AlexSian
Dallas, TX
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Your understanding is spot on, but applies to a "dedicated data device with service" -- for instance, using a USB modem to provide internet connectivity to the computer it is attached to.
while that is the more popular approach to get mobile broadband service, my response isn't about that, and describes a way to provide what you had asked for in you earlier post (quoted below):
Bcam wrote:accessing the internet when on the road periodically for relatively short periods of time without committing to a long-term high monthly fee I don't know what carrier you currently pay $70/mo for cell/voice phone service but:
- if it is Verizon, AND
- at least one of those phones is capable of accessing verizon high speed data service, AND
- if that phone can be tethered to laptop
then you can call verizon and tell them to activate the "data feature" for that phone, which allows you to surf the internet on your computer, while it is tethered to your phone -- when and where you need to.
This does not require a separate contract to do this, its a verizon feature you can enable/disable when you need it. IF you were to have the feature enabled for an entire month, it could add as much as $60/mo to your bill.
BUT, if you only need casual/infrequent use and remember to call and disable when you are done using it, then Verizon will PRO-RATE the monthly service for the days you have that "data feature" enabled. This exactly addresses what you asked for in later post: (quoting again)Bcam wrote:I want to spend a few dollars for a few days or couple of weeks, pay nothing for two or three months, pay for a few days and so on.
Hope that clarifies things enough? if not, ask another specific question and i'l do my best to answer.
miscellaneous tech ramblings @ http://alexsian.com
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kcattacam
California
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... oh, and as far as it being pretty complex... NO WAY. (unless you have problems with round pegs and square holes...)
What is easier than plug and play - literally. take you MBR1000 router, plug your Sprint (or Verizon) wireless broadband in to the USB port (2 provided on the router), plug you computer in to one of the 4 eithernet ports and press go - it sets itself up with all of the built in software in both the broadband wireless modem and the MBR1000 - then set your laptop to hook in to the wi-fi and plug your Vonage in to your computer USB port and your cooking with PROPANE!
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BCam
Elk Grove, CA
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Joined: 08/28/2004
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kcattacam wrote:... oh, and as far as it being pretty complex... NO WAY. (unless you have problems with round pegs and square holes...)
Come on, that's a bit condescending and I respectfully suggest that you check your attitude at the door and try being more helpful along the lines of EVDOalex, who has been very helpful to me.
I'm not a technological idiot, among other things, I've been building my own PCs for years, however, wireless communication issues are something I haven't yet explored to any degree.
Most things aren't that complex once you've done them and once you know what to do. My dilemma is knowing which option to pursue and the fact that there are 54 pages of comments, suggestions and opinions on this topic here is indicative that it's not so "simple". The physical act of connecting the pieces and making it work aren't my problem.
I'm not looking to get into a flame fight here and am signing off for now.
Bob C.
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kcattacam
California
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Bob,
Please don't take my comment the wrong way... I keep trying to inject humor and keep forgetting that this is the sterile internet where nobody has a sense of humor and all seem to have a thin skin... please don't take that the wrong way either ... I AM NOT TRYING TO FLAME YOU!
The bottom line on this issue for me is that I NEED to be able to be connected without a hard wire, and I need to be mobile. For me, wireless communication is a must and I was trying to say, in my unintentional condescending way, was that I was a bit confused over your comments about complexity and was actually trying to explain how easy it all is. Believe it or not, there a lot of people out there, including myself, that have no idea what all of the mumbo jumbo is all about. They are like me... if I can't plug and play it, it is all but useless.
You mentioned that you had read conflicting input from the thread and apparently not sure where to turn.
I guess you need to first decide if you want or need dynamic 24/7 wireless internet and if it is worth it to you to either have it along with your hard wire phones and internet connection, or like I have done... do a way with the wire all together and go 100% wireless.
I was only trying to assure you that it works and it is easy to do... nothing else...
I apologize in advance to all if this or any of my posts were considered a flame... I will try to avoid my feeble humor from now on.
Mike - flameless
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kcattacam
California
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one last note:
So far, I am 100% satisfied with the set up I purchased, I have a minimum of 4 bars without an auxilary atenna (and the laptop on wi-fi is running at 10meg per second). The Sprint Nextel service area is huge - perhaps every bit as big as Verizon (which is a dirty word to me for reasons of my own). The Cradlepoint is a top rated top of the line unit - you don't need that much, but I do have a laptop that we run wi-fi and the additional cost for the best was minimal. all attached computers both eithernet and wi-fi are high and wide as they say in CB talk and my Vonage phone service is great... all over this itty bitty Sierra Wireless wireless modem. It even has a port to plug in a 32GB memory chip... I have not figured out how to make it do the dishes yet... can anyone advise me on this aspect? LOL
If I sound like a commercial for these guys, I am not. I am just trying to advise everyone here what I have and what my experience is.
Long term reliability is the only area I can not currently speak to but I am willing to bet it is bettere than the hard wire service I have had... outages and downtime na dwhat call brown outs when the ISP's are jammed with traffic... I have had that with Verizon, AT&T and Charter cable - so far none of that with Sprint. I can speak to Vonage reliability - Very clear efficent service with never a problem for over a year now, and one consistant never changing monthly bill with no gimmicks - very straight forward.
So tht's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Mike (a bit sticky)
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BCam
Elk Grove, CA
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Mike-
Thanks for your follow-up and explanation. I don't think I'm ready to completely cut the cord (literally) yet, in part because cell coverage in my house is somewhat marginal (although I'm sure we'll all be wireless in time). Currently I only need wireless data access only about 10% of the time so I've been looking for a relatively inexpensive, pay-as-you-go alternative. It sounds like Alex's suggestion should work for me, I'll just have to remember to turn it on and off so I don't get hit with a monthly fee.
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MrWizard
Traveling
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we fulltime, we are totally wireless, NO landlines or cable,
I use the data with phone, i also test phones, so my data useage and account features change every few months, I go from NO data, to mobile phone web, to full tethering and back again
while i have used aircards, i do not have one right now
using data on the phone means (1) less phone number, less add on local taxes & state charges, and NO dedicated contract for using an aircard
data features for the phones can be added & removed or changed as needed,
using the phone to tether for a modem, is the easiest way to alterable removable service 'as needed' no additional contract, just pay for the days needed, a week, a week end, or a month
call customer service, turn on before trip, turn off after trip
just don't download movies & music if you are going to do limit your days
because IF your data useage exceeds the pro-rate useage you will get an overage charge
as far as this thread, only the last yr of posting is the most applicable
as all carriers have added features and chaged their data limits & pricing structures,
it like reading a thread on campground prices or gas prices and looking at posts from (2-3_ years ago0, NON-applicable
I can explain it to you.
But I Can Not understand it for you !
....
Connected using T-Mobile Home internet and Visible Phone service
1997 F53 Bounder 36s
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bill h
hassayampa valley
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Joined: 08/02/2001
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We pay $60 per month for Hughesnet at home.
When we leave for a trip, I suspend the Hughesnet and activate the tethering feature on my Dare. That costs me $60 per month, or pro-rata. So, the cost is the same, whichever one is off or on.
When the Verizon broadband feels like working, it is faster than Hughesnet.
NOTE: Any incorrect spelling is intentional to prevent those annoying popups.
84 Barth 30Tag powered by HT502/Thorley/Weiand etc, Gear Vendors OD.
Siamese Calvin and Airedale Hobbes, 4WD Toyota toad
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kcattacam
California
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Bob,
I wonder what would happen to your cell service if you had an auxillary antenna on the roof - 3g store (and I am sure others) offers several antenna options. I was looking at one that is a wireless proximity boost for a regular cell phone - you just need to be close to it to benefit.
They also have options for my Sierra Wirelss modem with various size antennas with built in grounding plane so that they can easily be attached to a MH mirror or ladder - and a model that attaches through the MH roof... these plug directly in to the wireless modem.
It says that they really kick up a signal - your cell phone may be getting 0 to 1 bars and the modem on the antenna could be getting 3 to 5
I would like to ask the list if anyone has had experience with these antennas, how they work, what type or model is best, any advise regarding where best to buy them, best way to install on a MH and surge/lightning protection - how do you ground a surge protector on an MH without a copper rod pounded in to the ground... or do you even need one anywy.
Mike
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StuartT
La Conner, WA
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Joined: 09/17/2003
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EVDOalex wrote:Your understanding is spot on, but applies to a "dedicated data device with service" -- for instance, using a USB modem to provide internet connectivity to the computer it is attached to.
while that is the more popular approach to get mobile broadband service, my response isn't about that, and describes a way to provide what you had asked for in you earlier post (quoted below):
Bcam wrote:accessing the internet when on the road periodically for relatively short periods of time without committing to a long-term high monthly fee I don't know what carrier you currently pay $70/mo for cell/voice phone service but:
- if it is Verizon, AND
- at least one of those phones is capable of accessing verizon high speed data service, AND
- if that phone can be tethered to laptop
then you can call verizon and tell them to activate the "data feature" for that phone, which allows you to surf the internet on your computer, while it is tethered to your phone -- when and where you need to.
This does not require a separate contract to do this, its a verizon feature you can enable/disable when you need it. IF you were to have the feature enabled for an entire month, it could add as much as $60/mo to your bill.
BUT, if you only need casual/infrequent use and remember to call and disable when you are done using it, then Verizon will PRO-RATE the monthly service for the days you have that "data feature" enabled. This exactly addresses what you asked for in later post: (quoting again) Bcam wrote:I want to spend a few dollars for a few days or couple of weeks, pay nothing for two or three months, pay for a few days and so on.
Hope that clarifies things enough? if not, ask another specific question and i'l do my best to answer.
Actually I just called Verizon and what they told me is that I would have my basic family plan cost of $70, and to activate a Blackberry type cell phone that could teather and link to my laptop, (beside the phone cost) I would need to add the Smart Phone Plan for $45 and $15 for 5 Gig of usage time (totalling $60). If I enable for just a week of any given month and disable the remainder of the month, my bill would reflect my basic $70, the Smart Phone Plan of $45, and the $15 would be prorated for the week I used it. The Smart Phone Plan charge of $45 would not be not prorated.
StuartT
2006 HR Imperial
42 PBQ
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