SMS messages from Philippines to UK

[Steve.r]

Edward, yes, the 3 deal was the network i was looking today. Because I also want broadband in the package, the Skype is available via the new mobile they would give me. The actual skype phone is an extra £30ish which I could send over to Phil for my gf. The 3 deal also gives unlimited calls to Singapore where my gf is going to be working for the next few months. If my facts are wrong, just correct me, the salesman was talking so quick, and I wasn't 100% concentrating as I was busy at work when he called.

[EdwardB]

Edward, yes, the 3 deal was the network i was looking today. Because I also want broadband in the package, the Skype is available via the new mobile they would give me. The actual skype phone is an extra £30ish which I could send over to Phil for my gf. The 3 deal also gives unlimited calls to Singapore where my gf is going to be working for the next few months. If my facts are wrong, just correct me, the salesman was talking so quick, and I wasn't 100% concentrating as I was busy at work when he called.

Let's split this in to a number of different sections.

1. Skype on mobiles. Skype software is now available for many mobile phones. Check your phone's compatibility on skype.com or your mobile network provider’s website. To use it you will either need a data package (3G) or Wi-Fi. As a general rule you will only be able to use the messaging plus send txts whilst you are on the 3G network. If you connect by WiFi you should get full Skype functionality. This information applies anywhere in the world.

2. Skype with 3 UK. 3 has a unique offering. They have special settings for a large variety of recent model handsets. If you subscribe to their service – including some pretty basic PAYG packages – you get full Skype functionality wherever you can get a 3G signal, which is most populated areas of the UK. BUT this is a UK only service you cannot get the same functionality overseas – effectively you just revert to the functionality above, and if you use roaming on your 3G sim you will probably be declared bankrupt by the time you get home.

Re your specific points

1. Free calls to Singapore. Make sure that it includes calls to mobiles. Or even more dodgy, check it doesn’t exclude calls to numbers with a certain number range – these are usually PAYG mobiles.

2. Calling/Txting from Singapore. Unless you take out a contract in Singapore getting a 3G data service is extortionate – far more expensive than in The UK. Data sim cards can be bought from Starhub. They can be activated on a daily or even hourly basis. They are expensive to use and maddeningly they only give data & txt functionality. If you want to make or receive telephone calls you either have to swap sims or carry two phones.

3. Wi-Fi in Singapore. This may be your answer. Most busy areas of Singapore have free public Wi-Fi – register for wireless@sg on SingTel’s website. That said it is pretty low bandwidth at most locations and struggles to hold a Skype call. You can always go in to a Starbucks where they usually have a very good free Wi-Fi service.