Are "international" SIMS becoming obsolete?

[snidely]

Originally Posted by kormack8

I've heard of UMA but I'm wondering if you guys can help me out with some info:

2. Wouldn't the use of UMA be costly if you happen to stroll out of a wifi range while you're in conversation and the call transfers over to a mobile network?

1. Would use of UMA be fully automated when I'm in any WiFi hotspot? No need to enter any login details for that particular hotspot?

1. Under T-Mobile USA version - a UMA capable phone, when in the U.S., will automatically register on a wifi hotspot IF you have saved it in your phone. Once you leave that hotspot it will auto switch to a TM cell tower. IOW, you can go back and forth on the same call w.o. it dropping The first time you enter a wifi hotspot area you need to "scan for available networks". You pick one, and, if it isn't "open" will be prompted to enter the security code for that system. Once you do that and save the info, it will register automatically.
If you are overseas and leave the wifi area, the call will drop, because there is no u.S. TM cell signall to pick up.
The BB allows you to enter ID'sand PW's to register the same way you would register a computer.
The BB, and, i think, a couple other UMA capable phones, allow you to select your preferred method of connecting - Cell only, Cell preferred, wifi only, wifi preferred. When overseas set for wifi only so you don't accidentally make an expensive call via cell tower. i always "hard forward" all incoming to VM. If someone leaves a msg., I will get the vM waiting icon.


2. T-M will take all calls out of your pkg. of minutes - unless you pay $10/mo. for unlimited calling via UMA. Since I am on an unlimited plan at $50/mo., this is a non-issue. (TM, starting a few months ago, offered users who had been with them unlimited minutes for $50/mo. Additional lines on account, $40. The regular unlimited rate, like other carriers, is $100.) As mentioned above, the call will drop if you leave wifi and are not within range of a TM tower.


Using this overseas is like being on a U.S. cell tower. If you are in Paris and call a Paris number, you will be billed the high intl. calling rates you would pay if you were home. You need to use one of the many dial around services. I use "MyGlobalTalk' (division of Voicestick), which has an app for my BB and processes the outgoing intl. call automatically.


TM does not promote using UMA overseas (guess they feel they would lose money on their high roaming fees?) - but will, according to posts on HowardForums, take support calls on this.
I started using this more than 2 years ago and was a beta tester.