Cell phones in Hong Kong
December 1st, 2006I’ve been using a cell phone in Hong Kong for awhile now, and I’m so impressed that I thought the topic deserves a post.
I can call the US, China, Hong Kong, and most of Europe directly from my cell phone (no cards) for about US $0.03 /min! Back in Indiana, I literally couldn’t call Kentucky for that price (on a basic Cingular monthly plan, that would cost about US $0.09 /min …and who knows how much it costs to call Hong Kong).
Here’s how it works:
- Bring tri-band phone from US
- Buy SIM card in Hong Kong (about $6 USD)
- Add money to card as needed
Such a simple and versatile system.
I guess the big question is why hasn’t a similar system evolved in the US (I’ve used similar systems in Europe). Consumers have much greater choice, because the actual phone and airtime charges are separated. Consequently, cell phones stores are everywhere here. I’m sure someone has already done a PhD dissertation on this…
December 1st, 2006 at 11:14 am
Bryan!
that is what called as PREPAID plan. where u buy the SIMcard and add money as needed. I gave u the same SIMcard while u were in Malaysia :p. One of Malaysia provider, Maxis, is also giving a direct international calling. Calling to US will cost u US$0.05/min (cell and landline). To call HK is about US$0.15/min to cellphone and US$0.05/min for landline.
December 3rd, 2006 at 2:39 pm
Hmm… costs me US$0.03/min to call landline in Malaysia, but US$0.50 to cell phone. Wonder why calling mobiles cost so much more?
December 6th, 2006 at 3:04 am
Another reason why it might be cheaper is the fact that the USA is still considered a “wired nation.” I don’t know about China but my bet is that they are not as wired as we are in the USA. So they rely more on their cell phone which brings in the old saying, “Its all about the supply and demand” *** This also includes Europe example my cousins houses in Germany are not wired for telephone they just use cell phones instead.
Another fact might be that the USA right now has the oldest cell phone network… But this changes every couple years as the cell phone companies upgrade to the cell phone technology. Better technology = lower cost to consumers!!!