WorldSIM card makes affordable roaming a reality

Global roaming MVNO WorldSIM showcased their prepaid mobile phone service at the recent Mobile World Congress that promises savings of up to 95% in roaming charges.

Customers that purchase WorldSIM get a UK mobile number which can be used to place cheap mobile phone calls in over 150+ countries, with free incoming calls in more than 60 countries including Australia, Egypt, Europe, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

Customers don't have to change their existing number and have the option of instead using WorldSIM only when travelling abroad. Alternatively, calls can be forwarded to a WorldSIM number but that could come with service charges from a customer's existing operator.

WorldSIM functions just like a normal SIM card but uses call-back technology to keep rates low. For example, making a call from the UAE to the United Kingdom incurs a cost of £0.41 (AED 2.50) though incoming calls remain free. Etisalat's current roaming tariff for countries outside the GCC is AED 5.50 per minute for Wasel subscribers.

Credit for WorldSIM can be topped up by dialling 154 wherever the service is available, or online through the company's website which is blocked in the United Arab Emirates by Etisalat.

The company has two products, a Single IMSI WorldSIM and a Multi IMSI option which comes with a UK number as standard, and an additional US number for added flexibility in rates. They claim their products save customers up to 95% on their mobile phone bill compared to normal operators.

WorldSIM participated in the GITEX 2008 exhibition in Dubai where Arif Reza, director of the firm, said the product received "brilliant response".