Launch of Tep removes European roaming costs completely for summer holidaymakers and gives them internet connection via a Europe-wide 3G network at all times, allowing them to stay connected at local prices.

Tep (http://www.tepwireless.com) – a smartphone and pocket WiFi rental service that saves consumers up to 90 percent on their mobile phone roaming charges and WiFi usage has been launched today across 16 countries in Europe, in time for summer travelers to cut the costs of their holiday.

Powered by the most reliable and fastest 3G networks with instant access to Facebook, Twitter and Skype, the service has been launched to provide a simple, straightforward and cheap alternative to expensive roaming and data download charges from mobile operators, which can cost the same as a flight.

Charging local prices, the devices are rented via Tep’s website and can be delivered direct to the customers home or hotel, or picked up at the airport. Customers return the rented phone by post, using a prepaid envelope, and all personal data is erased from the device

“At long last there is an alternative to the extortionately expensive mobile phone roaming charges and the hassle of finding WiFi internet connections abroad,” said Tep founder Tomas Mendoza.  “No longer will travellers across Europe be held hostage by mobile phone operators making excessive profits out of the simple need of travellers to use their phones and stay connected.

“Travellers want to use their smartphones to find restaurants and information about places to visit. Many simply want to keep in touch and share their experiences with friends and family at home via Facebook or other social media, but are being charged more than the cost of their flight to do so,” he continued.

“Renting a Tep smartphone or pocket WiFi device will be become as commonplace as booking a hire car or a flight. It’s simple, convenient and can save hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

Travellers can save up to 90 per cent on hotel internet charges alone by using the mobile WiFf and they can stay connected to their laptop, smartphone or tablet. It’s personal and it fits in your pocket,” Mendoza said.

“With the number of broadband enabled mobile phone hitting the one billion mark this year, and with 70 percent of all consumer devices connected to the internet by 2014, Tep is providing a service that will allow consumers to get the most out of these devices, rather than being prevented from using them by profit-hungry operators,” Mendoza said.