Could T-Mobile (U.S.) new global plan doom the global SIM card business?

[rfranzq]

Originally Posted by snidely

just wanted to report T-Mobile roaming is working perfectly in China.

That is good to hear.

In response to the original question.
Only for people in the USA with T-Mobile.
But it seems to be a really good value for them.
Will people in the US switch for this? Perhaps some.
Will non-USA people be able to get it? Not too easily,
although perhaps for some Canadians it will be worth it.

Will/Can any other american carrier match this?

[DRNewcomb]

Originally Posted by rfranzq

Will people in the US switch for this? Perhaps some.
........
Will/Can any other american carrier match this?

Cheap international roaming has not been much of a selling point for US wireless carriers in the past. International roaming been almost an afterthought and treated as a luxury item. American consumers have been willing to accept overpriced international roaming (with the exception of a few you find here). I think the word will spread but understand that T-Mobile's rates are not always the best. On some cruise ships they are much higher than ATT's.

Almost any carrier can match these rates. The only question is if they will choose to.

[davidtheprof]

This might help T-Mobile compete better in more affluent segments and business customers who travel more. I've always gone with T-Mobile because of cheaper plans and ease of switching sims (easy unlock policy), but it's generally been seen as second tier carrier, with Verizon being 'premium' - despite their US only (almost!) non-GSM technology.