Internet Connection Choices - we got 'em
I was fortunate to be able to try out both Sprint and Cingular Internet connections for my laptop while on my last excursion. Both of them are based on cellular technology but both have their strengths and limitations. I'll be posting more later, but here's a quick rundown on both.
Sprint Mobile Broadband Card - Wireless Merlin S720
This card provides high speed (really!) access for a laptop computer. I found it easy to use and very reliable. Even when the signal was relatively weak I got a connection. And, no problem at all using the card with its tiny flip-up antenna inside the camper.
Cingular Blackjack phone
More on the specifics later, but the good news is that mobile Internet access is definitely here... or at least wherever your cellular service provider has a decent signal.
Sprint Mobile Broadband Card - Wireless Merlin S720
This card provides high speed (really!) access for a laptop computer. I found it easy to use and very reliable. Even when the signal was relatively weak I got a connection. And, no problem at all using the card with its tiny flip-up antenna inside the camper.
Cingular Blackjack phone
This do-everything phone can do double-time as a high speed modem. I was able to connect it to my laptop using the phone's included USB cable. What was particularly cool was being able to use it as a modem at the same time as I was making voice phone calls.
My tests produced nearly equal upload and download times for both devices. But the particular service available for each will depend on where you are, and will ultimately determine your connection speeds.More on the specifics later, but the good news is that mobile Internet access is definitely here... or at least wherever your cellular service provider has a decent signal.
posted by Scott at
9:39 AM
Scott Koegler is a technology writer with way too many gadgets, even in his
RV. He is journaling his travels this year in this Digital RVer blog at RVtravel.com, but you can also
follow him on Twitter (http://twitter.com/scottkoegler) and BrightKite
(http://brightkite.com/people/
6 Comments:
Do you know if these services or similar ones have a Federal Access Policy (FAP) as do satellite based Internet providers (HugesNet for example)? I freelance, and one of my clients is a stock footage company that I edit for. The work involves viewing large graphics and video. I’m unable to use a satellite ISP because of FAP. WiFi and cable ISP’s work excellent, but are not always available where we would like to stop. Just curious how a cell phone connection would do for this kind of work. Thanks, and great blog!
By
suev5960, at April 21, 2007 1:52 PM
What is the charge for this service?
By
Bob, at April 22, 2007 6:19 AM
We have been out over 3 months now and use Verizon Broadband card. It works fine most places and when it's good you get almost broadband speed, others its speed is hit or miss. Most campgrounds we choose have wi-fi but even some of those have spooty coverage. At this time I will hold off spending the $1500 plus monthy fees needed for the Hughes system and stick with Verizon.
By
John & Maryetta's Journey, at April 22, 2007 6:57 AM
The Sprint card also works in the D-lind wireless router. This allows several users to access the account simultaneously. Sprint charges $60/month for unlimited access. I am currently a Hughesnet/datastorm user and am very familiar with the FAP. Sprint says that their service is unlimited - no FAP. However after reading that Comcast has established a FAP for their wired users (unknow amount, I should add), it would seem that Sprint would impose some limits.
It is recommended to get both and extenal antenna and booster to make this system most effecive.
By
mediawise, at April 24, 2007 9:43 AM
Most wireless providers do have FAP (Fair Access Policy) but very few actually tell you what "Fair" is. In fact, I think they just enforce it when they find someone abusing the network... again, an undefined term.
I would be careful uploading/downloading large files with any of these services because once they turn off your service you may have no recourse, and can't even cancel your contract.
The cost for a card varies, but most providers give them away free with a new 2 year service.
By
Scott, at April 26, 2007 7:54 AM
we are full timers and have used cingular's air card for 2 years. ( Sony Erichsson G3) It works great all across the US. Recently I saw where they now make an adapter that replaces the small antenna. This allows you to mount a Wilson cellular truckers antenna to the card. I have the card in a desktop and use the tuckers antenna mounted on a take apart mast. We are currently in the mtns of Tennessee where I had 1 bar without the truckers antenna. With the antenna I have 3 and sometimes 4. The cost of the card was free with 2 year subscription. The monthly unlimitem MB cost is $59.
By
walt66, at April 28, 2007 10:01 AM
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