Voiamo, the pioneer in roaming replacement, today announced the launch of the Globalgig service using an elegant, small Mobile Hotspot device that avoids the excessive costs and hassle of international data roaming. By automatically logging onto the local network in each market through users’ smartphones, tablets and laptops, Globalgig customers can access fast, secure internet speeds of up to 7.2 MB (megabytes) per second at a fraction of normal roaming costs. Up to five devices can be connected simultaneously at high speed to any single Globalgig Hotspot by simply switching it on and accessing the internet.

Globalgig charges significantly less than mainstream mobile phone companies for its international data packages and its service is also priced competitively for usage in the US domestic market. The company offers useful monthly bundles of 1 GB (gigabyte) for $25.00, 3 GB for $39.00 and 5 GB for $49.00. 5 GB is the equivalent of 5,120 MB, which translates to as little as 0.95¢ (nearly a penny) per MB. Competitors on the other hand can charge up to $20 per megabyte and offer international data packages ranging from fifteen to twenty-five cents per MB. Globalgig bills customers on a monthly basis for usage and there are no long-term contracts required. There are no hidden charges, and users can easily cancel or make changes to their plan by providing notice up to 48 hours prior to the end of their billing cycle. The Globalgig Hotspot device can be bought at the Globalgig store online for $119.00 at www.globalgig.com.

“It’s time to bring an end to the rip-off data bills that business people face upon their return from travelling abroad,” said Nigel Bramwell, CEO of Voiamo, the company behind Globalgig. “Our simple Globalgig Hotspot device brings people fast, secure, carrier-grade internet access through local networks. Globalgig enables them to use and download their favorite apps, find where they need to go on interactive maps, share and send pictures, use video chat, email and receive large attachments - all with the assurance that they will get the most out of their mobile online experience, reliably and securely at a breakthrough price that will make international data roaming charges obsolete.”

“Sometimes conscientious travelers try to avoid roaming charges by purchasing local SIM cards when they reach their destination, in order to access data on their phones,” added Bramwell. “Other travelers have to deal with the cumbersome, lengthy process of purchasing expensive pricing plans with their carriers, which forces them to mentally ration their mobile data use. Globalgig cuts out all this hassle and enables international travelers to keep their SIM card in the phone to remain in full contact with their family, friends, customers, colleagues and suppliers, while at the same time having high speed internet access.”

After initially launching in the US, UK, and Australia, Voiamo plans to expand the Globalgig product to key Asian, European Union markets, and other large global travel hubs, over the next 12 months. There are also plans to launch a voice service in late 2013, offering cheap call bundles abroad with the ability to maintain live existing and local numbers.

About Voiamo

Voiamo, the carrier grade alternative to global roaming, was formed in September 2007. Since its formation Voiamo has created the Globalgig product and secured all relevant agreements with UK, US and Australian network operators.

The company was founded by its chief executive, Nigel Bramwell, who has 27 years experience in the mobile telephone industry, and its key executives also all have a long track record of success in the telecoms industry. It is well-funded for launching the product widely and for its continued success - and has a strong group of investors, many of whom have a major interest in telecoms. Voiamo is not VC funded.

About Voiamo’s Mobile Network Operators

In the UK Voiamo is partnered with Three, part of the Hutchison Whampoa group. Three are the UK's fastest growing mobile network according to Ofcom's annual Communications Market Report and they have been rated the UK’s number 1 network for coverage, reliability and quality for the 7th time in the latest YouGov Poll as well as number 1 network for the iPhone.

Voiamo’s mobile network services in the US are provided on the Nationwide Sprint® Network.* Sprint (a trademark of Sprint Nextel) has been ranked number 1 among all national carriers and most improved in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, over the last four years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

*Although Sprint provides Voiamo subscribers access to its wireless network and to its wireless services, Voiamo is responsible to the Voiamo subscribers for the service. Please call Voiamo with any questions or comments about services.

Optus is Voiamo's Australian partner and is part of the Singapore Telecom group, one of Asia's largest mobile operators. In 2012 it won three major ACOMM Awards.