[rickthornton]

I have read several other threads about adding the international roaming package to existing BB service. Upon calling Cingular International Data Support, I was told it was no problem to add the international service, however, I would also have to pay the international roaming rates for any incoming voice call even if they go directly to voicemail. I asked if there was a workaround and I was told that there was none, other then to change my plan to an international data only service.

Anyone else have experience with this issue and a solution.

[jrsmooth]

Been there, done that, sorry man, no work around, you will get charged for incoming call goes to VM. I spent two weeks in Asia last year and my phone bill was close to $2K, luckily the Big Brother picked up the tab.

[DuckWingDuck]

Originally Posted by rickthornton

I have read several other threads about adding the international roaming package to existing BB service. Upon calling Cingular International Data Support, I was told it was no problem to add the international service, however, I would also have to pay the international roaming rates for any incoming voice call even if they go directly to voicemail. I asked if there was a workaround and I was told that there was none, other then to change my plan to an international data only service.

Anyone else have experience with this issue and a solution.

What? That makes no kind of sense at all... Are you saying if you go international, take out your Cingular SIM, calls that go to your number (since it's unattached) that goes directly to the voice mail would still be charged as roaming?

Or are you saying your Cingular SIM is in the phone when you're overseas, but as soon as a call comes in, you reject the call, kicking it to voice mail, you would still be charged roaming airtime?

Honestly, both scenarios seem a bit implausible to me.

[rickthornton]

Originally Posted by DuckWingDuck

What? That makes no kind of sense at all... Are you saying if you go international, take out your Cingular SIM, calls that go to your number (since it's unattached) that goes directly to the voice mail would still be charged as roaming?

Or are you saying your Cingular SIM is in the phone when you're overseas, but as soon as a call comes in, you reject the call, kicking it to voice mail, you would still be charged roaming airtime?

Honestly, both scenarios seem a bit implausible to me.

I did not discuss the first scenario with Cingular, however, as explained to me my a rep who said they were an "International Data Specialist" as well as a manager of a corporate store; if the sim was provisioned for International Data service I would be stuck with paying for any incoming calls to the phone whether answered or routed to voice mail. The exception would be incoming calls that came in while the phone was turned off would route to the existing U.S. voicemail box since the phone while turned off would not be registered on a foreign carrier.

I asked every conceivable question I could think of, disabling voice service, disabling voice mail, and so on, and the answer kept coming back the same; phone on + incoming call = international roaming charge.

[DuckWingDuck]

I have never been charged for roaming rates when a call gets kicked to voice mail while I'm traveling, but I am not with Cingular, I'm with TMO.

[tfaz1]

Originally Posted by DuckWingDuck

I have never been charged for roaming rates when a call gets kicked to voice mail while I'm traveling, but I am not with Cingular, I'm with TMO.

You're one of the lucky ones, then.

Before traveling to Europe in March, I placed multiple calls to T-Mobile's International department to inquire about rates. I was told by at least three representatives that I would be charged 1 minute anytime a call was routed to my handset, weather I picked up the call or not.

So, while I take joy in slamming Cingular any chance I get, these charges are normal for most carriers. If you think about it, you are using an international network when that call comes to your handset. So, weather or not you decide to actually take the call, you are still receiving the notification via an international tower.

I spent 2 weeks in Europe and didn't answer one call, but received about 20 voicemails. When I returned and checked my bill, I was charged for about $20 for roaming ($1/minute international). Because I did my homework, I expected it and wasn't upset. Nevertheless, it still sucks.