automatic selection fails. When you are unable to receive call back by initiating a call, manually select another network in your area. For instructions on how to manually select another network please consult your phone instruction manual.

How do I recharge my account?
Additional credit can be added to your account 24/7 by calling customer service or by accessing the website.

Will I lose my prepaid credit if it is not used within the month?
No, any remaining credit will last for 12 months.

Looking at the online calculator today there are no free incoming calls in the USA anymore...

wow, THAT was fast.

When I said it wouldn't last, I thought maybe it would be a marketing ploy for at least a couple of months.

Ah well, at least I can predict the future.
and pick stocks

That was quick! I went away for a few days and look what happened...

Looks like they read this forum.

Anyway, that does make the 0044 of almost no use for me, although the free incoming in New Zealand will be useful for some people (waiting now to see how long that lasts.. :D )

Those sort of quick tariff changes would be a killer if you were on a trip without internet access.

I wonder what idea was REALLY behind these few days of free incoming in the USA. IHMO, it might have been a kind of short promotion, but it wasn't advertised at all...

They didn't need to read anything. IMHO everything was under control - there were free incoming both in the price list and in the real world.

But OTOH it's the only international SIM which works in the entire EU and has free incoming in all EU countries. And don't forget about cheap SMSes...

If you want stable tariffs, choose Hop or gt-sim :)

hmm i dont think they ever intended to have free incoming in USA :ranting2:


/also whats up with their offer ? i thought it was meant to be postpayed ?

looking at the calculator it states "The Global SIM card has 12 month validity and the life extends for 12 months once topped up within that time."

Where is the place to top-up ?

They might just have temporary problems with their billing system or something like that...

Why did think this? They say: "The Global SIM card works on a Pay-As-You-Go basis (...)"
http://www.0044.co.uk/global-sim-card.htm

I always wanted to know it but I was afraid to ask :)

From the FAQ:

QOUTE
How do I recharge my account?

Additional credit can be added to your account 24/7 by calling customer service or by accessing the website.
END QUOTE

Don't see a possibility to top up on the site, however. Only buy a new one.

I know the clause you quoted.
To be more precise, my question (and 0700700's, I suppose) was about online top-ups.

It all looks like a reverse of the old Riiing site - on riiing.com there were online top-ups but no SIMs on sale. OTOH 0044.co.uk sells SIMs but not top-ups :D

when logged into the account, there is a page to top up, in $5 steps from $20 to 100, then $50 steps

looking at the CallKey site, I'd say the 0044 site's tariffs are overstated a bit; they seem to have used an exchange rate of ?1 = $1.50 [it's $1.78 so deduct about 15%]


edit - hmmm, I think my brain has just woken up - maybe the 15% is the VAT. If so the 0044 rates are inclusive of tax, and on the CallKey site the rates are quoted without

OK, I understand know how to buy top-ups. But does this mean that top-ups are sold in dollars, not pounds or euros? What is the "native" curremcy for 0044?

It seems to be somewhere in the middle - the SIM came from 0044 with ?5 on it; on the CallKey website this was shown as $8.62*, and the post-call balance advice sms is in $. CallKey lists $ top-ups, and I expect 0044 will be in ?s then converted. Maybe Globalsim will charge round number of ?s then convert to $s


<span style='font-size:7pt;line-height:100%'>* edit - $10.13 was also shown, and it has at last dawned on me that one rate is shown without tax (CallKey), and one with (0044). The tax is deducted at the beginning then the balance on the account is shown without tax </span>