| This card is the card that started the wave of popularity of the
PrePaid GSM SIM cards. The Italian operator Telecom
Italia Mobile (TIM) has, since they launched their card in September 1996,
been the leading net in developing innovative PrePaid GSM SIM cards.
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| The card is valid for max twelve months after activation
or recharging, which makes it meaningfull to keep the card until next visit
to Italy. And since you can use the card in roaming you could very
well use the card abroad, for receiving calls.
If the TIM card is linked to a valid credit card you will be able to
use it in full roaming, as well, but you have to have your permanent residence
in Italy.
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| The Start Package costs 100.000ITL (100DEM). It contains
a SIM card and calls of a value of 50.000ITL (50DEM). In the package are
also; a pricelist for domestic calls, a manual in Italian, PIN1-, PUK1-,
PIN2- and PUK2-codes.
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| The TIM cards can be recharged in different ways. Either
you buy a coupon for 50.000ITL (50DEM) or visit an authorized TIM dealer
and charge your card there, in increments of 50.000ITL (50DEM). Finally you
can recharge your card with a valid creditcard. Each time you recharge your
TIM card you will have to pay a "recharging fee" of 10.000ITL (10DEM). That
is rather unique in the GSM world.
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The latest additions to this already
very well functioning card are as follows:
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There used to be five different types of the TIM cards, but these have
been replaced by one type only, called TIM MENU. This card has a flat rate
of 560 lire (0.56DEM).
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There are also six options, from which you chose one for free.
If you are interested in a second one, you pay 20.000ITL/year (20DEM). These
options are:
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Within the TIM net: 190 lire/min
Week-end: 190 lire/min
Night: 190 lire/min all days 22.30-08.00
Local: 280 lire/min, 24h to the fixed net within the zone you
are in.
Evening: 280 lire/min, Mon-Fri 18.00- 08.00
Three: 150 lire/min to three numbers of your choice.
There are 2 more options. They differ since you can't combine
them with any other option and they always cost 10.000 lire changing to.
Autoricaricabile which automatically recharges when receiving
calls!!!
Long is especially made for long calls.
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| International calls are allowed, see price examples below.
You can receive and send SMSs. An advanced SMS service, called ScripTIM,
is available. The card can be used in roaming to receive calls and
SMS in other countries.
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| There are also complete phone packages available, called
TIMMY. These phones are not SP-locked.
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| It is good economy for visitors in Italy to buy a TIM card if they
are planning to make and receive many calls during their stay. Receiving calls
is free. A call to any European country is considerably cheaper than
with your own card in roaming.
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We have tested the cards on many occassions since they were launched.
The cards work very well. These cards are absolutely recommended!
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