Google plans to abolish roaming costs for holidaymakers

Two months after the announcement of their own mobile network, Google is set to abolish roaming fees for travellers.

The tech giant is currently engaging in talks with Hutchison Whampoa – owner of the Three network – to allow its users to make calls and send texts in any country at no additional cost.

The two firms are discussing a “wholesale access agreement” that would allow Google to create its very own global network. 

Enhancing global communication

The deal with Hutchison is set to benefit and extend the current services in the UK, Ireland, Spain and Italy.

While Three currently offers a deal very much like this, aptly named “Feel at Home”, Google is planning to further extend the service and benefit even more holidaymakers as a result.

Vice President of Google, Sundar Pichai, confirmed the plans and described the move as a “project” that will initially be made on a small scale so as to not threaten existing mobile networks.

Pichai added that this new addition to the Google business will provide a seamless connection between Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity.

To begin with, the network will only be available in USA cities with the Google Fiber broadband in place before the tech company expands its horizons.

The very first US states that will experience such connectivity in the UK, Spain, Italy and Ireland are Kansas, Texas, Utah and California.

Cheaper rates for all

Google will be purchasing access to the existing 3G and 4G networks at wholesale prices meaning they can sell connectivity to customers at much cheaper rates.

The idea behind this new plan is to ensure that holidaymakers no longer return home to a huge mobile phone bill caused by roaming charges and fees for calling home whilst abroad.

If you’re planning to travel abroad and intend to take your mobile or other gadgets to keep in touch with those back home then it’s important to invest in worldwide travel insurance beforehand

Date Created: 07/04/2015