Description

Roaming is the functionality to connect to another cellular provider and use their network when you may not be one of their inherit customers. It's like piggy-backing off of some other service provider. To do this, you often pay a hefty price per minute. Most mobile services have made arrangements with other global networks to service your calls to a foreign country for a specified fee. This fee is passed on to the consumer when making a call that involves roaming. Some of these roaming charges can be hefty, depending on how frequently roaming occurs.

Not all cell or mobile phones work oversees. Many of the major carriers in the U.S. do not have full worldwide coverage because they use the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network rather than the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). In addition, not all mobile phone providers offer the ability to roam in every country. Carriers that do offer international service often charge high roaming fees and rates.