Vodafone Revamps Data Traveler Roaming Plan. #vodafone

Vodafone users do a lot of traveling will be pleased to know that their carrier of choice recently revamped the popular “Vodafone Day Traveler” data plan. Instead of the laughingly low 5MB allotment of roaming data, EU users can now make use of up to 25MB of data whilst abroad. Granted, it’s still ridiculously low considering the scope of mobile technologies today. Though an increase of 5MB to 25MB is certainly appreciated nonetheless. According to the company, 25MB is good for roughly 250 emails, 25 minutes of SD YouTube video, or viewing 65 different maps.

Pricing is set at £2/day or £10/month. Look for the new plans to go live on December 1st.

Another one bites the dust: New Zealand closin’ up CDMA shop.

Inhabitants of New Zealand will want to prick their ears up this morning, as some rather interesting wireless news has come to light. Apparently, so many people have chosen Telecom New Zealands’s WCDMA hardware and services that the country has decided the old CDMA network isn’t even worth it any more. The result: they’re shutting it down.

Customers are being told that as early as this October, CDMA roaming will be nixed, with the rest of the 3G network going offline by this November. Talk about speed! If it were here in the US, it would take another half a decade or more. (Remember the ridiculous delays behind digital TV here in the States?) The 2G CDMA network will stick around a bit longer however, continuing operations into 2012.

Either way you slice it, looks like GSM just scored another victory. Another nail in the coffin of CDMA…

Cellular-News

According to Three UK, GPRS internet = “no internet”.

Being spoiled with 3G the last several years means I almost get angry when I see the icon on my phone retreat back to the comfy yet dark confines of 2G. As you all know, 2G sucks in this day and age. It simply cannot keep up with pretty much anything on the real or mobile web anymore. But in a pinch, rolling back to the golden oldie when 3G is unavailable is a god send as long as the page you’re trying to visit isn’t heavy in anything besides text.

For UK users on Three, there isn’t any “rollback”. Unfortunately for them, Three has determined that any 2G/GPRS mobile internet service isn’t up to their standards. Because of that, users cannot access any web or email services when the little icon on your phone shows a G/GPRS/2G.

The reason is because Three doesn’t own their own 2G network — they borrow Orange’s. When ElectricPig contacted both Orange and Three on the matter, Orange said that 2G data services work just fine. Three’s response: 2G isn’t good enough. The Three spokeswoman also goes on to say that by the end of this year, any fall back solution in 2G won’t be needed as Three continues to expand and develop their 3G network.

I’m all for rapid 3G expansion. But let’s be real, if you don’t have it, you don’t have it. What I mean is, suck it up and accept that your network will not reach all areas of the UK/land and provide 3G coverage. 2G is desperately needed as a failsafe for these situations. Not being able to have any data access on 2G networks is a big problem I’m sure has caught many Three users off guard. Regardless of how slow 2G is, slow access is better than no access.

Here in the US we really don’t have any major cellular providers that operate as Three — a 3G only network that rents out 2G infrastructure from other carriers. Because of that, there isn’t really any “hometown” example to compare them to here. Regardless, the same issue still stands.

So let’s hear it Three UK users: Are you finding the lack of a fall back 2G data solution a pain the rear as you traverse the UK?

ElectricPig

Satellite/Cellular Hybrid phone coming to AT&T

Want to make a call or send a text but can’t because your normal AT&T phone keeps dropping calls? *Soon* you’ll be able to look no further than the Genus. A love child created between new found partners TeraStar and AT&T are aimed at bringing expanded coverage to remote areas via satellite. The handset will allow users to “seamlessly” switch between satellite and cellular networks without hiccup. While the Genus is being marketed towards more government and utility companies, AT&T and TeraStar claim to have a consumer model en route. First, the specs for the Genus:

• 2.6″ Touchscreen

• uad-band GSM/EDGE — Dual-band UMTS/HSDPA 3G

• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/GPS

• Windows Mobile

Users of the Genus will be required to pay for a standard minutes and data plan as well as pay additional charges when roaming via satellite. While I don’t see big government entities having issues handling the associated operating costs, if these two friends have any hopes of getting a consumer model to be even remotely popular, minutes/data/satellite roaming plans are going to have to go on a thorough diet. Last time I checked paying to use such services via a satellite link were damn near astronomical. Still, I’d love to try one. Wouldn’t you?

PhoneScoop

T-Mobile UK raises roaming rates 50%

If you so choose to communicate with the world through a partnership with T-Mobile UK and just so happen to roam more than your average human, you may want to cash out on your 401K or other retirement savings just to make phone calls. Starting October 26th, T-Mobile UK is raising the price on roaming prices upwards of 50% to pretty much every country you can think of. Highway robbery I say. If you were looking to get out of your contract early you’re probably out of luck as T-Mo is giving you ample notice. Still, if you’ve got some digital beef, it never hurts to try I guess. If you’re calling destination isn’t on the list above, jump on in for an extended list with plenty more countries on the roster.