MAXroam SIM promises 'local' world cell calls
updated 02:15 pm EST, Wed December 12, 2007
MAXroam SIM Card
Cubic Telecom today promised a minor shakeup of cellular calling with its new MAXroam SIM, a prepaid SIM card designed for frequent travelers. The card fits into any unlocked GSM phone and establishes a local number both in the user's home country and in at least one extra territory: owners can both place and take calls as though they were local in either area by pointing callers to the right number. The service is independent of any particular provider and will support as many as 50 numbers and 40 different countries. With rates that are virtually local, users no longer have to pay the frequently high price of roaming with their usual carrier, Cubic claims.
The SIM works regardless of the user's home country and supports most common cellphone features, including SMS text messages and calls to local emergency numbers. Local retail sales are starting today in Ireland and the UK with a base €30 ($44) card bundling an extra number in France, Ireland, the UK, or the US as well as €5 of calling time at rates of €0.45 or less for typical calls; a €55 pack does the same but includes €30 of calling credit. Adding extra local numbers costs an additional €2 per month.
