Tweet

International Roaming

Written by: John Campbell

Article Overview: “This method of doing business can be very profitable but the usage charges of the device can eat into these profits quickly.”

International Roaming

The terms, Atlantica, Atlantic Gateway, and Pacific Gateway are representative of a more structured method of moving goods and services globally. The infrastructure resulting from these trade corridors will provide huge opportunities for businesses, big and small, throughout Nova Scotia and the region. These developments did not result from some economist day-dreaming in his office and shouting 'Eureka'. They occurred from trade missions going around the globe exploring the potential markets. Even more, they resulted from 'road warriors' hitting the global trail on behalf of their companies and convincing customers in Europe, India, Australia and Argentina that they had something worthwhile to offer.

This has not occurred without considerable expense for companies with respect to how their globe-trotting heroes communicate with them. I am seeing more and more of my clients' wireless costs spiral upwards because they need to communicate with their sales people in real time.

The days are over where a company rep goes back to her hotel room in Milan to call her company in Nova Scotia to get a price or relay a question to the boss. No, she makes the call on her wireless palm held device while she is in front of the customer. Her company responds with a price chart and other useful information that helps seal the deal on the spot.

This method of doing business can be very profitable but the usage charges of the device can eat into these profits quickly. It's not uncommon for a company rep to travel to Europe for a week and return with charges of $1,500 or $2,000 on their wireless device. If a company has several of these folks in different spots internationally you can see how a company can have $10,000 in wireless charges in a single month.

There are ways to cut down on these charges. One is to buy a smart phone when you travel to a foreign country and use their local service. There are still long distance charges but they aren't as high. But then the user has to inform people trying to reach them that they have a different phone number and email address. Not a popular choice for the company rep when he gets off the plane in Frankfurt.

There are two types of wireless technology, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The most common is GSM service which until now was only available with Rogers Wireless. Those roaming internationally are theoretically capable of removing the Subscriber Identity Module card or SIM card and replacing it with a SIM card from the country they are in. Again, you have to go through the pain of informing contacts of your new number. Also, in Canada, the SIM cards are locked and you have to find and pay someone to unlock the unit before being able to replace the SIM card resulting in more pain for the user.

But do not despair. RIM is in the process of launching their new BlackBerry 8830 World Phone. This is a new toy that is much more than a pretty face. It is a CDMA BlackBerry that lets you roam globally on GSM networks. You can roam the world with full mobile and data coverage without having to change smartphones, phone numbers or email addresses. That pain is gone.

This little beauty has GPS. Combined with BlackBerry Maps you can paste in an address or click on an address in your address book and receive turn-by-turn directions wherever you are. This will be a huge feature for our international traveling friends.

International data charges have been a considerable expense. This unit will save expenses because it will download files without company logos and other graphics that are costly yet needless. It promises to be a lot faster than other smartphones and the user will be able to download Power Point and other large files quickly.

Other features such as instant messaging, tethered modem, voice-activated dialing, and trackball make this a very attractive new product. Bell/Aliant has announced their launch while Rogers and Telus launches are any day now.

Related Articles
  Is the United States of Africa already here?
  Entrepreneurs Guide to Staying In-Touch Overseas
  Blogging for an international audience
  Business - How Vampires Can Help Your Business
  Work from Anywhere

Article Tags: atlantica, company rep, convincing customers, doing business, economist, globe, heroes, hotel room in milan, india australia, local service, long distance charges, nova scotia, pacific gateway, road warriors, smart phone, spiral, trade corridors, trade missions, usage charges, wireless palm
Referred by: http://www.schooleymitchell.com/



Related Forum Posts
Women Entrepreneur Suggestion - I would highly recommend Katharine Giovanni of Triangle Concierge . Katharine is the world leader when it comes to the errand/concierge and lifestyle management industries. She provides training, seminars, workshops, consultations and is called upon by people from all over the world. Katharine has been interviewed in numerous publications and interviewed by all forms of the media. Katharine founded the ICEA (International Errand & Concierge Association), Triangle Concierge, Triangle Concierge International and is a co-owner of XPACS Concierge service which providing services to athletes all across the world. She is very motivational, an excellent teacher, an inspiring role model for those of us in the industry, a major contributor in bring attention to the industry.
International Technology Exchange - Hello, Does anyone have idea about International Technology Exchange? I’m keenly interested to get the views of the members. Without going into confidential details, good or bad reports would be appreciated! Thanks
Re: Quote of the Day - "The best way to pursue happiness is to h - This is the bible quotes that nailed it on the head. You are rewarded for helping others "because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free." New International Version (NIV)
Re: Did you reach your goal this year? - Turns out there's 5 meeting locations for Toastmasters International in State College alone... only 30 minutes from my town. Most likely due to Penn State University, but surprising nonetheless that I have never heard of the organization before. I'll have to look more into it as it sounds like something I could benefit from.
Re: Confused about the Bar coding for fashion wears. - You can refer to the International bar-coding system for Readymade Garments. As far as guidelines on standardization are concerned, you can contact Export Garments Manufacturer's Association, The Barcode Machines Mfrs and explain your specific requirements


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

What is an Adaptive Organization

Bootstrapping Your Start Up Business.

Resistance to Change and How to Deal With It

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.