comparing Sprint Vision to T-Mobile GPRS

[amphibian]

SEPTEMBER 6, 2002

FLASH PRODUCT REVIEW
By Stephen H. Wildstrom

The Flaw in Sprint's Wireless Data Scheme

Insanely complex pricing could hobble its Vision network, an otherwise fine product, especially when used with the new Treo 300 handset

Wireless data networks in the U.S. are finally getting serious. With the recent rollout of the Sprint PCS Vision service and AT&T Wireless Mobile Internet, every national carrier except Nextel (where such an upgrade is in the works) now offers some sort of always-on wireless data service at speeds comparable to a wired modem, at least in the more densely populated parts of their service areas.

Sprint, which began pushing wireless data long before it had a network really suitable for the task, is making a heavy commitment to Vision. Using a technology called CDMA 1X, also used by Verizon Wireless on its Express Network announced earlier this year, Sprint offers data speeds around 50 kilobits per second, fast enough for good e-mail and satisfactory for Web browsing. Unfortunately, complex and potentially very expensive pricing may discourage subscribers.

Sprint's network can be accessed in a variety of ways, including phones used as wireless modems or a via a PC Card that fits in a slot on a laptop. But perhaps the most intriguing use of the new service is with the Treo 300 from Handspring. Except for a silver color and the Sprint brand, the color-display 300 is virtually identical to the Treo 270 that I reviewed using the T-Mobile USA network (see BW, 8/26/02, "Wireless E-Mail: A Work-in-Progress").

EARLIER SLOWPOKES. The Vision network, however, makes a big difference. The Treo 270 (and the monochrome 180 model) works on GSM networks such as those operated by T-Mobile (formerly VoiceStream Wireless) and Cingular. Although GSM carriers are now offering a data service called GPRS with speeds roughly comparable to Sprint's, software that will allow the Treos to use the new GPRS network isn't ready yet.

To exchange data, the GSM Treos must actually make a voice call. The voice network limits data transmissions to a pokey 9.6 kilobits per second, compared to 64 kilobits for GPRS. The real difference is in the need to set up a call every time the device needs to fetch or send data.

The new Treo 300 ($499 with activation; combined voice and data plans starting at $44.99 a month) establishes a network connection and maintains it. This allows information, such as new mail messages or calendar changes, to be "pushed" to a wireless handheld as soon as the data arrives at the server. The GSM Treos get data when they call the network at prescheduled intervals.

RELIABLE CONNECTIONS. More significant, I've fairly frequently experienced occasions when a GSM Treo was unable to connect to the network to exchange mail. As long as you stay within the Sprint PCS Vision system's 1X data-coverage area, connections seem far more reliable on the 300.

Sprint supplies the Treo 300 with its Business Connection e-mail software. The service, Sprint's version of software from SEVEN (www.seven.com), costs $5 per months for the personal edition after a three-month free trial. Business Connection runs a small program on your desktop computer that securely forwards mail from your Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Domino account to the Treo.

Mail, as well as your up-to-date contact list and calendar, is also available from any PC at a private Web site. In addition, Sprint offers a version of Business Connection that runs on a corporate server and doesn't require that your desktop machine be up and running to forward mail.

WHERE IT GETS WEIRD. Business Connection is very similar to Handspring's $99-a-year Treo Mail service, and if you prefer, you can run Treo Mail on the 300 instead of Business Connection. I have a slight preference for Teo Mail, mainly because I find it a bit easier to use. But both do a very good job of delivering your corporate e-mail wirelessly.

In addition to the mail-service fee for whichever version you pick, you'll have to pay for data. Here Sprint makes things a little weird with insanely complex pricing plans and per-megabyte data charges that bounce around without any seeming reason.

Combined voice and data plans range from $44.95 a month (for 500 anytime voice minutes, 4,000 night and weekend minutes, and 2 megabytes of data) to $119.99 (for 2,000 anytime minutes and 20 MB of data). In the cheaper plan, an introductory offer that's supposed to run through October, the data service essentially comes free compared to a voice-only plan, while in the $120 package, data costs $2 a megabyte.

In either case, you'd better watch your data usage carefully because each megabyte over your monthly allotment will cost a staggering $20.48.

SCREAMING SUBSCRIBERS? By contrast, T-Mobile's pricing for GPRS data service is a model of clarity. The basic plans are an add-on to monthly voice service ranging from $19.99 for 5 megabytes to $59.99 for 20. Each additional megabyte is $5 for the cheapest plan and $4 for the others.

The Treo 300 and the Sprint PCS Vision network are potentially big steps forward in mobile data. Unfortunately, the pricing -- which is made worse since you have no easy way to keep track of your data usage on the Treo -- is likely to scare off subscribers or send unhappy customers screaming to Sprint offices when they get their first bills. It's a good device and a promising network. It deserves more sensible pricing.


Wildstrom is Technology & You columnist for BusinessWeek. Follow his Flash Product Reviews, only on BusinessWeek Online

[hav0k99]

Does anyone have any experience with both carriers? I use Sprint PCS right now and am interested in moving to T-Mobile and using the Sony Ericcson T68i w/ my Ipaq and bluetooth card to access internet.

[aiwapro]

I use T-Mobile internet (GPRS) and it is very reliable. I can use it with as little as one bar of signal. It's fast too.