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NewOldbie · May 9, 2007, 12:18 AM

Hi Folks,

It looks like I may need to get wireless internet service for my laptop because I will be spending a lot of time over the next few months on the road. The last time I played with internet access on-the-fly while on the road was about 2 years ago "teathering" to my cell phone. The speeds were pretty dismal.

I called around this afternoon and I guess there is EDGE and EVDO networks available (Cingular and Verizon) using wireless data cards.

Do forum members here have any preference of one network over another? I've got the feeling these services will NOT replace a broadband connection (say cable modem) which is what I'd really like to be able to do.

Thanks!

zerock · May 9, 2007, 12:58 AM

i would get Sprint instead of Verizon. Sprint's bandwidth is dedicated per customer.. Where Verizon's is shared. i have Sprint and get about 1.5mb/400k usually..

mduell · May 9, 2007, 12:06 PM

That sounds like nonsense to me... all wireless bandwidth is shared.

frdmfghtr · May 9, 2007, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by mduell

That sounds like nonsense to me... all wireless bandwidth is shared.

The RF spectrum is shared, but the actual bandwidth for data might be dedicated or shared.

I'm thinking about the bandwidth available at the cell tower and making the comparison to cable vs. DSL. Everybody on the same tower might share in a common bandwidth "pool" or everybody on that tower has a certain allocation whether they use it all or not.

That might be the comparison being made here.

mduell · May 9, 2007, 12:40 PM

But Verizon and Sprint are both using the same technology, EVDO.

peeb · May 9, 2007, 12:50 PM

Which have better Mac support?

bluedog · May 9, 2007, 03:26 PM

Sprint's speed in their high-speed network is really amazing. If you have the right phone, 'tethering' can be done via bluetooth (which really shouldn't be called tethering anymore). Basically is can also be called using the 'phone as modem' and can be added for about $40/mo on top of your current bill for unlimited usage.

I have a Samsung a900 phone and it is unbelievable to have the phone in my pocket and simply be on the internet in a sec via my phone and bluetooth. Since this option takes a connection on one of their towers it times out fairly quickly with no activity but is very fast to reconnect when I have used it.

If you have the slot for the card (any provider will try and get you to buy the additional card (which you may or may not wish to have). I like the portability of not requiring another item to be hooked up or draw power from my laptop.

bluedog · May 9, 2007, 03:34 PM

As for Cingular's service and their network, it too is fast (although I don't think quite what sprint is offering in terms of actual usage performance). A coworker just recently got service and does what I have via Cingular and a Blackberry pearl phone.

For anyone on the road, this is unbelievable convenience.

T-Mobile's offering may not have the same performance (I don't know anyone who uses their data plans with their phone. BUT if you also like the wireless access via many commercial sites like FedexKinkos or Starbucks which charge you to use their wifi then T-Mobile may also be a nice option without requiring the bluetooth or tethered phone or an extra card.

If you are in a contract with a provider, I don't think its worth paying their penalty to get out and try a new service. If you can add an option without re-upping your service contract then I'd just try and work with your current provider until you are free to switch.