A COMMUNICATIONS firm in York has launched a sim card which people can use when they travel abroad to avoid being caned with "roaming" prices charged by mobile phone networks.

The worldwide service, which is operated from York Business Park in Nether Poppleton, has been launched by GO-SIM, a subsidiary of York-based Hirefone, with the backing of Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

The pay-as-you-go GO-SIM card, acquired on application through the internet, can help holidaymakers and business travellers save up to 90 per cent on bills, because it enables them to benefit from local rate calls in their destination country, says the company.

Depending on their travel itinerary, customers can choose from a single destination or global roaming SIM card.

Business Link York and North Yorkshire supported GO-SIM during the launch of the service by introducing managing director, David Agar, pictured, to a supplier that could meet his e-commerce needs.

Mr Agar said: "Our Hirefone business alerted us to the issues faced by travellers using mobile phones abroad - technology has developed quickly, but the high costs of using your UK number abroad have virtually stayed static.

"With the GO-SIM service we will be able to pass on the lowest possible call costs, which will mean massive savings for travellers who would otherwise face a much bigger bill when they arrived home."

Updated: 12:41 Wednesday, August 17, 2005