Ask Slashdot: Do 4G World Phones Exist? 259
First time accepted submitter Viv Savage (3679171) writes "I live in the U.S. but my daughter will be attending college overseas next year (Scotland specifically). I need to purchase a new phone for her and I'm curious what the Slashdot community would recommend. I understand that a GSM world phone supporting 850/900/1800/1900 MHz frequencies would give her the best voice support. There doesn't appear to be a solution for getting high-speed data (i.e., 4G) here and abroad with one phone. Have any worldly Slashdotters figured this out?"
Scotland? (Score:5, Insightful)
It's not only kilts and haggis up there.
They have cell phone shops too. She should buy herself a cell phone in Scotland.
To be honest... (Score:5, Insightful)
If she is spending most of term time in Scotland, why not ask her to get a phone in the UK? It's a lot cheaper - most of the time top end phones are free on a 24-month contract. Assuming that she is going to Uni and not college - her course would be at least 3 years anyway. Unless, of course, it's just an exchange program.
Re:Try answering the question asked (Score:4, Insightful)
I think it's been covered pretty well by other posters. The Nexus 5 would be fine. So would a Blackberry. To me the bigger issue is whether or not 4G is actually available where the lady is staying. It doesn't really matter what kind of phone you have if your area is only broadcasting a 3G signal. I thought it was important to point out those nasty international roaming fees. Perhaps you disagree but it's all good.
Specifics for 4G (Score:3, Insightful)
Regarding 4G coverage, as others have mentioned, Edinburgh and Glasgow are well served for 4G and will certainly be fine around the campus areas.
Other uni towns:
I'd recommend EE for best coverage over here, I'm on Vodaphone and get great 4G in Edinburgh but fuck-all (some local patter for you there) in Dundee, Stirling, and St Andrews.
Hope that's some use, best of luck to your daughter at uni - I'm sure she'll love it.