United Mobile--coming back?

[Stu]

Don't you think that is why everyone is rolling out dual-IMSI phones and that reasonable rates in the US and Canada have finally arrived. There are certainly a number of non-EU spots where they can compete (particularly with a UK number). Dubai has tons of British tourists, as does Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Thailand. Carribean and Mexican rates can help as well. Then there is the rest of South East Asia.

[hkr]

Well, EU-roaming is not getting cheaper for everybody. Actually, In Hungary, it is just getting more expensive...

There are two factors: Hungary increases VAT from 20% to 25%, plus the EUR/HUF rate was awful on the day when the commission made the decision. So the overall effect is that we will have to pay more than what we are paying now. The only thing that makes it somewhat cheaper is the 1 second billing.

By the way, I do not think it is fair that roaming prices are to be declared using a specified date's currency exchange rates... Okay-okay, we have also benefited from this during this period coming to an end now. Now reduced roaming charges will mean increased prices. Hungarian fate, we never do what others do...

[inquisitor]

Originally Posted by hkr

Hungarian fate, we never do what others do...

That's the fate of every nation, that elects a bunch of communist liars to govern their country, who then screw up €uro-adoption, arrest domestic demand by a VAT-increase and so set back the economic development by a decade or so. That's like letting a monkey drive your car. But obviously there are serveral nations in Eastern Europe that like the idea of apes being chauffeurs.
You'll need to wait for relief in spring 2010, when Fidesz will hopefully gain the majority in parliament and then can start removing the communist destruction.

[bbob]

Originally Posted by Stu

Don't you think that is why everyone is rolling out dual-IMSI phones and that reasonable rates in the US and Canada have finally arrived. There are certainly a number of non-EU spots where they can compete (particularly with a UK number). Dubai has tons of British tourists, as does Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Thailand. Carribean and Mexican rates can help as well. Then there is the rest of South East Asia.

This is true but is major eu carrier offer free eu roaming or at very low cost this would mean that a big market for the current roaming sims will be gone. This would mean that they will loose income and it's the question if the other destinations that you refer to will be enough to keep them going.

That said. The Vodaphone offer is only for the UK and would carriers really lower their roaming rates as this still brings them nice money ?

[LBarouf]

Originally Posted by Stu

Don't you think that is why everyone is rolling out dual-IMSI phones and [...]

You probably meant Dual IMSI SIMs, not phones. Unless you meant DUAL SIM phones.....