Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/58400
are based on GSM technology. Sprint and Verizon global phones contain both CDMA and GSM radios, allowing them to connect to networks overseas. AT&T and T-Mobile devices use GSM networks in the U.S. and abroad. If you're headed to South Korea or Japan, check your carrier's website again. Networks in these countries use special frequencies, and not all phones can connect to them. What Does Your Usage Look Like? Know how you use your phone, and add plans and features that suit your style. Are you a heavy talker? Your mobile-to-mobile and free nights and weekends minutes do NOT apply when you're roaming. You're paying by the minute instead, and rates of $1.29 to $2.29 per minute are not uncommon. Do you download a lot of data? Your unlimited data plan doesn't matter outside of the U.S. When traveling abroad, you're paying per MB and usually at a rate of $20 per MB. Your phone probably has Wi-Fi capability, and this will be your new best friend. Will you text like a teenager? Your unlimited text plan does not apply here either, and cross-border text messages cost more. Expect each text message to cost between 50 cents and $1. Research Your Carrier's Offerings Check your carrier's rates in the countries to which you travel. Each carrier publishes the rates you'll pay ILTA White Paper 31