One of the big irritations of travelling abroad is the high prices of international roaming costs. Nevermind calls, the data rates are simple daylight robbery. So in most cases smartphone or tablet users look around for wifi hotspots or hotel networks to get work done. Problem is that not all these networks are free, and more significantly, they are a hassle to use.
You know the drill – you have to buy prepaid credit at some counter, or enter your credit card details into some site you do not know, and do not trust. Luckily the Skype Access feature has been around for a while now, and has helped people get online using only their Skype credit. No need to deal with signing up at specific networks using their own way of doing it. Just logon using your Skype name and you are sorted.
Luckily Skype has now made it a little easier for us, and has re-released this product as Skype Wifi, and they also rolled out a iPhone and iPad app to help you quickly connect to one of their preferred Wifi networks. “Preferred” networks made me hessitate a bit – but the catalogue of supported networks are massive. While I am not a regular user of hotspots in SA, Skype Wifi already has deals with all the big names in SA like Skyrove, Wireless G, FON etc, but also other the ones like Nandos and AlwaysOn. If this is the case in SA, I think you should be well covered when abroad.
Costs are reasonable and a lot cheaper than using international roaming, but here are some figures. I also looked at other countries – the US for example:
-
Best Western from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
Camden from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
Comfort from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
DeepBlue from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
DrangnFly from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
Econolodge from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
ESPN Zone from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
Ethostream from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
Everwave from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
FON from just 14¢/min (16¢ incl. VAT)
-
Spot On from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
Swisscom from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
Tengo from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
Tomizone from just 5¢/min (6¢ incl. VAT)
-
WebBeams from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
WorldMark from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
-
ZigZag Wireless from just 19¢/min (22¢ incl. VAT)
These prices are per minute, in dollar terms. They are not bound to megabytes, so if you are connected to fast line, you should be able to send those larger files without worrying too much about data costs. Compare this for example to Vodacom’s current data roaming cost in the US of R 128.00 per megabyte, which gets charged per 10 kilobytes. I still shudder when I think they can ask such an amount.
Find the press release below of Skype Wifi:
Skype WiFi (formerly known as Skype Access) is coming to iOS. We’ve just launched a new iOS application that’s free to download from Apple’s App store.
With the new Skype WiFi app, you can go online on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch (running iOS 4.1 or above with multitasking) at over 1 million WiFi hotspots around the world, including hotels, airports, train stations, convention centres, bars and restaurants. And with Skype Credit you only pay for the minutes you use. So, there’s no need to buy an hour or day WiFi voucher if you’re only looking to check your email or make a quick Skype call.
Skype WiFi is great for travellers all over the world: It’s a must-have app, for your iPhone or iPad whether you’re on a business trip or enjoying holidays abroad. Skype WiFi offers you a cost-effective and easy way to get online with an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. Paying on a per-minute basis for WiFi Internet access is great when you’re abroad as you can avoid data roaming charges when you update Facebook, send a tweet, make a Skype call or upload photos.
WiFi access prices through Skype start from US$ 0.06/4p/€0,05 (inclusive of VAT) per minute* and you will only be charged for the minutes you are connected. There are no limits on the amount of data you can upload or download.
All you need to enjoy Skype WiFi on your iPhone or iPad is a Skype account and some Skype Credit.**
It’s easy to get started with Skype WiFi:
“¢ Go to the App Store and download the Skype WiFi app
“¢ Open the Skype WiFi app for iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad
“¢ Sign in with your Skype account details or visit Skype.com to create a new account
“¢ Tap Go Online and you’re online!
“¢ Once you’ve finished, just tap Disconnect
To celebrate the new Skype WiFi app and to give you a chance to try it out, Skype WiFi will be free around the globe from Saturday 20th August 00:00 till Sunday 21st August 23:59 BST for a maximum of 60 minutes***. To enjoy free wireless access, download Skype WiFi on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch or make sure you have the latest Skype software on your computer. Find yourself a hotspot and connect!
Skype WiFi is made available through WiFi operators around the world. For a complete list of supported hotspots, visit skype.com/go/skypewifi.
*Prices may vary by Wi-Fi operator.
**To sign up for a Skype account or buy Skype Credit, you’ll need to visit Skype.com on your computer or via the browser on your iOS device.
***Capped at 4 x 15-min sessions per unique Skype ID.
