Staying connected while traveling abroad is a painful endeavor, at best. Roaming with your U.S.-based wireless device can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and sourcing local handsets or foreign SIMs for an unlocked phone is often a hassle. Travelers heading to Europe now have a new option that could potentially keep them connected for a fraction of the price of more common solutions.
Smartphone and portable hotspot rental service Tep Wireless on Wednesday announced the launch of a new portable data option for the European market. With service in 38 countries across the region, Tep is now offering a portable Wi-Fi hotspot and 1GB of data for just $5 per day.
Any smartphone, tablet or laptop can connect to Tep’s hotspot, and additional data is priced at $55 for 1.4GB or $95 for 4GB. The service isn’t cheap by any means, but Tep could save travelers a substantial amount of money compared to similar carrier options.
“I travel across Europe regularly, and I got fed up with not having a good data service on the go,” Tep Wireless founder Tomas Mendoza said. “This is why we have developed the multi-country plan, it means that you can go anywhere you like and not lose access to your email, social networks and the web as a whole.”
Tep Wireless’s full press release follows below.
Tep Wireless launches European-wide service for $5-a-day, eliminating roaming fees across Europe
Travel in 38 countries and stay connected with a single device and data-plan
London 11 July 12 Tep Wireless (www.tepwireless.com) today announce their new expanded service for traveling within Europe. This is great news for travelers who are looking to stay connected 24/7, wherever they travel in Europe with minimal expense and maximum data allowances.
Tep’s first-of-its-kind multi-country service alleviates connectivity concerns for business travelers and tourists alike meaning you can now get on a train in London and travel all the way to Vienna without losing connectivity or swapping your sim along the way.
The data package is aimed at heavy users who require an always-on connection wherever they travel. Pricing starts at just $5 per day with 1GB of data provided. Extra data can be bolted on as you need it, meaning flexibility in what you download, as well as where.
The system operates real-time notifications and auto top-up. If selected, a user’s data allowance will automatically be increased and their account charged.
Even with the latest roaming price decreases by Verizon and AT&T, a trip to Europe can land travellers a bill of several hundred dollars at least, not to mention the planning that has to go in to ensuring that your devices can connect in multiple locations and countries.*
Companies like Tep are arming travelers with simple, always on connectivity while away from home. Their increased service throughout the EU now makes it even easier to ensure that you are equipped to connect in any of 38 European countries without the need to change sim-card or device.
“I travel across Europe regularly, and I got fed up with not having a good data service on the go. This is why we have developed the multi-country plan, it means that you can go anywhere you like and not lose access to your email, social networks and the web as a whole” says Tomas Mendoza, founder of Tep Wireless.
The service is available immediately. For information on the plans, devices and costs please visit http://www.tepwireless.com/wifi/europe.