Bryan in Hong Kong

I’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…