If you do a lot of travelling and need to have high speed access to the internet or are sick of paying exorbitant roaming charges for data you should consider a global WiFi pass. This is a small router that you carry with you that attaches to the local mobile network in whatever country you happen to be in. It allows you to connect to local mobile phone providers through their 3G or 4G networks for internet access. This means that you do not need to buy a local SIM card for whichever country you are travelling in nor have to rely on free WiFi which can be patchy at best. It is a good solution for people that are travelling constantly or business people that need a fast connection to the network when overseas.
Providers typically offer plans that cover more than 100 countries throughout the world while charging a flat rate for whichever country you happen to be in. In some countries (USA, Japan, Korea) they also offer much higher internet speeds over 4G and allow you to connect more devices at the same time.
Once you sign up you will receive a small router that you can plug in with a charger or via USB and this acts as your WiFi hotspot. Most plans allow five or more devices to be connected simultaneously and there are various plans on offer including unlimited, 5Gb. 2Gb, 1Gb, 500Mb and 250Mb data plans where once you reach your download limit you can only access the 2G network; the limit is reset each day at midnight GMT. The use of the router is priced into the plan and must be returned to the provider once you no longer require their service.
Some of the other benefits of a Global WiFi pass can include the following (depending on the provider):
• Access the internet on international flights and inside airports
• App connects you automatically, no need to enter or remember a password/ID
• Fast WiFi speeds on 4G networks wherever they are available
• Data is sent over a secure connection
• WiFi access on trains
• No need to rely on cafes or hotels for WiFi access
• Access to over 57 million WiFi hotspots around the world
If you want, or need, uninterrupted connectivity to the internet and fast downloads no matter where you are, a global WiFi pass is a good option particularly if you are doing a lot of travelling.
