[MrEd]

Global SIMs are not much different from "normal" SIMs in terms of compromises.

Like "normal" SIMs they may have compromises in some rates in some locations. A compromise is relative to what the end user is looking for. What suits one user may not suit another. Example, would a Vodafone user prefer to pay £1.75 to call the UK from UAE and £1.25 to receiver, or circa £0.40 to make calls and receive for free? the compromise being having a different number and a callback. In some countries the differential may not be so great so perhaps the user would stick with their "normal" SIM. In the extreme, some want "everything for nothing", but most reasonable users are willing to pay for a service offering savings and quality.

Data is becoming available on Global SIMs - GeoSIM has this now on its latest version of SIMs.

Reliability is mentioned. In comparing using my O2 and GeoSIM abroad I find them comparable - in fact virtually identical in the number of missed and dropped calls. Some people are "quick to blame" a global SIM itself for poor connection because its not their "normal" SIM and are "looking for" problems because they have the misconceptionn that it will be of lower quality. Some SIMs may have calls routed via poor quality carriers, but provided a call is routed via quality carriers (tier 1), then the call quality is down to the weakest link which is often the "final mile" or "over the air", which is dependant on the local carrier being used. As many global SIMs use the same recognised carriers as the "normal" SIMs, the call quality on a global SIM should be the same as if using your "normal" sim.

Who says global SIMs are not successful or competitive - the example figures above seem competitive and many users consider such savings as "no brainers". In some cases/countries/regions the differential may not be so great, but the end user makes their choice based on their requirements.

In an ideal world all the criteria would be met, (has great rates everywhere, 100% reliability on callbacks plus data on any device, and sterling customer service). No "normal" SIM has this so why single out Global SIMs?). As I say, the end user makes a judgement on what compromises he or she will accept for their particular situation.

Carrying multiple SIMs, calling cards, dongles, VOIP accounts may be a way of saving a few more pennies but with the compromise of inconvenience, multiple numbers, log ins and systems, something which a good Global SIM will avoid. Some users will be happy to have the relative inconvenience of multiple SIMs and accounts, but the vast majority are far to busy nor technically inclined, and want convenience, fair rates and a reliable, good quality service.

On balance, I think most global SIMs are competitive, reliable and some are successful. Just like some "normal" SIMs