Who would have thought that National Geographic (yes, the magazine) would get into the mobile phone market? But that’s what they are doing with the announcement of the National Geographic Talk Abroad Travel Phone. What they are offering is a simple quad-band GSM phone that should work anywhere in the world (as long as you can get a signal).
For $199 USD, you get the phone, a universal wall charger and international plug adapters. You also get 30 minutes of initial outgoing talk time. Incoming calls are also free in about 65 countries. There are no contracts or bills but outgoing calls will cost $0.90 USD per minute in most frequently traveled countries. You also get your own United Kingdom-based number that you will be able to use wherever you are.
You will also be able to rent the phone for $49 USD a week.
The National Geographic Talk Abroad Travel Phone will be available in March.