As international trade, migration, and travel continue to rise, we are also seeing a commensurate rise in the demand for international calls. From the late ‘90s to early 2000s, roaming services, which allowed users to connect to foreign carriers with their local SIMs (outside their network provider’s coverage), were the go-to option for international calling.
But while one could agree that roaming services were useful, it was hard to ignore the exorbitant charges and complex roaming plans. Although roaming is relatively cheaper now compared to how it was at the turn of the century, you’d still find yourself easily spending over $100 for a few days of roaming abroad.
So, it’s no surprise that as more flexible, tech-driven alternatives for international calling came into the market, the demand for global roaming services started to decline.
Let’s take a quick look at major roaming alternatives. But before we dive in, why is international roaming becoming obsolete?
Why Global Roaming is Becoming Obsolete
The chief culprit here is cost inefficiency. Right from the onset, roaming was never a pocket-friendly service and was often the subject of numerous complaints from customers. Maybe, if they were reasonably priced, customers would still have stuck with it in the modern market.
However, the modern market came with a technological shift championed by the rise of cloud-based services, eSIMs, and international calling apps that simply offer cheaper and far better calling services than traditional roaming.
And as these alternatives become more popular, people tend to compare their offerings against those of roaming services. Predictably, people who make these comparisons tend to abandon roaming altogether, leading to a steady decline in traditional call and SMS roaming services.
Now, you may wonder: how much better are the alternatives?
Alternatives on the Rise
Let’s have a quick overview of the major alternatives to roaming and see how they are better.
- eSIM Revolution: eSIM technology comes embedded into some Android smartphones and iPhones, allowing you to have up to seven carrier profiles on your device. This means that you can switch to and use local network services in different countries and enjoy their local rates, all without having to buy or change SIM cards.
- International Calling Apps: With popular international calling apps like BOSS Revolution Calling App, you can call and text mobile numbers and landlines abroad at very low rates. If the other person also has the app, you get to enjoy zero-fee app-to-app texting, voice calls, and video calls. One of the better advantages of international calling apps is that, as long as you have a data or Wi-Fi connection, you can use them in any country while maintaining your existing number.
- VoIP Solutions: Within the context of international business and trade, VoIP solutions like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have completely revolutionized how teams and partners connect internationally, irrespective of one’s location. This totally eliminates the need to roam for international conference calls, which attracts double the international call charges. In fact, a 2025 Market.us research points out that businesses save up to 90% on international calls when they use VoIP solutions.
- Wi-Fi Calls and Messages: Another VoIP solution best suited for areas with no or poor cellular coverage, such as remote areas. Fundamentally, if your device is compatible, you can reroute your phone’s cellular calling and messaging functions to work via Wi-Fi, allowing for overall better call quality.
With any of the above-listed alternatives, you’d have a hard time finding a use case where roaming comes out as the better option.
Pros of Moving Beyond Roaming
You are probably thinking it, and you are right: going with any of the alternatives could easily save you hundreds of dollars on calling and data. Thousands, if you are spending more than a year abroad.
Moreover, these internet-powered alternatives generally offer better HD and VoIP call quality, which most cellular call services simply can’t beat.
Lastly, bearing in mind that you want to save your battery while on the road, you may find roaming to be inconvenient as it consumes more battery while constantly searching for the best available network.
What the Future Holds
Although roaming is on a decline, it is not going to be completely pushed out of the market any time soon. For one, traditional customer behaviors are hard to shake off. So until one of these roaming alternatives rises to become a global norm, network carriers will continue to rake in profits from roaming.
However, cloud-based, VoIP solutions like international calling apps are poised to dominate the market of international calls in the near future, as more individuals and businesses rely on the internet for cross-border communication.
Conclusion
Between global roaming and the modern alternatives, the choice is simple and clear: if you want to save loads of money on calls and texts and also conserve your phone’s battery while abroad, you should get an international calling app or activate your eSIM. They are generally more affordable and convenient, allowing for a more enjoyable international calling experience.
