Often when PCSing to Europe the first thing a Soldier want to obtain is a Cell Phone. This
means that he or she must decide if they want a “Contract Phone” or “Pre-Paid Service”. Be
advised that cell phone contracts differ in Europe!! Many Soldiers and family members not
knowing the difference often rush to the first cell phone dealer they run into and sign a
contract without knowing the facts. Take the time to shop around and choose the right plan
for you!!! If the cell-phone contract is written in German or Italian, you may want to
think twice before signing a contract that you don’t understand.
BELOW IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CELL PHONE CONTRACTS BEFORE SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE:
Military Clauses. Soldiers are used to using their orders to break their phone contracts
when they deploy in the US. This is different than how contacts work in Europe. Soldiers
must read their cell phone contracts carefully because a "military clause" is not generally
available on European cell contracts. So, SMs may be stuck paying a large bill or penalty
when they deploy or PCS. Also, don't take the contract representative's oral promise that
you can break you contract if you deploy, you must see this in writing.
Rollover contracts are common in Europe. For example, when a SM signs up for a 2-year
contract, he often does not know what happens at the end of the contract period. Usually the
SM thinks he's on month-to-month service at the end of the contract, and can break it at any
time. Instead, the contract usually contains a rollover clause, meaning that at the end of
the initial 2-year period, it rolls into another 2-year contract without any notice to the
consumer. And then the SM is in the same boat when he deploys or PCSes, and is stuck paying
more than he owes.
Hidden charges. Another common issue is the additional charges that often apply when you are
talking to someone on another carrier. Although the cell phone companies present this as a
"discount" when you talk to people on their network, it's really the opposite. There are
additional charges for talking to someone outside their network. So, this is definitely
something to consider when choosing whether to go with a pre-paid or contact service.
Pre-paid cell phones are readily available in Europe. If you want to get cell service right
away, but don't know what your situation will be in 3 or 6 months, it's best to start with a
pre-paid service and an inexpensive phone. After you've settled in and have a better idea
about your situation, you can shop around for what you really want (if that pre-paid doesn't
satisfy your needs). You may even be able to keep the same phone number, since most phones
will let you transfer the SIM card between them. Pre-Paid cell minutes can be purchased at
any cell phone dealer (on or off post) and at many gas stations and grocery stores on the
economy.
Check with your US cell carrier to see if your existing phone will work in Europe. If your
US phone is unlocked, you may just need to buy a SIM card and set up a pre-paid service for
your new phone number. That means no need to purchase a new phone when you arrive. If your
phone is locked, your cell phone company in the U.S. may be able to unlock it for you before
you PCS.
Finally, if you have a problem with your cell phone carrier, you can always see a Legal
Assistance attorney to help resolve the issue. Your garrison Legal Center provides
assistance on many consumer law issues, including disputes with European vendors.
