[Ham-Computers] RE: Internet access on the road

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Don,

The speed really depends on the "type" of network your cell phone is on.  On
PCS older phones (e.g. TDMA, CDMA, GSM), rates are pretty slow...usually
9K6.  Newer techonolgies support faster rates, but you need equipment (and a
provider) that supports those rates.  CDMA 1xRTT supports approx 144Kbps and
there are other CDMA technologies (EV-DO, EV-DV) that support higher rates.
For GSM networks, EDGE maxes out around 384Kbps (under ideal conditions),
but I believe typical rates are similar to CDMA 1xRTT.  3GSM (aka W-CDMA) is
the next generation for GSM

If you're seriously interested in getting wireless "anywhere", then the best
bet is probably via some satellite service.  The downlink is upto 400Kbps,
but I hear that the latency is really bad.  Also, I believe the uplink speed
is about 100Kbps or less.  You also won't be dependent on being near a cell
site (especially one with digital access).

If you're interested, the new Verizon "Broadband Access" for laptops has
pretty decent coverage in major metropolitan areas, but it can be costly.
It's based on CDMA EV-DO and they have an unlimited access plan for
$60/month (plus all those extra profit "fees").  The datarates are supposed
to be 300-500Kbps.  I tested it a while back and it works quite well.  Don't
think I ever got the full 500Kbps rate as all my testing was indoors "in the
lab", but I was pleasently surprised and how fast it really was.

Cingular uses a GSM/GPRS based network, so any data service you get from
them will be based on EDGE (or 3GSM).  Check to see if they have anything
similar to Verizon's broadband service...I'm sure they do (or will).
However, always realize that service is highly dependent on being near a
cell site that supports your service.

Oh, another option is to sign-up with T-Mobile's WiFi service.  They are the
ones that serve Starbucks.  If you do this, then all you need is an 802.11b
WiFi card for your laptop and you can drop in at any Starbucks for access.
Actually, you don't even need to drop in...just be in range of the
"hotspot".  There are other WiFi providers out there too and many have
"roaming" agreements with other "hotspot" providers.  Many of these
providers also provide "timed" service where you pay for a certain number of
hours of access.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O



-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2005 5:17 PM
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Internet access on the road


what the speed on this mine with cingular is similar but only connects at 
9.6 kbs

Don
Peace Through Superior Firepower
REAL TIME WEATHER OBS  http://myweb.cableone.net/wxfreqrs/
JCARA RADIO HOMEPAGE http://www.jcmsara.org

----- Original Message ----- 

*** middle snip ***

On 9/25/05, johngadd at comcast.net <johngadd at comcast.net> wrote:
> Verizon.com has a new system Check it out.  It is going to have to be
> something wireless (via radio)
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
>
> > hi all
> > I live in hurricane alley (MS GULF COAST)
> > I evacuate a couple time a year plus moderate travel all over the
> > country
> > I need computer access while on the road for 300+ messages a day plus 
> > 200+
> > messages a day for wife's account
> > 56k is way to slow for that volume
> > high speed is not always avail in hotels and neither is wireless and 
> > wireless spotty at best thinking of satellite but all the mobile 
> > packages I see are for mounting on
> > RV's and I traveling a Buick LA SABER
> >
> > any one got any ideas
> > willing to pay a little more for the access (I PAY 40 for cable now)
> >
> > any suggestions
> >
> > Don
> > Peace Through Superior Firepower
> > REAL TIME WEATHER OBS http://myweb.cableone.net/wxfreqrs/
> > JCARA RADIO HOMEPAGE http://www.jcmsara.org
> >