Travel technology: Smartphones as local concierge and Wi-Fi modem at local rates
Last updated 3/10/2010 1:28:23 PM
Your new travel concierge
Travellers now can rent smartphones that function as local concierge and mobile W-Fi modems that charge at local rates.
There will be no need to search for an internet cafe or wi-fi hotspot and they can discover the city like a local.
The services are introduced by Fonmigo, mobile travel solutions company based in Madrid and London.
Travellers who land in the UK using this mobile service will be connected and pay only local data and call rates.
Director Tomas Mendoza told Optimist World, ”The inspiration behind this was my own personal experience. I came to realize that every time I travelled there where many roadblocks to staying connected. It’s either my phone did not work or high roaming rates”.
“Mobile internet on phones has revolutionized the way we stay in touch and travel. Today internet and smartphones offer essential tools when traveling such as GPS, guides and reviews”.
With that thought in mind, Fonmigo came up with solutions that enable travellers to stay mobile and connected.
Currently two services provided are Fonmigo Mobile Wi-Fi and Smartphone.
Mobile Wi-Fi is a pocket-sized wireless modem that gives travellers Wi-Fi access anywhere in the UK.
It functions like a pocket Wi-Fi hotspot, where travellers can take their own phone, laptop or iPod touch to get connected.
The Smartphone is for travellers to rent with all the social media sites and skype built-in.
It is a truly mobile travel companion with local services such as tourist guides, mobile concierge and useful contacts.
Fonmigo is primarily targeting the US market because of several reasons.
Firstly, the roaming charges are incredibly high. To check one email can cost up to $40.
Secondly, some US phones don't work in the UK. “Over 50% of the mobile phones in the US will not work in Europe because they are CDMA, a different technology then the one used in Europe, GSM”, says Mendoza.
The third reason is many non-European travellers have no idea of how to unlock their phones. They also have limited knowledge about mobile phones in Europe.
Fonmigo plans to expand their services to travellers visiting the UK and all inbound tourists in Europe in the near future.
http://www.fonmigo.com
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