Telecommunications on the Isle of Man are amongst the most developed in Europe. Indeed the Island was chosen as the test bed from which to launch the Third Generation mobile technology.
Since the Island controls and operates its own telecommunications airspace, it is important that visitors are aware of the need to check various network specifics in order to operate their mobile telephones from the Island.
- Your network provider has a roaming agreement with Manx Telecom
- International Roaming is enabled and that there are no call restrictions/call barring
- Your GSM phone will support GSM900 mhz frequency or you have a Dual band GSM phone.
- You are familiar with the Voicemail services of your home operator so you can divert unwanted/unanswered calls and retrieve messages whilst roaming in the Isle of Man.
- Your normal retrieval method may be different when roaming.
- You have activated the Short Message Service (SMS) to make it possible to receive and send text messages whilst roaming in the Isle of Man.
- When you switch on your mobile, generally the display will read "Pronto GSM" or "Manx."
- However, some handsets may display "234-58" or "UK-58."
- To contact you in the Isle of Man, family and friends at home will only need to dial your mobile number as normal. The networks will look after locating you wherever you are at the time.
- Check your display to see who is calling as you may have the option of diverting calls to your Voicemail
- Calls to retrieve your messages may be chargeable, please check with your network provider.
- When roaming you will be charged for both incoming and outgoing calls. Check with your network operator for call charges.
- If you are calling a fixed or mobile phone outside the Isle of Man you will need to use the full international code. Also, if you make a call to another mobile phone belonging to a friend who has travelled with you it will be necessary to use the full international code. Your call will be charged at the International Rate.
- Visitors roaming from the UK will only need to use the National Code to call home and calls will be charged at the National Rate.
- Coverage is available in most places in the Isle of Man except mountainous or remote areas. During your ferry journey to and from the Isle of Man coverage may only be available at the beginning and end of your crossing. Coverage is not guaranteed in the Irish Sea. There are phones and phonecards available onboard the ferries.
Before you travel to the Isle of Man it may be useful to make a note of the Help Line number for your own service provider.
Acknowledgement: Manx Telecom