A recent guest told me about this forum which just seems great. I came across various queries about mobile phones and was wondering whether it was not too outrageous to get an opinion from such a knowledgeable group.<BR>We are an Agritourism close to Florence with many American guests who unlike those from Europe don't bring their phones with them for obvious reasons.<BR>We were wondering how a mobile phone rental service for our guests only would be received? We were thinking of perhaps a $5 per day handset charge with all calls made at actual rates (no mark-up)? More importantly our guests would have a number on which they can be reached at all times even when touring Tuscany? We envisage being able to allocate the number a few days before arrival so that guests can inform family etc before leaving the States.<BR>Please excuse me if this is somewhat unusual for this forum but I am mightily impressed with the information and knowledge shown.<BR>Thanks, Claudia

Mobile phones are a curse and should not be promoted--anywhere. Most users I must listen to on trains, in restaurants, on the street, are loud-mouthed self-absorbed dolts.<BR><BR>Mobile and cell phones are the Black Plague of the 21st century. The estimate that 500 million are to be manufactured this year alone is dreadful.<BR><BR>There is no right of privacy in the U.S.Constitution. Cell phones may be the thing that finally leads to a change in that regard.<BR><BR>Cell phone users should be made to wear a big helmet like an underwater diver wears. They could then babble in their "bubble" and no one would have to listen to the ghibberish.

While I agree that some people misuse cell phones, I would like the security of having one available while travelling. We will be leaving children back in the States, and I like to know that we can be contacted if necessary. I would not be one to use it in restaurants and in public, but while driving in Tuscany, I would like to know that I could be reached in case of an emergency. (Perhaps it would be beneficial to make sure that the phones used have a vibrating option so as not to disturb other people.) We are planning a trip to Tuscany for next fall and will either borrow or rent a cell phone for our use while there. I think it's a good idea, Claudia.

Take some valium Anthony!<BR>Cell phones if properly used are perfectly acceptable. The idea sounds great Claudia. I had already checked out some sites that rent phones and the costs were quite steep - of course they are looking to make a profit whereas I think you are just seeking to provide an extra service for your guests.<BR>Regarding being a disturbance the Europeans have gone crazy about using the phones for sending short messages (SMS is the code used) and from the States it is possible to compose a message using an internet site which will deliver the message to the phone so even if you have switched it off, are in a place with no reception or don't want to disturb those around you family and friends can still send you a quick message. I will post the names of a few such sites when I can dig them out.

Sounds like a terrific idea. I can see it would be very useful for a middle-aged couple who has gotten turned around and lost and needs directions back to the agriturismo! Or who realise they won't make it back in time for dinner...and of course just in case those at home have an urgent need to contact you. I think the pricing sounds quite fair as well.

To send a sms message to a GSM cell phone (i.e. the European standard as used in Italy and elsewhere) a very simple service can be found at www.freesms.net<BR>From any PC you can send a brief message to someone with a cell phone in Europe and any where else where there is GSM coverage just by using this site on the net.<BR>By the way Claudia the idea seems great!

Hi Claudia, I rented a phone from Record Phone international last year. It was $29.00/week plus call time. It handles both US and European simply by chosing the band. They FEDEX it to you before you leave with another envelope to return it.<BR>

Thanks for you feedback. I have been asked more about the call rates etc which I post below.<BR>The phones can receive calls throughout Tuscany/Italy and there is no cost in receiving a call. Therefore to be ONLY reachable the sole cost is that of the daily rate we would charge (as yet we have not decided but we were thinking of $ 5 per day with perhaps a 50% reduction for the second week). The cost of making a call (absolutely no mark-up) is circa 22 cents/minute for calls to an Italian number with a 50% reduction (i.e. 11 cents) after the third minute and circa 28 cents/minute for calls to other European countries, USA and Canada. The calls are charged by the second and include all taxes and there is no fixed connection charge per each call made.<BR>Hope this is all clear.

I tried the message sending service at www.fresms.net It was very clear and the message arrived on my GSM phone almost instantly.<BR>My aunt and uncle are coming to Italy this fall and you seem to have found a very reasonable solution to being able to keep in touch. Bravo Claudia!

A great initiative. Prices seem okay to me.

In answer to a direct query I thought it best to post it here too.<BR><BR>The cell phones we had in mind have a rechargeable card. This would enable us to check immediately how much you have spent on calls. Equally you can see immedaitely after each call how much it cost and can check your remaining credit at any time. Since we would only charge actual call cost you will not have to worry about unused credit.

Claudia I bought one of those phones for myself.What you are basically renting is the phone .Since there is no<BR>billing involved why don't you just simplify the deal by selling the phone cards and renting the phone ( which can be bought for about $40,so if you are planning to use it alot or ising it for more than a day it would be worth it to buy your own!.........

It often makes more sense to buy a cell phone in Italy rather than rent one, especially if you plan to use it for a lengthy stay or that you travel frequently to Italy. You can buy cell phones throughout Italy at TIM and Omnitel shops or kiosks for $100 on up and the price often includes 50,000 lire ($25) cards good for about 80 minutes of talk time. With TIM, and probably other carriers, the cards are valid for up to 13 months. If renewed within 13 months, the cost if 50,000 lire. After 13 months, the cost goes up to 100,000 lire and you are assigned a new number.