Shopping Savings: Telestial

Telestial is a communications service that is designed to save people money when they are traveling overseas, where usage rates from a domestic carrier can be incredibly high. I had a chance to ask some questions about Telestial.

1) How much would a typical user save with Telestial?
So many ways to approach this.
- They can save up to 100% when you consider its FREE to receive calls in over 75 countries
- On data usage we've demonstrated savings of up to 98% comparing 39c to $20 per MB
- Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon charge anywhere between $1.29 and $2.59 per minute for international roaming. Compare that to Telestial’s rates as low as 49 cents in more than 95 countries and you've got savings in the region of 60 - 80%

2) Is Telestial compatible with all phones/service providers?

To use a prepaid SIM card (like Telestial), you need an unlocked GSM phone. There are two mobile phone standards in the United States: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Sprint and Verizon Wireless use CDMA, which is not meant for global travel (although they do sell GSM phones too). AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, considered the global standard for cellular networks. Most mobile phones sold by GSM carriers in the U.S., however, are “locked.” The iPhone, for example, is “locked” to AT&T, Sprint or Verizon. If you’re with a GSM carrier, and want to purchase a prepaid SIM card, you have two options: unlock your phone yourself or purchase an “unlocked” international phone from Telestial.

3) Is Telestial available in all countries?

Nobody offers service in all countries. Some remote countries do not have mobile networks. Telestial offers roaming services in 180 countries across the globe, with data roaming from 39c in 150 countries

4) Are there any usage restrictions?

Not that will really affect the average traveler. Your Service will remain active indefinitely if you use a charged service (such as making a call, or sending a text message) within any six month period.