Anyone who travels a lot internationally has likely been stung by roaming Internet charges at some point in other. While it is possible to buy or rent a local SIM card when you’re abroad, this requires that your iPhone be either unlocked or jailbroken — and also limits users to just one mobile carrier in each country.
Trying to solve this problem is a nifty Kickstarter project which aims to build a its multi-carrier, virtual SIM-equipped iPhone case that means travelers get affordable data roaming in 100+ countries for just $2 a day.
How does it work? Simple: when you arrive in a new country, just snap your iPhone into the ComfortWay travel case and hit “Start Internet” on the dedicated free iOS app. The embedded Virtual SIM module then automatically downloads the correct SIM specs from your local mobile operators, selects the network with the best data connection, and functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your iPhone and up to nine other users.
Your $2 gives to 200MB of daily usage, which should be more than enough for the majority of users — provided you’re not sending and receiving giant images, or downloading entire movies. The iOS app also lets users control charges by adding money to their prepaid account, with data credits that never expire.
The case also boasts a 2400 mAh battery.
Will it come to pass? A lot of that depends on the success of the Kickstarter project. Currently the creators have raised $11,730 against a $120,000 goal. That means there’s still a long way to go, although there’s 34 days remaining on the clock. Get donating if you’re interested!
For those who want to find out more, check out the video below:
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
4 responses to “Smart iPhone case offers all-day data roaming for just $2”
This device seems behind the times… Why not just switch to T-Mobile? They offer free data and sms to most of the countries you’d want to visit… Plus free wifi calling too. Its amazing when you can use your iphone like the amazing star trek like device it is without worrying about the cost.
T-Mobile does throttle you to edge when you’re roaming.. However, I had no problem using google maps, facebook and facetime (Audio Only)…
This ustroystoystvo works at local rates and it is beneficial.
Other products of the company, who are already working http://www.comfway.com/
Device uses local tariffs, which are always more profitable.
comfortway.com Other devices company