connecting a laptop -- current advice?

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
changed, and clarify a few points.

As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
options:

1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.

1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
for a Vision plan.

2. Obtain a "Sprint PCS Connection" PCMCIA card and pay at least
$40/month for a separate Vision plan for it.

I don't expect to use Sprint as my primary internet access for my
laptop; this will be for occasional use (say, 100-200 minutes per
month, or 10 megabytes transferred per month). I really don't
feel like paying $40/month for this; $40/month feels like primary
internet access, and I have some doubts that the Connection card
is supported or would would work with my laptop and OS (older Mac
PowerBook, running Linux) at all.

Questions:

Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
some unstated bandwidth limit?

What's the "a la carte" rate for option 1a, and does it refer to
kilobytes transferred, or what? When Sprint's brochure says that
the `Sprint PCS Vision for Sprint PCS Connection cards' service
costs $40/month for 20MB, $60/month for 40MB, and $80/month for
300MB, what do those MB numbers mean?

Does a $15/month Vision plan really secretly buy you data cable
access? The current brochure talks mostly about picture phone use,
SMS messages, ringer downloads, etc.

How hard is it to find third-party cables, or used cables on
eBay, at a reasonable price? I gather that the going rate for
data cables from the phone manufacturers is something like $70,
but this is highway robbery abetted by the connector conspiracy,
which I refuse to pay. (The phone I expect to get is a
Sanyo (?) RL 7300.)

How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
(drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).

Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
for (ab)using it lately?

Thanks for any answers or suggestions anyone can provide.

Steve Summit
scs@eskimo.com

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

"Steve Summit" <scs@eskimo.com> wrote in message
news:2004Sep28.0910.scs.0012@aerotwo.scs.ndip.eskimo.net...
> From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
> understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
> changed, and clarify a few points.
>
> As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
> cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
> options:
>
> 1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.

That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300, I
believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit the
7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
futuredial.com has these available at no charge.

>
> 1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
> for a Vision plan.

Same as above.

>
> 2. Obtain a "Sprint PCS Connection" PCMCIA card and pay at least
> $40/month for a separate Vision plan for it.

Yes, but it's expensive, as you've mentioned below, plus you have the
expense of the PCMCIA card as well.

> I don't expect to use Sprint as my primary internet access for my
> laptop; this will be for occasional use (say, 100-200 minutes per
> month, or 10 megabytes transferred per month). I really don't
> feel like paying $40/month for this; $40/month feels like primary
> internet access, and I have some doubts that the Connection card
> is supported or would would work with my laptop and OS (older Mac
> PowerBook, running Linux) at all.
>
> Questions:
>
> Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
> that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
> and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
> some unstated bandwidth limit?

They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision. In
saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our account, and
connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.

> What's the "a la carte" rate for option 1a, and does it refer to
> kilobytes transferred, or what? When Sprint's brochure says that
> the `Sprint PCS Vision for Sprint PCS Connection cards' service
> costs $40/month for 20MB, $60/month for 40MB, and $80/month for
> 300MB, what do those MB numbers mean?

Megabytes ... 1 Meg = 1000 Kilobytes.
>
> Does a $15/month Vision plan really secretly buy you data cable
> access? The current brochure talks mostly about picture phone use,
> SMS messages, ringer downloads, etc.

Yes and no. When SPCS first brought out WW, they were promoting it with
using it with a USB cable. After a few months, they changed their minds.

> How hard is it to find third-party cables, or used cables on
> eBay, at a reasonable price? I gather that the going rate for
> data cables from the phone manufacturers is something like $70,
> but this is highway robbery abetted by the connector conspiracy,
> which I refuse to pay. (The phone I expect to get is a
> Sanyo (?) RL 7300.)
>

Don't have a clue where you are getting the $70 figure. The cable can be had
for $20, and possibly less on line.

> How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
> (drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
> I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
> FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
> to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).

Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue what's
involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set up.

> Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?

On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or downloaded
through the phone.

> Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
> restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
> for (ab)using it lately?

You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that those
of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short periods of time
during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not doing large downloads.

Bob

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

"Bob Smith" <usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:NOf6d.3171$ls6.539@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>
> "Steve Summit" <scs@eskimo.com> wrote in message
> news:2004Sep28.0910.scs.0012@aerotwo.scs.ndip.eskimo.net...
>> From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
>> understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
>> changed, and clarify a few points.
>>
>> As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
>> cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
>> options:
>>
>> 1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
>> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.
>
> That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300, I
> believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit the
> 7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
> Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
> futuredial.com has these available at no charge.
>
>>
>> 1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
>> for a Vision plan.
>
> Same as above.
>
>>
>> 2. Obtain a "Sprint PCS Connection" PCMCIA card and pay at least
>> $40/month for a separate Vision plan for it.
>
> Yes, but it's expensive, as you've mentioned below, plus you have the
> expense of the PCMCIA card as well.
>
>> I don't expect to use Sprint as my primary internet access for my
>> laptop; this will be for occasional use (say, 100-200 minutes per
>> month, or 10 megabytes transferred per month). I really don't
>> feel like paying $40/month for this; $40/month feels like primary
>> internet access, and I have some doubts that the Connection card
>> is supported or would would work with my laptop and OS (older Mac
>> PowerBook, running Linux) at all.
>>
>> Questions:
>>
>> Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
>> that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
>> and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
>> some unstated bandwidth limit?
>
> They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision. In
> saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our account, and
> connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.
>
>> What's the "a la carte" rate for option 1a, and does it refer to
>> kilobytes transferred, or what? When Sprint's brochure says that
>> the `Sprint PCS Vision for Sprint PCS Connection cards' service
>> costs $40/month for 20MB, $60/month for 40MB, and $80/month for
>> 300MB, what do those MB numbers mean?
>
> Megabytes ... 1 Meg = 1000 Kilobytes.
>>
>> Does a $15/month Vision plan really secretly buy you data cable
>> access? The current brochure talks mostly about picture phone use,
>> SMS messages, ringer downloads, etc.
>
> Yes and no. When SPCS first brought out WW, they were promoting it with
> using it with a USB cable. After a few months, they changed their minds.
>
>> How hard is it to find third-party cables, or used cables on
>> eBay, at a reasonable price? I gather that the going rate for
>> data cables from the phone manufacturers is something like $70,
>> but this is highway robbery abetted by the connector conspiracy,
>> which I refuse to pay. (The phone I expect to get is a
>> Sanyo (?) RL 7300.)
>>
>
> Don't have a clue where you are getting the $70 figure. The cable can be
> had
> for $20, and possibly less on line.
>
>> How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
>> (drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
>> I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
>> FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
>> to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).
>
> Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue what's
> involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set up.
>
>> Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
>
> On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or
> downloaded
> through the phone.
>
>> Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
>> restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
>> for (ab)using it lately?
>
> You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that
> those
> of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short periods of
> time
> during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not doing large downloads.
>
> Bob
>
>

He should also realize that legally, Sprint doesn't allow using a
phone/cable/Vision combo for accessing the internet on a computer, even
though technically, they don't prevent it as of yet. My understanding (and
experience) is that as long as you limit such access, they're not going to
go after you, and it's ok for occasional use. But only with the realization
that it's not with Sprint's approval, and there is always the chance,
however remote, that they'll go after even casual "abusers" of this policy,
or disable this capability entirely, simply because it's within their legal
right to do so at present. Just making sure this is clear.

--
Kovie
kovie@earthlink.netizen

 

[Steph]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

"Bob Smith" <usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote in
news:NOf6d.3171$ls6.539@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net:

>
> "Steve Summit" <scs@eskimo.com> wrote in message
> news:2004Sep28.0910.scs.0012@aerotwo.scs.ndip.eskimo.net...
>> From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
>> understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
>> changed, and clarify a few points.
>>
>> As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
>> cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
>> options:
>>
>> 1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
>> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.
>
> That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300,
> I believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit
> the 7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
> Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
> futuredial.com has these available at no charge.
>
>>
>> 1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
>> for a Vision plan.
>
> Same as above.
>

[SNIP]
>> Questions:
>>
>> Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
>> that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
>> and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
>> some unstated bandwidth limit?
>
> They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision.
> In saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our
> account, and connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.
>
[SNIP]
>> How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
>> (drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
>> I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
>> FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
>> to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).
>
> Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue
> what's involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set
> up.
>

My Mac OS X laptop sees the USB cbale natively and all I need do is
enter #777 to make a connection. Easier than with XP actually for my
N400 phone.

>> Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
>
> On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or
> downloaded through the phone.
>
>> Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
>> restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
>> for (ab)using it lately?
>
> You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that
> those of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short
> periods of time during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not
> doing large downloads.
>

I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
hour total online time for the entire month.

SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
The second time they only reduced the charges.

So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 20:43:08 +0000, Kovie wrote:

> "Bob Smith" <usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:NOf6d.3171$ls6.539@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>
> He should also realize that legally, Sprint doesn't allow using a
> phone/cable/Vision combo for accessing the internet on a computer, even
> though technically, they don't prevent it as of yet. My understanding (and
> experience) is that as long as you limit such access, they're not going to
> go after you, and it's ok for occasional use. But only with the realization
> that it's not with Sprint's approval, and there is always the chance,
> however remote, that they'll go after even casual "abusers" of this policy,
> or disable this capability entirely, simply because it's within their legal
> right to do so at present. Just making sure this is clear.

And your understanding is warranted. When I first signed up for vision,
around 2yrs ago in oct?, it was promoted by the sales rep for tethered
laptop usage. I even grilled him on it since at the time I was using
another provider for dialup/service notifications via email. Even the reps
I spoke with on the phone gave it the blessing, I'm sure a search of
google news will find the old Usenet postings of people who experienced
this. Then around December their attitude changed from "yes no problem" to
"well for limited use". This also was around the time when they pulled the
connection kits from store shelves. Of course when I called to find out
more all I got was, "we have been told only for limited use but we have
not been told what that limit is...". Anyway I signed up for sprintpcs
solely for this purpose and have been using it for mobile/remote admin
access along with my voice plan. Luckily I haven't been questioned about
my usage but 800MB over three years is alittle less then a MB of day so I
would hope that falls into the limited use plan.

It is a shame they changed their policy, mostly due to abuse, since it is
a great data service(public ip and little port issues) not to mention that
I have been able to use it going 70mph down an interstate without
disconnect. If they do decided to completely cut users off verizon's per
min data plan options, although more expensive and eats out of your minute
bucket, is always an alternative and at least when I called them about it
in feb had no problem answering my questions about laptop usage.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 +0000, Steph wrote:
>
> I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
> and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
> billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
> for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
> hour total online time for the entire month.
>
> SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
> The second time they only reduced the charges.
>
> So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
> tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
> given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
> I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.

Well did they state it was because you broke their acceptable use policy?
There has been countless users who have had issues with sprintpcs vision
on multiple phones (add a phone mostly) where one was seen as having
vision and the other was not. Since they let you keep getting on without
the per KB billing on some months that would seem that it was more an
account error, why would you let an abusive user go back to abusing the
unlimited plan?, then you violating a vision usage policy. If that was the
case you shouldn't have been charged at all. There are a few unknowns
about your setup so of course I could be looking at it wrong.

I have used my vision capable phone for the last three years at around
800-900MBs of transfer(under or near 1MB a day) without even so much a
question from customer service or a bill(Knock on wood). I do not feel I'm
abusing their limited and I'm sure other users could share similar stories.
Also while I'm on the subject has anyone noticed that *4 now has a better
handling of data in regards to unlimited plans? It used to say data usage
was unavailable but now mentions that it is unlimited and has a format for
expressing how much has been used, which it doesn't yet.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

It could have been an hour or ten hours, the charge for that month
would have been the same, since it is billed by the KB.


Steph wrote:
> "Bob Smith" <usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote in
> news:NOf6d.3171$ls6.539@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net:
>
>
>>"Steve Summit" <scs@eskimo.com> wrote in message
>>news:2004Sep28.0910.scs.0012@aerotwo.scs.ndip.eskimo.net...
>>
>>>From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
>>>understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
>>>changed, and clarify a few points.
>>>
>>>As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
>>>cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
>>>options:
>>>
>>>1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
>>> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.
>>
>>That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300,
>>I believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit
>>the 7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
>>Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
>>futuredial.com has these available at no charge.
>>
>>
>>>1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
>>> for a Vision plan.
>>
>>Same as above.
>>
>
>
> [SNIP]
>
>>>Questions:
>>>
>>>Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
>>>that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
>>>and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
>>>some unstated bandwidth limit?
>>
>>They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision.
>>In saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our
>>account, and connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.
>>
>
> [SNIP]
>
>>>How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
>>>(drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
>>>I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
>>>FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
>>>to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).
>>
>>Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue
>>what's involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set
>>up.
>>
>
>
> My Mac OS X laptop sees the USB cbale natively and all I need do is
> enter #777 to make a connection. Easier than with XP actually for my
> N400 phone.
>
>
>>>Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
>>
>>On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or
>>downloaded through the phone.
>>
>>
>>>Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
>>>restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
>>>for (ab)using it lately?
>>
>>You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that
>>those of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short
>>periods of time during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not
>>doing large downloads.
>>
>
>
> I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
> and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
> billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
> for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
> hour total online time for the entire month.
>
> SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
> The second time they only reduced the charges.
>
> So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
> tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
> given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
> I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

The point is that he has an unlimited Vision plan where kb charges should
not apply. He was asking whether Sprint now charges per kb for non-phone
internet access even for people with such plans. And if so, do they state
this anywhere.

--
Kovie
kovie@earthlink.netizen


"Jerome Zelinske" <jeromez1@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:zOr6d.1808$Yr.1527@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> It could have been an hour or ten hours, the charge for that month
> would have been the same, since it is billed by the KB.
>
>
> Steph wrote:
>> "Bob Smith" <usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote in
>> news:NOf6d.3171$ls6.539@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net:
>>>"Steve Summit" <scs@eskimo.com> wrote in message
>>>news:2004Sep28.0910.scs.0012@aerotwo.scs.ndip.eskimo.net...
>>>
>>>>From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
>>>>understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
>>>>changed, and clarify a few points.
>>>>
>>>>As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
>>>>cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
>>>>options:
>>>>
>>>>1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
>>>> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.
>>>
>>>That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300,
>>>I believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit
>>>the 7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
>>>Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
>>>futuredial.com has these available at no charge.
>>>
>>>
>>>>1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
>>>> for a Vision plan.
>>>
>>>Same as above.
>>>
>>
>>
>> [SNIP]
>>
>>>>Questions:
>>>>
>>>>Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
>>>>that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
>>>>and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
>>>>some unstated bandwidth limit?
>>>
>>>They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision.
>>>In saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our
>>>account, and connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.
>>>
>>
>> [SNIP]
>>
>>>>How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
>>>>(drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
>>>>I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
>>>>FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
>>>>to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).
>>>
>>>Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue
>>>what's involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set
>>>up.
>>
>>
>> My Mac OS X laptop sees the USB cbale natively and all I need do is enter
>> #777 to make a connection. Easier than with XP actually for my N400
>> phone.
>>
>>
>>>>Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
>>>
>>>On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or
>>>downloaded through the phone.
>>>
>>>
>>>>Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
>>>>restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
>>>>for (ab)using it lately?
>>>
>>>You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that
>>>those of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short
>>>periods of time during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not
>>>doing large downloads.
>>
>>
>> I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>> and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>> billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it for
>> checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an hour
>> total online time for the entire month.
>>
>> SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
>> The second time they only reduced the charges. So I am very confused
>> about who and how are able to use their laptops tethered through the
>> phone without incurring big charges. I think that given the plan I have
>> it should allow for a megabyte of data per month - I just haven't had the
>> strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
>>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
>
>I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
>for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
>hour total online time for the entire month.
>
>SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
>The second time they only reduced the charges.
>
>So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
>tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
>given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
>I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
>
For what it's worth,
From posted info garnered from this and some other postings,
plus my own usages experiences, the "secret" of getting away
with using SPCS Vision, that is, ONLY being charged for
minutes-usage is possibly this:

1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
$5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)

2) DO NOT use a laptop wireless data card.

3) INSTEAD, use your Vison-capable cell phone as a wireless
interface "modem" cabled to your laptop with suitable driver
software.

4) Dial up the #777 and your Vision-capable phone will
display those parallel up/down arrows.

5) ABSOLUTELY, do not abuse this by doing "excessive" data
downloads and uploads, & some lucky and logical guessing as
to actually very limiting your online time and sessions per
month.

For example, in my own case, when occasionally traveling or
if at home with the A.C. power knocked out for several days
due to hurricanes, I use my LG-5350 with a USB cable, &
laptop with Win2k Pro.

Dialing #777, the Vision connection up/down arrows appear on
the phone's screen. (This has been observed as being
noticeably faster than regular ultra pokey Wireless Web.)

On the laptop, with booted-up e-mail client, portfolio
updater, and a browser, I then download the e-mail, download
investment portfolio updates, & observe a couple of online
banking statements,

Then, I disconnect, read the e-mail, input any replies,
compose any new e-mails.

I then reconnect briefly to upload any new outgoing
e-mails.

I.E., when doing these online Vision sessions, there are no
long sessions of casual Web browsing, nor Kazaa downloads
for example.
---Juan

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:uujll0do034qr1dno96mpgsfg7nmkk39e5@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
> >
> >I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
> >and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
> >billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
> >for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
> >hour total online time for the entire month.
> >
> >SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
> >The second time they only reduced the charges.
> >
> >So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
> >tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
> >given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
> >I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
> >
> For what it's worth,
> From posted info garnered from this and some other postings,
> plus my own usages experiences, the "secret" of getting away
> with using SPCS Vision, that is, ONLY being charged for
> minutes-usage is possibly this:
>
> 1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
> $5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)
>
> 2) DO NOT use a laptop wireless data card.
>
> 3) INSTEAD, use your Vison-capable cell phone as a wireless
> interface "modem" cabled to your laptop with suitable driver
> software.
>
> 4) Dial up the #777 and your Vision-capable phone will
> display those parallel up/down arrows.
>
> 5) ABSOLUTELY, do not abuse this by doing "excessive" data
> downloads and uploads, & some lucky and logical guessing as
> to actually very limiting your online time and sessions per
> month.
>
> For example, in my own case, when occasionally traveling or
> if at home with the A.C. power knocked out for several days
> due to hurricanes, I use my LG-5350 with a USB cable, &
> laptop with Win2k Pro.
>
> Dialing #777, the Vision connection up/down arrows appear on
> the phone's screen. (This has been observed as being
> noticeably faster than regular ultra pokey Wireless Web.)
>
> On the laptop, with booted-up e-mail client, portfolio
> updater, and a browser, I then download the e-mail, download
> investment portfolio updates, & observe a couple of online
> banking statements,
>
> Then, I disconnect, read the e-mail, input any replies,
> compose any new e-mails.
>
> I then reconnect briefly to upload any new outgoing
> e-mails.
>
> I.E., when doing these online Vision sessions, there are no
> long sessions of casual Web browsing, nor Kazaa downloads
> for example.
> ---Juan

Juan, are you saying that your 2G phone can access Vision's 3G protocol and
get higher than 14.4K speeds?

Bob

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

The unlimited Vision is for data on the phone. What I think he was
asking about, was for data on a laptop through a phone, which is charged
by the KB. Yes they state very clearly that the unlimited Vision is for
on phone use only.


Kovie wrote:
> The point is that he has an unlimited Vision plan where kb charges should
> not apply. He was asking whether Sprint now charges per kb for non-phone
> internet access even for people with such plans. And if so, do they state
> this anywhere.
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 17:40:13 GMT, "Bob Smith"
<usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote:

>
>"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>news:uujll0do034qr1dno96mpgsfg7nmkk39e5@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
>> >
>> >I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>> >and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>> >billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
>> >for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
>> >hour total online time for the entire month.
>> >
>> >SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
>> >The second time they only reduced the charges.
>> >
>> >So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
>> >tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
>> >given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
>> >I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
>> >
>> For what it's worth,
>> From posted info garnered from this and some other postings,
>> plus my own usages experiences, the "secret" of getting away
>> with using SPCS Vision, that is, ONLY being charged for
>> minutes-usage is possibly this:
>>
>> 1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
>> $5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)
>>
>> 2) DO NOT use a laptop wireless data card.
>>
>> 3) INSTEAD, use your Vison-capable cell phone as a wireless
>> interface "modem" cabled to your laptop with suitable driver
>> software.
>>
>> 4) Dial up the #777 and your Vision-capable phone will
>> display those parallel up/down arrows.
>>
>> 5) ABSOLUTELY, do not abuse this by doing "excessive" data
>> downloads and uploads, & some lucky and logical guessing as
>> to actually very limiting your online time and sessions per
>> month.
>>
>> For example, in my own case, when occasionally traveling or
>> if at home with the A.C. power knocked out for several days
>> due to hurricanes, I use my LG-5350 with a USB cable, &
>> laptop with Win2k Pro.
>>
>> Dialing #777, the Vision connection up/down arrows appear on
>> the phone's screen. (This has been observed as being
>> noticeably faster than regular ultra pokey Wireless Web.)
>>
>> On the laptop, with booted-up e-mail client, portfolio
>> updater, and a browser, I then download the e-mail, download
>> investment portfolio updates, & observe a couple of online
>> banking statements,
>>
>> Then, I disconnect, read the e-mail, input any replies,
>> compose any new e-mails.
>>
>> I then reconnect briefly to upload any new outgoing
>> e-mails.
>>
>> I.E., when doing these online Vision sessions, there are no
>> long sessions of casual Web browsing, nor Kazaa downloads
>> for example.
>> ---Juan
>
>Juan, are you saying that your 2G phone can access Vision's 3G protocol and
>get higher than 14.4K speeds?
>
>Bob
>
Bob,
Yes, the LG-5350 is a 3G phone; both the manual and the
nearby Sprint PCS Store state that fact.
Perhaps you were thinking of the slightly older LG-5150 and
5250 models that were only 2G capable.

There is also, or used to be available, an optional small LG
plug-in camera module for it. (I never obtained that camera
module.) Hope that helps. ---Juan

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

I guess I'm not understanding something here. Sprint specifically states in
their TOS that you can't use a phone to connect a computer to the internet
via a cable. Although this is technically still possible, and was for a time
even allowed, Sprint no longer allows this, and reserves the right to take
action against anyone who tries to do this, although in practice they only
do this for serious abusers. In any case, though, it's forbidden to do this,
so how could they charge for it if it's not allowed? Or has Sprint recently
changed its policy yet again, once again allowing non-phone Vision use, but
charging per kb, regardless of whether the plan includes Vision?

--
Kovie
kovie@earthlink.netizen


"Jerome Zelinske" <jeromez1@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:gzJ6d.2444$Yr.1140@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> The unlimited Vision is for data on the phone. What I think he was asking
> about, was for data on a laptop through a phone, which is charged by the
> KB. Yes they state very clearly that the unlimited Vision is for on phone
> use only.
>
>
> Kovie wrote:
>> The point is that he has an unlimited Vision plan where kb charges should
>> not apply. He was asking whether Sprint now charges per kb for non-phone
>> internet access even for people with such plans. And if so, do they state
>> this anywhere.
>>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:89sml0d3t3ekugjclr957ij8gb2mi0t9ck@4ax.com...

<snipped>
> Bob,
> Yes, the LG-5350 is a 3G phone; both the manual and the
> nearby Sprint PCS Store state that fact.
> Perhaps you were thinking of the slightly older LG-5150 and
> 5250 models that were only 2G capable.
>
> There is also, or used to be available, an optional small LG
> plug-in camera module for it. (I never obtained that camera
> module.) Hope that helps. ---Juan

Thanks for the clarification then. This brings up another point. If you have
Wireless Web on your 3G phone, then it sounds like a mistake with SPCS's
coding. I'm guessing you started off with SPCS with a prior 2G phone, had
the WW option on your phone, then bought your LG and did an ESN change?

Bob

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

In article <uujll0do034qr1dno96mpgsfg7nmkk39e5@4ax.com>, jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net wrote:
>On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
>>
>>I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>>and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>>billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
>>for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
>>hour total online time for the entire month.

>1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
>$5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)

Perhaps what is going on here is that you have a 3G phone but WW on your
plan rather than Vision. If you then use WW (maybe even Vision), you may
be charged $0.39/min EVEN if you think you should be covered under WW.
This is a known Sprint billing flaw that will never be fixed. You should
remove WW from your plan.

It also sounds like you should sign up for Vision, but if you're willing to
live with the $0.01/kb rate then fine.

 

[Steph]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

Central <spam2@central.2y.net> wrote in
newsan.2004.09.29.04.38.58.273632@central.2y.net:

> On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 20:43:08 +0000, Kovie wrote:
>
>> "Bob Smith" <usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:NOf6d.3171$ls6.539@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>>
>> He should also realize that legally, Sprint doesn't allow using a
>> phone/cable/Vision combo for accessing the internet on a computer,
>> even though technically, they don't prevent it as of yet. My
>> understanding (and experience) is that as long as you limit such
>> access, they're not going to go after you, and it's ok for occasional
>> use. But only with the realization that it's not with Sprint's
>> approval, and there is always the chance, however remote, that
>> they'll go after even casual "abusers" of this policy, or disable
>> this capability entirely, simply because it's within their legal
>> right to do so at present. Just making sure this is clear.
>
> And your understanding is warranted. When I first signed up for
> vision, around 2yrs ago in oct?, it was promoted by the sales rep for
> tethered laptop usage. I even grilled him on it since at the time I
> was using another provider for dialup/service notifications via email.
> Even the reps I spoke with on the phone gave it the blessing, I'm sure
> a search of google news will find the old Usenet postings of people
> who experienced this. Then around December their attitude changed from
> "yes no problem" to "well for limited use". This also was around the
> time when they pulled the connection kits from store shelves. Of
> course when I called to find out more all I got was, "we have been
> told only for limited use but we have not been told what that limit
> is...". Anyway I signed up for sprintpcs solely for this purpose and
> have been using it for mobile/remote admin access along with my voice
> plan. Luckily I haven't been questioned about my usage but 800MB over
> three years is alittle less then a MB of day so I would hope that
> falls into the limited use plan.
>
> It is a shame they changed their policy, mostly due to abuse, since it
> is a great data service(public ip and little port issues) not to
> mention that I have been able to use it going 70mph down an interstate
> without disconnect. If they do decided to completely cut users off
> verizon's per min data plan options, although more expensive and eats
> out of your minute bucket, is always an alternative and at least when
> I called them about it in feb had no problem answering my questions
> about laptop usage.
>
>


Your experience matches mine a LOT, except I now get billed for phone-
laptop tethered use on either of my unlimited Vison phones.
Same as you one advantage and reason behind getting the $100/mo
unlimited vision plan, was the free add-a-phone with vision offering
and advertised ability to use a laptop via cable to the phone.

My wife and I used it very sparsely and only while travelling; though I
fear she used more on-lien time than I becuase she used a web-mail
service rather than POP'ing the mail off. Either way I really don't
think we abused it.

Then we started to get billed for each increment (kb I assume). When I
phoned to complain I was first told we didn't have unlimited vision,
then it didn't allow for data, and on and on. I wish I had the original
advertising literature -- becuase it specifically did state you could
use it with your laptop.

In my mind this is a breach of contract on Sprint's end and I told them
so. Not withstanding my 8 year relationship with them as a pioneer
customer, if I sign a 2 year contract that offerred services, they
cannot revoke the services or modify the pricing without letting me out
of the contract.

They were good enough to take off the charges, but no more. And so I put
the data cable in the drawer waiting to fight another day.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

On Thu, 30 Sep 2004 22:17:30 +0000, Steph wrote:
<snip>
> Then we started to get billed for each increment (kb I assume). When I
> phoned to complain I was first told we didn't have unlimited vision,
> then it didn't allow for data, and on and on. I wish I had the original
> advertising literature -- becuase it specifically did state you could
> use it with your laptop.
>
<snip>

So it is as I thought, I asked about it in another post to you, they
are not charging you for abuse just claiming you don't have vision
service. Which sadly is another sprintpcs billing blunder. They have good
service and I am very happy with them for the price but I do dread dealing
with their customer service to fix billing mistakes. Sometimes you get
people who have common sense and can help you but other times you get
someone who could not care less about your problems.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

On Thu, 30 Sep 2004 12:09:59 GMT, "Bob Smith"
<usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote:

>
>"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>news:89sml0d3t3ekugjclr957ij8gb2mi0t9ck@4ax.com...
>
><snipped>
>> Bob,
>> Yes, the LG-5350 is a 3G phone; both the manual and the
>> nearby Sprint PCS Store state that fact.
>> Perhaps you were thinking of the slightly older LG-5150 and
>> 5250 models that were only 2G capable.
>>
>> There is also, or used to be available, an optional small LG
>> plug-in camera module for it. (I never obtained that camera
>> module.) Hope that helps. ---Juan
>
>Thanks for the clarification then. This brings up another point. If you have
>Wireless Web on your 3G phone, then it sounds like a mistake with SPCS's
>coding. I'm guessing you started off with SPCS with a prior 2G phone, had
>the WW option on your phone, then bought your LG and did an ESN change?
>
>Bob
>
Bob:
You may be correct about all that.
The LG-5350 is my 2nd SPCS phone.
The 1st SPCS phone was the 2G Samsung 3500, about 5 years
ago. I originally got Wireless Web about 3 years ago using
that 1st SPCS phone.
WW sort of defaulted to being "self limiting" for excessive
usage because WW is extremely slow.
I've had this LG-5350 about 1.5 years now, & had continued
to use it occasionally with WW.
It was only about 6 weeks ago, decided to dial up #777 just
for the heck of it, which "stumbled" me into the so-called
Vision usage via the phone, USB cable & laptop combo.

As an aside, while lately observing (while not actually
posting anything) the Verizon newsgroup, it appears to me
that Verizon may be actually stating & allowing 3G via a
tethered phone-cable-laptop combo.
If so, IMHO perhaps SPCS should start officially considering
that type of 3G service in addition to the now 3G
"teenagers" Vision of sending only 3G Photos and text.

Overall Sprint & Sprint PCS are the telephone communications
inovators. Perhaps they have something else up their
sleeves such as having near-future SPCS phones ALSO be Wi-Fi
capable for possible near-future SPCS Wi-Fi hot spots.
---Juan

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

On Thu, 30 Sep 2004 14:38:49 GMT, dantso@yahoo.com (Daniel
Tso) wrote:

>In article <uujll0do034qr1dno96mpgsfg7nmkk39e5@4ax.com>, jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net wrote:
>>On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
>>>
>>>I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>>>and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>>>billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
>>>for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
>>>hour total online time for the entire month.
>
>>1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
>>$5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)
>
>Perhaps what is going on here is that you have a 3G phone but WW on your
>plan rather than Vision. If you then use WW (maybe even Vision), you may
>be charged $0.39/min EVEN if you think you should be covered under WW.
>This is a known Sprint billing flaw that will never be fixed. You should
>remove WW from your plan.
>
>It also sounds like you should sign up for Vision, but if you're willing to
>live with the $0.01/kb rate then fine.

No, so far I don't even get charged that extra per/kb rate.
I still have been getting the usual flat-rate billing.
(In fact since earlier this year I switched over to F&F
America & my monthly bill went down about 15 bucks/mo due to
relatively low usage.)

As I had stated previously the couple of times now that I
have recently used the 3G phone-laptop combo, subjectively
I have not attempted to abuse it with excessive data
transfers nor excessive online times.

For now, should SPCS "catch up" with me & start billing me
those extra per/kb rates, then I'll simply go back to
occasionally using the slow pokey WW of which I still have
that extra $5/mo option.
---Juan

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:5ch0m05e2vn0grci5gq2nad64s0ho8c0s1@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 30 Sep 2004 12:09:59 GMT, "Bob Smith"
> <usirsclt_No_Spam_@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> >
> >"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in
message
> >news:89sml0d3t3ekugjclr957ij8gb2mi0t9ck@4ax.com...
> >
> ><snipped>
> >> Bob,
> >> Yes, the LG-5350 is a 3G phone; both the manual and the
> >> nearby Sprint PCS Store state that fact.
> >> Perhaps you were thinking of the slightly older LG-5150 and
> >> 5250 models that were only 2G capable.
> >>
> >> There is also, or used to be available, an optional small LG
> >> plug-in camera module for it. (I never obtained that camera
> >> module.) Hope that helps. ---Juan
> >
> >Thanks for the clarification then. This brings up another point. If you
have
> >Wireless Web on your 3G phone, then it sounds like a mistake with SPCS's
> >coding. I'm guessing you started off with SPCS with a prior 2G phone, had
> >the WW option on your phone, then bought your LG and did an ESN change?
> >
> >Bob
> >
> Bob:
> You may be correct about all that.
> The LG-5350 is my 2nd SPCS phone.
> The 1st SPCS phone was the 2G Samsung 3500, about 5 years
> ago. I originally got Wireless Web about 3 years ago using
> that 1st SPCS phone.
> WW sort of defaulted to being "self limiting" for excessive
> usage because WW is extremely slow.
> I've had this LG-5350 about 1.5 years now, & had continued
> to use it occasionally with WW.
> It was only about 6 weeks ago, decided to dial up #777 just
> for the heck of it, which "stumbled" me into the so-called
> Vision usage via the phone, USB cable & laptop combo.

See, here's another place where I'm confused. To connect with WW and it's
14.4KB connection, the dial up was #2932 (or something close to that). #777
is used to connect with Vision, and is 144KB burst speed with an average of
50-70KB in speed.
>
> As an aside, while lately observing (while not actually
> posting anything) the Verizon newsgroup, it appears to me
> that Verizon may be actually stating & allowing 3G via a
> tethered phone-cable-laptop combo.
> If so, IMHO perhaps SPCS should start officially considering
> that type of 3G service in addition to the now 3G
> "teenagers" Vision of sending only 3G Photos and text.
>

I saw an option on Verizonwireless's site, called Mobile Office, but I
didn't see where one could add the option to their plan, the option cost,
nor whether there were any limitations.

> Overall Sprint & Sprint PCS are the telephone communications
> inovators. Perhaps they have something else up their
> sleeves such as having near-future SPCS phones ALSO be Wi-Fi
> capable for possible near-future SPCS Wi-Fi hot spots.
> ---Juan

They are already starting to market that ...

Bob

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

Actually bob Verizon offers free 3g tethered laptop usage with their
America's choice? (don't recall its exact nationwide plan name). The main
difference between Verizon and Sprintpcs is that the option included with
that plan is charged per min, not per KB, and is taken out of your regular
plan minute bucket. It has the same #777 dial-up settings as Sprintpcs
vision, I set it up for a friend of mine, and called up Verizon's
technical service about charges on the plan. They did confirm what I
stated earlier. I guess Verizon is more option to tethered laptop use
since they didn't give out cheap unlimited data plans like Sprintpcs did.
Verizon also has per KB options along with their data pc-card plans but
like Sprintpcs that is well documented on their website. Search google
groups for alt.cellular.verizon I'm sure you will find more
useful information from long term customers who have been using Verizon's
data services.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

"Central" <spam2@central.2y.net> wrote in message
newsan.2004.10.05.20.42.46.252957@central.2y.net...
> Actually bob Verizon offers free 3g tethered laptop usage with their
> America's choice? (don't recall its exact nationwide plan name). The main
> difference between Verizon and Sprintpcs is that the option included with
> that plan is charged per min, not per KB, and is taken out of your regular
> plan minute bucket. It has the same #777 dial-up settings as Sprintpcs
> vision, I set it up for a friend of mine, and called up Verizon's
> technical service about charges on the plan. They did confirm what I
> stated earlier. I guess Verizon is more option to tethered laptop use
> since they didn't give out cheap unlimited data plans like Sprintpcs did.
> Verizon also has per KB options along with their data pc-card plans but
> like Sprintpcs that is well documented on their website. Search google
> groups for alt.cellular.verizon I'm sure you will find more
> useful information from long term customers who have been using Verizon's
> data services.

Ah, good to know Central. Only thing is ... that one can burn quite a few AT
minutes during the month.

Bob

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs (More info?)

On Tue, 05 Oct 2004 22:36:51 +0000, Bob Smith wrote:
> Ah, good to know Central. Only thing is ... that one can burn quite a few AT
> minutes during the month.
>
> Bob

Yeah I used to subscribe to cingular and with the old cdcp setup that did
charges by the min and it can if you don't watch it. This is why I got
unlimited nights and weekends, back when they still offered it. Which was
great since most of the time I needed to remote admin something it was
because I was out of the office on a weekend.