If you have read any of my previous posts, you may have noticed that I was originally born in the UK. Actually, that was the only time I was born….

Here is the scenario behind this series: I am planning to go back and visit the UK every 2-3 months for about a week each time. I will want to have phone and Internet access during the visit. The place I will be staying has … wait for it … dial up. I would be happy to pay all or part of a faster Internet connection, but that doesn’t really satisfy both my requirements.

So, what are the options? As you might have guessed, as most countries outside the US are far more advanced/enlightened with regard to cell phone use, there are a lot of options. Everything revolves around the SIM card.

Here is my US situation: Sprint cell service, Sprint Mogul (HTC 6800) phone, Dell Precision 14.1” laptop, Dell Axim X50v PDA, expensive international voice roaming charges, exorbitant (completely unusable) international data roaming charges.

Option 1. I could rent a phone on arrival, which I have done in the past. But that won’t help with the laptop access.

Option 2. I could use my existing phone, with a pay-as-you-go (prepaid) SIM in the UK. The laptop could be tethered to the phone. Except … Sprint, being a CDMA carrier, does not use SIM’s.

Option 3. On arrival, buy a cheap prepaid, no frills phone (T-Mobile: GBP10, $17: top-up GBP10, $17). And a USB wireless connection for the laptop (T-Mobile: GBP30, $50: plan is GBP2, $3.50 per day, 3Gb/month).

Option 4. Buy an unlocked GSM phone before I leave. Purchase a SIM on arrival. Tether the laptop to the phone for 3G access. SIM is free when you purchase GBP10/$17 of airtime. Web access is GBP1/$1.70 per day, maximum. Carphone Warehouse. Buy an extra phone for the wife and I’m out of the door for GBP30/$50.

And the winner is … drum-roll … option 4.

Why this one? I like the idea of having a phone with me that has the same functionality as the one I use in the US. I’ve got used to carrying a device where I can look up addresses, maps, reviews, directions, etc etc.

So, in the next installment, finding a phone.