Verizon verses Telestial for web surfing

Posted by Stephen (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) on 08/15/09 02:27 PM

Instead of taking a laptop for web browsing - we're taking a quad band Blackberry to Germany, France and Italy. (1) It is pretty common knowledge that Telestial phone rates are cheaper than Verizon (even with Verizon's intl plan.) (2) If I am understanding what's being explained by Verizon intl area - they offer unlimited intl web access (using the Blackberry) for a flat rate while Telestial charges for the amount of content downloaded.

Unless I'm overlooking something obvious here, Telestial looks to be the obvious choice for phone minute charges while Verizon has the advantage for web surfing. Naturally we don't plan to use both services . . . anyone else encountered/contemplated this issue?

Posted by Nancy

Bloomington, IL, USA

08/15/09 04:40 PM

9363 posts

You have to decide which you'll use more (phone or data) before you can decide which is better. If you will only be using your phone for emergencies or brief calls, you'll probably want to go with the Verizon plan because you want the cheaper data plan.

Another thing to consider with a prepaid SIM card is that you will be given a different phone number for use with the card. With your Verizon plan, you keep the same number you already have. If you buy a prepaid card, you have to estimate how many minutes you will use, or you will have time left over at the end of your trip that will go to waste. Unless the difference in call price is really significant and you plan to make lengthy calls, I'd stay with the Verizon plan because it's better for data (and there are less details you have to manage).

Posted by Stephen OP

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

08/15/09 05:51 PM

52 posts

Nancy, thank you for concurring with our findings on rates . . . and as many/most reservations can be made online - this should hold phone minutes a fraction of web time.

Posted by Darleen

lake hamilton, fl

08/15/09 05:58 PM

4 posts

Verizon offered us a Global Phone for $9.49 incl s&h .99 a min. A friend suggested a pay as you go she has one in UK and free in calls.