EVDO and tethering

[nm-native]

After going rounds with Qwest over DSL service in my area (kept getting pushed back and now it is looking like Mar-Apr of next year), I am looking at going with tethering my LG 8600 to my computer. The dial-up here is SLOW SLOW SLOW ("fastest" speeds are at 24.0 KBPS). The area does have EVDO and I have about 4 bars on my LG witht he indicator on "EV".
Soemone told me about the $25 plan through Alltel to use the cell phone as a modem. I pay $22 per month for dial-up at this point, so I will gladly pay the $25 for faster internet.

Does anyone know where to get a data cable with all of the items I will need to get it going on my computer as a modem (I found a few cables, but all stated they did not come with software). Also, if I add the $25 plan and at some point Qwest FINALLY gets DSL out here, will I get hit with an early termination fee if I cancel that portion of my service (is it looked at as an "add-on" or a line of service)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[music4praise]

Originally Posted by nm-native

After going rounds with Qwest over DSL service in my area (kept getting pushed back and now it is looking like Mar-Apr of next year), I am looking at going with tethering my LG 8600 to my computer. The dial-up here is SLOW SLOW SLOW ("fastest" speeds are at 24.0 KBPS). The area does have EVDO and I have about 4 bars on my LG witht he indicator on "EV".
Soemone told me about the $25 plan through Alltel to use the cell phone as a modem. I pay $22 per month for dial-up at this point, so I will gladly pay the $25 for faster internet.

Does anyone know where to get a data cable with all of the items I will need to get it going on my computer as a modem (I found a few cables, but all stated they did not come with software). Also, if I add the $25 plan and at some point Qwest FINALLY gets DSL out here, will I get hit with an early termination fee if I cancel that portion of my service (is it looked at as an "add-on" or a line of service)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The $25 data plan with Alltel is considered a "feature" so it can be added or removed at any time to/from your voice plan. In addition to a data cable, you will need software appropriate for your phone. eBay usually works just fine for this kind of purchase. I always try for OEM stuff just because it won't void your phone warranty if something unfortunate happens.

[mjb50501]

check ur local alltel store they will carry what u need and no worries about if u are getting the right cable and software. or it can be purchased on alltel.com

[strunke]

You really don't need software, all you need is a data cable off eBay and the USB drivers for free online somewhere. Then just setup a dial-up connection.

[music4praise]

Originally Posted by strunke

You really don't need software, all you need is a data cable off eBay and the USB drivers for free online somewhere. Then just setup a dial-up connection.

For a person inexperienced with this, which seems to be the case, this is not a good plan. It is much better to buy a legal copy of the correct software/drivers designed for your phone. Also, poking around the Internet looking for and downloading drivers is a good way to get your computer infected with something.

[strunke]

Originally Posted by music4praise

For a person inexperienced with this, which seems to be the case, this is not a good plan. It is much better to buy a legal copy of the correct software/drivers designed for your phone. Also, poking around the Internet looking for and downloading drivers is a good way to get your computer infected with something.

I suppose, it would make it simpler, although the software is really not needed at all. USB modem drivers are freeware and can be found anywhere.

[nm-native]

Yes, I am a bit inexperienced with things like this. I have set up my computer a few times and had to download drivers off of the internet before (to install a computer that I bought refurbished without the driver software). Even with that said, I probably know more about this type of things than the 'average' consumer. My worry is to buy a data calbe online and it doesn't have all the 'things' I need to get it going (CD, software, etc). I cringe at spending the $60 or so dollars at Alltel, but if it has EVERYTHING that I need versus spending $15 and not getting EVERYTHING I need, then I will probably go with the data cable from Alltel. At this point, it is worth it to me to have the CD versus downloading the drivers online simply because my connection is SO slow, and it takes forever to download anything at 24.0 Kbps.
Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.

[MrObvious]

The way I figure it is, you have to spend money to get equipment to get any kind of Internet anyway. If you get broadband usually you have to get a modem. Consider this buying a modem. That might help you justify it.

It's only an one-time only price so I'd just bite the bullet and get it over with. After that, paying $25 a month isn't that hard with an EVDO capable phone.

[nm-native]

"Bit the bullet" and went with the Alltel data cable (because of the drivers and such). It was a pretty easy install (like put the CD in the computer and answer some questions). I am still learning the system and it has a few "quirks", but is WAY faster than 24.0kbps from my dial-up connection. Thanks to everyone who chimed in.

[MrObvious]

Glad to help!