"DTC" <no_spam@move_along_folks.foob> wrote in message
news:sZ6Lh.13795$tD2.11221@newsread1.news.pas.eart hlink.net...
> Snap Whipcrack.............. wrote:
>> Like I say, information is scarce. You don't have a clue what you are
>> getting. No specifications, and they all want around 60 to 80 a month
>> and you don't know if that includes cell phone service. I guess they are
>> trying to prevent proliferation. They sure are suppressing information.
>> It's like a 'pot luck' service.
>
> No idea how you arrived at the guess they are suppressing information when
> everything you want to know is on their respective websites.
>
> In a nut shell:
>
> Data services (internet access) tops out at $60-$80 for unlimited data
> transfers. Lesser costs for fixed transfers, but overcharges if you go
> over the plans data transfer plan.
>
> Theses rates apply to both your laptop tethered to you cellphone or your
> laptop with a data connection card.
>
> You can have a data plan added to your cellphone's voice plan for
> tethering and pay the above rates. Speeds are slower than if you used a
> data connection card.
>
> You can have an exclusively data connection card plan for the above rates.
> Connection cards start out at $40 after rebate and a term commitment.
>
> Cingular has just added a Express Card form factor card to their PCMCIA
> selections. I don't know about the other carriers.
>
> If you use your connection card SIM in a cellphone, you get charged an
> extremely high rate. I'm open to correction if I didn't state that
> correctly. I do not know the charges when you stick a cellphone SIM into a
> data card.
>
> I don't know about the other carriers, but you cannot run a server of any
> sort with Cingular, unless you pay a very high setup fee and monthly fees
> for a static IP address. I seem to recall I was told there was a $2,000
> set fee, but that information is also on the Cingular website - you just
> have to dig for it.
>
> No one is suppressing information. All the specifications and details are
> available on their respective websites. Cingular is not trying to prevent
> proliferation, their business accounts department told me data services
> are a high income service for them.

Sprint has $59.99 unlimited data for their Rev. A EVDO cards with basically
no restrictions. Download is running 700k - 1.4m in the Seattle area and
upload between 400 and 700k. You can also get a $99.99 business package for
"always on" users. I think this would support a server. Sprint allows
Phone-as-modem (I use my BB 8703e this way and download at 760k) with
unlimited usage included in the $39.99 data plan.

You need to look at coverage maps for the various carriers in the areas you
live/travel then pick the one you like. Phone-as-modem is good for light
use or if you don't mind missing phone calls otherwise a dedicated modem is
best. I like Novatel but there are others that are good. Make sure you get
an unlimited plan because overage will eat you alive - just like cellular.

Dave
http://ccgroup.us