It goes without saying that DOODAD is one of our favorite global roaming carriers, which is why the news of its closure really hit home.
As of Monday, DOODAD will close, leaving a gaping hole in the global roaming industry. The data-only SIM card was the perfect solution for those looking to travel the globe while avoiding bills like this and even allowed users to call and message via VoIP and messaging apps. Indeed, it was and is a fantastic service that we’re sad to see go.
“A number of factors led to this decision,” DOODAD CEO Sarah Neill said. “We did try and find solutions right up until the last minute, but this ultimately is what we had to do. We had a growing base of loyal customers, and it’s disappointing to not be able to look after them, and see it through.”
“We did try and find solutions right up until the last minute, but this ultimately is what we had to do.”
The company sent out the following email to customers:
DOODAD WILL BE NO MORE 🙁
On April 3, 2013 we took a bold step to disrupt the roaming market and help travelers stay connected around the world.
But despite our loyal, growing customer base, we have had to make the tough decision to close DOODAD. This will take place this coming Monday (October 28, 2013).
We would have liked to have given you more notice, but we were trying to the last minute to find a way to continue the service.
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for coming on board, being an early adopter, and giving us a chance. We’re sorry we will not be able to see it through.
You’ll be able to continue using your DOODAD and any DOO-DATA you have, until the end of this weekend. We hope this gives you time to find an alternative solution. Then on Monday, we’ll refund any remaining DOO-DATA (not including bonus DOO-DATA) back to the credit/debit card that you used to make the purchase. Anyone that has ordered a DOODAD in the past month will also be refunded any shipping they have paid.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
Sarah Neilll
Co-founder & CEO
DOODAD launched its service on April 3, 2013 and it didn’t take long for the service to grow. The company launched shipping worldwide back in July, the same month of the big European Union roaming price drop. The company was also beta testing a number of countries for a future launch, most recently Italy.
The company turned 6 months old this month as it announced the expansion to 69 countries.
Existing users have until Sunday, October 28 to find an alternative solution.
For existing users, you’ll have until Sunday to use remaining DOO-DATA, and find an alternative solution (there are a number of them here). The company will refund any unused credit next week and will officially close its doors on Monday, October 28, 2013.
It’s been an amazing 6 months, both as a DOODAD customer and as a technology writer. DOODAD offered arguably one of the best ways to stay connected across the globe, and it goes without saying that the service will be missed. The company has made a permanent mark on the industry, and the hard work of its CEO and its other employees will forever echo through the times.