3G roaming allows using a 3G device in an area not covered by the service provider, with data transfer routed through another provider. Roaming can also occur within one’s own country. Roaming charges can be high, especially for mobile broadband abroad. It is important to check charges and preferred networks.
3G roaming is the process of using a 3G enabled device in an area not covered by your service provider. In most cases this means using it abroad, although in some countries it may involve visiting a region not covered. When using 3G roaming, your data transfer will be routed through another service provider. The cost is paid via your standard bill, but will usually be much higher.
A 3G device is one that uses the most commonly available and used system for high speed data transfer. It is especially popular among smartphones that have built-in Internet access. The system is also used for mobile broadband, where a computer connects to the Internet via the cellular network rather than a Wi-Fi or wired connection.
Roaming is used when a customer is in an area not covered by their mobile operator’s network. Without roaming, they would not be able to use mobile phone services in this area. With roaming, their call is routed through another provider’s network. That provider then charges a fee to the customer’s mobile phone provider, which is then passed on to the customer.
While 3G roaming is most commonly associated with using a device in another country, you can roam in areas of your own country that aren’t covered by your provider. This is more likely to be necessary than voice calls using the 2G network, which is usually much more widely available than 3G coverage. Roaming is not always possible as it is not necessary for the networks to offer it and depends on the agreement of a partnership. The one exception is emergency calls, which in many countries are automatically rerouted through a ‘rival’ network if necessary.
There has been some controversy over roaming charges paid by customers, with claims that providers charge significantly more than the actual rate they have to pay to the network handling the call or data transfer. When traveling to another country, it is especially important to check the 3G roaming charges that will apply. For phone users in Europe, restrictions are now in place limiting the amount businesses can charge for certain types of roaming. However, 3G calls may not always fall within these limits.
There is a particular risk with using mobile broadband abroad. In such situations, your mobile phone service provider may have a specific or “preferred” 3G roaming partner network in that country. However, your mobile equipment may be set to automatically connect to the strongest network available. If you then connect to a network that is not a preferred partner, the resulting charges could be significantly higher.
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