On 12 Apr 2007 05:41:49 -0700, "HK" <Harlan.Koehn@gmail.com> wrote in
<1176381709.706994.323220@n59g2000hsh.googlegroups .com>:

>I'd really like to be able to pay about $50 for a modem that supports
>1xRTT, EVDO, EDGE, HSDPA, and Wi-Fi.

Me too. I'd also like a new BMW for $20,000. Both are unrealistic.
One standard, but not the whole gamut -- technology just isn't there
today.

>I know I'm too ignorant to realize all the complications that would be
>involved in such a device. But I'm kind of frustrated with the fact
>that we basically have two data networks (three now with Wi-Max and
>four if you count Wi-Fi) and neither of these two data networks really
>offer satisfactory high-speed coverage. For those who live in
>metropolitan areas and seldom venture from them, they do not see this
>as an issue. But for the rest of us, it's a big issue. Providers have
>been slow to cover some heavily populated areas that are not inside a
>popular metropolis, thinking more specifically of EVDO and HSDPA. It
>simply doesn't pay for me to pay for a data plan when the high-speed
>service isn't available anyway.

EGPRS(EDGE) offers respectable speed and very wide coverage, with 1xRTT
not too far behind. Why won't they work for you?

>$10 per day would make me squirm a little. I do like the idea of
>having this available for occasional use, but if you use it more than
>five times a month, you might as well have a data plan. $5 per day
>sounds a lot more agreeable, considering it would raise the "need-for-
>a-data-plan" threshold to a more acceptable level.

The problem is that the carrier can't make money at that kind of low
price point on such a complex service -- even $10 is probably too low.
That's why data packages make sense for both the carrier and the
customer.

>I think some hardware standardization for cell. phones is a critical
>part of providing data services. The Motorola Sprint/Nextel ic502 now
>uses a more standardized USB cable (without a proprietary end at the
>phone). This is a move that all mfg's should follow in order to
>simplify hooking your phone up to your computer, but i don't really
>expect it any time soon, if ever. It appears that proprietary
>solutions have been proven to fill the coffers so why would
>manufacturers and providers consider otherwise?

For the reason that Motorola is now using standard mini USB cables.
Standardization greatly increases the market, and makes retail
distribution of accessories practical. It will be particularly driven
by retailers and carriers, but benefits manufacturers as well.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>