We are living abroad for extended periods, what is the best carrier?

[Windows Central Question]

Looking for flexibility with a carrier to keep my USA telephones without heavy monthly fees and pay as we use during our return visits few times a year.

 

[xandros9]

best option is probably getting your phones unlocked and using the service provided overseas wherever you are with maybe a prepaid thing for home.

 

[Br1t]

Good option by xandros there as roaming outside the U.S. gets expensive fast. T-Mobile could be useful as they have Wi-Fi calling that can be used overseas the same as it can here.

 

[hotphil]

Not sure if it's the same for US ones, but the network may let you convert the contract SIM to a pay-as-you-go one, keeping the same number. They'll still smack you for roaming etc though.
Another option, grab yourself a Skype number and start giving that number to your contacts. Then when you're abroad it won't matter what cell number the network allocates to the SIMs, as long as you've got some data allowance/coverage your contacts will be able to reach you using the same number all the time.

 

[RumoredNow]

T-Mobile Simple Choice plan has free texting, data, and WiFi calling from overseas.

BUT if you are over there more than over here it may eventually cause you to get dropped.

I'd check with carriers directly to see how their policies treat that. If you are in the military or diplomatic corp they should have a program just for you.