April 14, 2005

Verizon Wireless has launched a new international roaming service that will enable its customers to use their handset to chat while traveling in nine countries.

Equipped with a tri-mode or digital wireless handset, Verizon Wireless U.S. customers now have the ability to roam in Bermuda, Canada, Dominican Republic, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and Venezuela.

To make sure their phone is prepared for the trip, customers are instructed to call Verizon Wireless customer service or visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store to add the international calling feature.

The process includes dialing *228 to wirelessly update the Preferred Roaming List. Once back in the United States, the customer dials *228 and selects option 2 to change back to the Preferred Roaming List that is most relevant for his or her home calling area.

The service runs 69 cents a minute for Verizon Wireless customers on a monthly service plan of $39.99 or higher. Verizon says callers also will be responsible for long distance, toll, surcharges and taxes charged by the international servicing carrier.

International text messaging also is an option for customers traveling to Canada and the Dominican Republic. Usage while in Canada will cost 10 cents to send and 2 cents to receive a message, while in the Dominican Republic, users will pay 25 cents to send and 2 cents to receive.

Source: Wireless Week