Cell Phone Data Roaming

International data roaming is basically a huge consumer ripoff. The high prices can't possibly reflect the cell phone companies actual costs. For example, with an iPhone, in the USA AT&T's basic monthly data plan costs $15 for 200MB. But, step over the boarder into Canada, and, even with AT&T's international data plan, that same 200MB data will cost you $199. Explain to me why this isn't a total ripoff.

Tyler, Roaming can be expensive, whether it's voice, text or data roaming, and I agree that it's a bit of a "rip-off". However, cellular networks both here and in the U.S. offer roaming packages that tend to moderate the costs somewhat. ¶ Regarding the difference in cost between AT&T and Canadian networks, a few comments. All of the networks negotiate roaming rates for their customers, and in a lot of cases these seem to be very similar. For example, the costs for AT&T customers to roam in Europe are somewhat similar to those offered by Rogers/Fido, including the costs for the roaming plans. There are slight differences but I attribute those to the difference in value of the respective currencies. ¶ The disparity that you noted between the rates in the U.S. vs. roaming in Canada may be due to "economies of scale". Given the fact that the population of Canada is about 10% of the U.S., the cost of providing service here is higher and that translates not only into higher rates for those of us living here, but also higher roaming rates for those travelling here. A similar situation applies to those from North America that travel to Europe. The huge subscriber base in Europe means the networks can offer lower prices for their subscribers. ¶ My strategy for roaming is constantly under review, and given the current and somewhat exorbitant rates for roaming in Europe with my home network, I decided to try a different strategy this year and went with one of the "travel SIM" firms (the number was tied to a UK network). Generally speaking, that worked well and is something I'll definitely consider on future trips. I'm still using an older "flip" phone so data roaming isn't a concern at the moment. However, I'm considering buying an iPhone so that could change in future? With an iPhone, it's likely I'll have to limit internet access only to Wi-Fi. Cheers!

My 88 year old MIL traveled to Mexico with her son in September. She took her new iPhone and didn't put it in Airplane mode. Her experience differed from other in one way. She got an email from AT&T after a coupld of days advising her that she had run up a $400.00 bill. After talking to her, they credited her account and she modified her phone for the rest of the trip. She was very fortunate. I wonder why AT&T were proactive in contacting her and haven't done the same with others.

To uppdate my earlier comments, it looks like this situation has taken a fortunate turn. After paying $1000 on the Cellphone account, the cell network "graciously" cancelled the remaining charges. One can speculate whether the media coverage had any bearing on this? However, I suspect if the individual in this case doesn't learn from this experience and modify his Cellphone habits while travelling, he won't be as lucky next time. Cheers!

It really depends on the carrier. Verizon has an unlimited international data plan that's $70/month[INVALID]and they'll prorate it if you use it less than a month. No exorbitant bills into the thousands of dollars.

The carrier in this case was Virgin. Perhaps they'll be a bit more diligent now about warning their customers prior to travelling. In all fairness, Virgin and other cell networks here tend to just pass on the charges that they are billed by the foreign networks (probably with some markup). If they've negotiated a roaming agreement for their customers, the costs are usually more favourable.

Yes, it is a rip-off, but the companies make you well aware of the extraordinarily expensive price if data roaming. There is even a warning in the iPhone's settings. If you don't take simple precautions and come home to a $4000 bill, it's your own fault. I've been in Europe since Wednesday and I'm very glad I brought my iPhone. At the very least, my hostels have had WiFi, so I have gotten plenty of use out of it even in Airplane Mode.

Anna, I don't own an iPhone yet, but could you clarify something. I was under the impression that "Airplane mode" disabled ALL wireless functions, including Wi-Fi. Do you have to switch this on each time you want to use it? ¶ I was close to buying an iPhone 4 recently, but after the much publicized problems came to light I decided to monitor the situation for awhile. In addition to the much publicized "Antennagate" problem, there's apparently now a "Glassgate" problem as well. If the phone is used with a slip-on case, small bits of abrasive debris can be trapped inside which can scratch the glass back of the phone to the point where it can shatter. There have also been reports of "yellow splotches" on the display of some phones. I'll probably wait for the next version (or look at a Blackberry Torch). Hope you're having a great time in Europe!

Ken, when you initially turn on Airplane Mode, it turns off WiFi, but you can manually turn it on - the switch is directly under the Airplane Mode switch. It works just fine, as you can see. I reset my cellular data usage counter at the beginning of my trip so I can make sure I'm not using any data whatsoever. You do not need to switch on wifi every time - I have turned the phone on/off many times and it turns back on in Airplane Mode with wifi enabled every time until you change the settings yourself. I got my phone the day it came out and I have had no issues with the alleged antenna problems or splotches. I did buy a case anyway, just to protect the surface of the phone. I have 0% regret about my purchase.

Anna, thanks for the additional information regarding the iPhone settings. I'm sure the information will be helpful for others who travel with iPhones. ¶ It's good to hear that you haven't experienced any problems with your iPhone 4. I may still decide to buy one in the near future, but I'm going to monitor the situation for a bit.

I'm just glad I don't have to worry about that in Europe. The EU Roaming Regulation prescribes a cut-off mechanism once the bill reaches €50, unless the consumer opts for a higher limit. (And it limits the rate within Europe as well). I receive a message if I am approaching the limit, and can text back if I want to increase the limit and continue the session. I do not know whether US providers have a similar option, but technically it is no problem.

Seconding Frank II's comment above: I had my Verizon smartphone with me for 2 weeks in the UK recently, used it extensively for internet and e-mail, and my bill for that month was only $10 more than it normally is. When I returned home, Verizon even put me on a less expensive national data plan than I had before I left. I did only make 2 calls while I was there, and if I had made more calls the roaming charges would have been higher, but, all in all, I was very pleased with both the service and the cost.