Likewise, traditional local and long-distance telephone service over the copper network is being displaced by better technology from cable and fiber.

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Western Union's value proposition to a local operator: Rather than sign 200 bilateral agreements to offer remittances in 200 different markets, "connect into our global network, and we will allow that local service to become a global service, " says Matt Dill, general manager of Western Union Mobile.

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You may face charges from the hotel or airport providing internet service, or from the local cellular company if you roam on its data network -- as most non-residents must.

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If you travel to Canada and want cellular service for more than emergency use, then plan on purchasing a local SIM card and perhaps using Telestial or another International virtual GSM network provider for inbound service.

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