GSM service for midwest and abroad (UK)

[IgorKane]

Hello,
what are the options for purchasing phone and/or service here and using the phone both here in the Midwest and in the UK? I looked at T-Mobile, ATT, and Verizon (serviced through Vodafone there) and they all have the options I am looking for, but the cost for calling abroad is at least $1 per minute. What is the deal with prepaid SIM cards for use abroad? I am looking for any info, or user experiences.

Thanks in advance

[jackinbox]

I spent two months in Europe so far this year and have had quite a bit of experience with wireless service over there.

To call from Europe to the states on a prepaid SIM, you're right about the cost. My experience was that it was way more than $1 per minute....more like 1.5-2.0 Euro per minute. They are convenient, pre-paid SIMs are sold everywhere. Coverage was excellent all throughout Europe in all the medium or large cities. Personally, I prefer using the prepaid calling cards from a landline when in Europe. It runs about 2 to 5 cents per minute. I generally would buy a 20 euro card and end up with 975 minutes or so. It's not as handy as the wireless, but it's dirt cheap by comparison.

Jeff

[IgorKane]

Really, the local prepaid SIMs are that expensive, even more so than time from the carrier? I would, no doubt, get a calling card, but I would like to know if wireless is an option. Thanks for the info