[Ham-Computers] RE: Wireless Travel Routers?

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

>>> KD4E wrote:
I am reading a lot about Sprint and Verizon but what about Alltel?

Are they just not players in the high speed wireless access market for cellphones? 


>>> My reply:
Don't look at it that way.  I'm not familiar with Alltel as they're not a provider here in So. Cal.  Most "regional" carriers sub-contract with the larger "national" carriers for much of their coverage - sometimes this is considered "roaming", sometimes it's not depending on how the companies negotiated their contract(s).

For example, there are a bunch of local carriers that I don't even know here in So. Cal.  None of those "carriers" actually own any cell towers - they contract with a larger company for coverage.  Based on the cell tower number, the network name that displays on the phone may be the name of the local carrier or the name of the larger carrier.  It's basically the same as DSL - the local phone company owns the actual line, but ISP's can contract to provide DSL access.

Suffice it to say, most carriers have "roaming" agreements with other carriers.  If a small rural town has towers owned by XYZ Corp and Verizon doesn't think it's worth the $$$ to install a tower to cover the number of people in that town, they'll contract with XYZ Corp to provide Verizon coverage in that area via a roaming agreement.  Also, XYZ Corp. will contract with Verizon to grant XYZ Corp's customers roaming access to Verizon's larger network.  So, you'll have seemingly seamless coverage anywhere even though you may not be using your carrier's network.

As for providers, phones, and plans, I'm definitely not the one to ask!  I try to keep up on the basic technology just for reference.  To be honest, I don't even own a cell phone!  I had a pre-paid cellphone that I kept in the car in case of emergencies, but never gave out the number (and used it about 2 times a year).  I now have a work issued "leash", but I carry that only because I have to.  I believe that if I'm out somewhere "trying to get away from it all", I shouldn't have to be bothered by a phone or even the temptation to use one.  As high-tech as I am, many can't believe I don't own a cell phone.  Also, many can't believe that I can go on vacation without the need to check my e-mail every hour.  I may be high-tech, but I'm not "tied-down" by it!  Ok, I may suffer a little gaming withdrawl...but not much.  =)

But, that said, if I had a choice to buy a cell phone, it would be a Palm Treo 650 or 680 (PalmOS based).  I'm a long time user of PalmOS devices and find it much more usable than Windows CE/Pocket PC/Windows Mobile 2003/2005/2007/whatever MS wants to call it these days!


73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O