Travel full time..what provider is best for me?

Well as of right now I believe Sprint as the best EVDO coverage nationwide, which is high speed-broadband like and where there is not evdo you would have 1x which is about 153kbs then in the more remote areas you would have dial up speed. Sprint just announced they will be expanding the coverage by a ton by 2007.
The only thing different between them is broadband coverage. I believe that Sprint has the most at this time accross the country.

Sprint's coverage-
Click here, the dark green is typically 1x, the yellow/gold is broadband, and the lighter green is dialup.

Verizon's Coverage-
Click here select a zip code and check the areas where you frequent the most on their coverage map it is in the mid to upper left of the page after it takes you to the plans, you must select "BroadbandAccess & V CAST" on the options to see it after getting to the map. The gray is broadband the yellow is 1x and the darker is dialup.

Alltel's data coverage-


The light blue is broadband and the rest is 1x. The green is free roaming. This map doesn't include the dialup coverage, the dialup coverage would be the same as verizon and Sprint. I'm also not sure if Verizon lets Alltel use the their broadband access. If they do, in the areas where it says roaming you would get what is on the verizon map.

None of the three charge for roaming coverage.
But if you change to an Verizon Sprint, or Alltel data card all would have good coverage. Don't know much about the state/countries you mentioned...

 

Sprint is pretty far ahead when it comes to high speed data. They have realistic plans to have nearly 100% of the network on EVDO by end of next year. Verizon has a lot of limitations with network in most remaining markets and it may take them time to get 100% of network on EVDO. Cingular is barely getting started with UMTS/HSDPA. Unfortunately, it looks like of the major metros getting Cingular 3G this year, many only get slower UMTS this year and not HSDPA.

More comparisons here...
http://www.evdoforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1235

 

Here is list of markets with EVDO/HSDPA....
http://www.evdoforums.com/about1841.html

 

sprint may have some more urban areas covered with high speed EVDO, but the OP stated that he often travels into rural areas. Now in a lot of rural areas Sprint doesn't even offer native service, so how would they offer data services there???
ALLTEL is pretty much ahead in the game when it comes to DATA services as their DATA roams across networks, which Sprint cannot.

 

In rural areas like National Parks, you are often lucky enough to find any signal at all, so having high speed data in those areas right now is not all that widespread.
You could get a Sprint and Verizon data card, or either or and compare them to your current Cingular card. Verizon and Sprint will have more urban areas covered with EVDO high speed than Cingular does I believe.

 

SORRY, BUT YOUR INFO IS INCORRECT. I SELL BOTH SPRINT AND CINGULAR AND CINGULAR BEATS SPRINT FOR NOT ONLY SPEED BUT ALSO COVERAGE.

SPRINT'S CARD ONLY WORKS IN DIRECT MARKETS. THE EVDO WICH PROVIDES THE HIGHER UPLOAD/DOWNLOAD IS VERY MINIMAL WHEN IT COMES TO TOWER AVAILABILITY.

CINGULAR, ON THE OTHER HAND, WITH THIER NEW HPRS /SW860 CARD, THE TOWERS FOR THE NEW HPRS SYSTEM ARE MORE ABUNDANT.

 

YOU MADE THE CORRECT CHOICE IN THE BEGINNING BY CHOOSING CINGULAR.
HOWEVER, IF YOU CALL CUSTOMER CARE AND UPGRADE YOUR CARD TO THIER NEW SW/ 860 CARD YOU WILL FIND IT EVEN BETTER THAN THE OLD SONY GC83 CARD. IF SATISFACTION IN RURAL AREAS IS WHAT YOU WANT STICK WITH THE PROVIDER YOU ARE WITH.

I SELL BOTH SPRINT AND CINGULAR IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY (THESE GUYS DRIVE ALL OVER THE STATES) THE NUMBER ONE CARD SOLD WITH SATISFACTION HAS BEEN CINGULAR.

 

No my information isn't wrong I never said anything about Cingular's speed or coverage. Also you are forgetting something....Sprint will have 100% of there network EVDO broadband by late 2007 from what I know. Which would surpass cingular.

 

Here is the cingular data Coverage map you have to visit the Sprint and VZW websites to see theirs.....

 

You are smokin CRACK. EDGE performance does not compare to EVDO.

 

New here, but how do I know which card I have?

I use Cingular for my ISP at home & on the road.

If I have the old card, how do I upgrade?

Thanks for any info you can give me.

 

ha ha ha, you is smoking crack.

 

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=95867

Carriers Restrict 'Unlimited' 3G

MAY 26, 2006



It turns out that some "unlimited" wireless 3G modem services aren't really unlimited at all.

Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S - message board), both of whom offer data services over their 1xEVDO networks, acknowledge that they reserve the right to cut off customers who are unreasonable in their interpretation of "unlimited." Think Homer Simpson at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Customers are limited because network capacity is limited.

Verizon Wireless' unlimited data plan for 1XEVDO modem users is in fact extremely limited, although the terms don't list a specific limit of megabytes.

"It's unlimited use for Internet browsing, email, and intranet access," says Jeffrey Nelson, a spokesman for Verizon Wireless, in an email message to Light Reading. "When we believe customers are using BroadbandAccess or other services in a way we do not allow, we work with those customers directly."

According to Verizon Wireless' latest terms of agreement, its Unlimited NationalAccess/BroadbandAccess services cannot be used for "(1) uploading, downloading or streaming of movies, music or games, (2) with server devices or with host computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, Voice over IP (VoIP), automated machine-to-machine connections, or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, or (3) as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data connections."

"We reserve right to limit throughput or amount of data transferred, deny or terminate service, without notice, to anyone we believe is using NationalAccess or BroadbandAccess in any manner prohibited above or whose usage adversely impacts our network or service levels," the agreement states.

Verizon Wireless did not disclose the number of customers it has cut off.

Experts say it comes down to the fact that the EVDO network may not be able to support large numbers of users who freely hit the broadband buffet.

 

Jones, that has nothing to do with the speed of EVDO.

 

Comprehensive information about GPRS and Edge
GPRS, General Packet Radio Services


GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) is a packet-based wireless communication service that, when available in late 2000, promises data rates from 56 up to 114 Kbps and continuous connection to the Internet for mobile phone and computer users. The reality will be around 33 Kbps (2+1 or 3+1 @ CS2, 4+1 for fixed modem). GPRS is based on "regular" GSM (with the same modulation) and will complement existing services such circuit-switched cellular phone connections such as SMS or cell broadcast. Voice over Ip over GPRS is also explored.

In theory, GPRS packet-based service should cost users less than circuit-switched services since communication channels are being used on a shared-use, as-packets-are-needed basis rather than dedicated only to one user at a time. It should also be easier to make applications available to mobile users and Wap or i-mode should far more attractive for the user. In addition to the Internet Protocol GPRS supports X.25, a packet-based protocol that is used mainly in Europe.

Operator should deploy GPRS very fast as most of the interoperability test between the network and the Handset are now finished (September'00) and because GPRS is mainly a software upgrade for the BTS, BSC and servers.

GPRS avec different coding schemes. We may just see CS2 in the market.

Table of rate per slot according to coding schemes

CS1 : 9,05 kbit/s
CS2 : 13,4 kbit/s
CS3 : 15,6 kbit/s
CS4 : 21,4 kbit/s

Net rate: - 10 %

SPECTRUM EFFICIENCY

Packet switching means that GPRS radio resources are used only when users are actually sending or receiving data. Rather than dedicating a radio channel to a mobile data user for a fixed period of time, the available radio resource can be concurrently shared between several users. This efficient use of scarce radio resources means that large numbers of GPRS users can potentially share the same bandwidth and be served from a single cell. The actual number of users supported depends on the application being used and how much data is being transferred. Because of the spectrum efficiency of GPRS, there is less need to build in idle capacity that is only used in peak hours. GPRS therefore lets network operators maximize the use of their network resources in a dynamic and flexible way, along with user access to resources and revenues.

GPRS should improve the peak time capacity of a GSM network since it simultaneously:
allocates scarce radio resources more efficiently by supporting virtual connectivity
immigrates traffic that was previously sent using Circuit Switched Data to GPRS instead, and reduces SMS Center and signaling channel loading by migrating some traffic that previously was sent using SMS to GPRS instead using the GPRS/ SMS interconnect that is supported by the GPRS standards.

Relatively high mobile data speeds may not be available to individual mobile users until Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) or Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) are introduced
EDGE, Enhanced Data GSM Environment

Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) is a radio based high-speed mobile data standard. It allows data transmission speeds of 384 kbps to be achieved when all eight timeslots are used. In fact, EDGE was formerly called GSM384. This means a maximum bit rate of 48 kbps per timeslot. Even higher speeds may be available in good radio conditions.

EDGE was initially developed for mobile network operators who fail to win Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS) spectrum. EDGE gives incumbent GSM operators the opportunity to offer data services at speeds that are near to those available on UMTS networks.

EDGE can also provide an evolutionary migration path from GPRS to UMTS by implementing now the changes in modulation that will be necessary for implementing UMTS later. The idea behind EDGE is to eke out even higher data rates on the current 200 kHz GSM radio carrier by changing the type of modulation used, whilst still working with current circuit (and packet) switches.

Implementation of EDGE by network operators has been designed to be simple. Only one EDGE transceiver unit will need to be added to each cell. With most vendors, it is envisaged that software upgrades to the BSCs and Base Stations can be carried out remotely. The new EDGE capable transceiver can also handle standard GSM traffic and will automatically switch to EDGE mode when needed.

EDGE capable terminals will also be needed- existing GSM terminals do not support the new modulation techniques and will need to be upgraded to use EDGE network functionality. Some EDGE capable terminals are expected to support high data rates in the downlink receiver only (i.e. high dates rates can be received but not sent), whilst others will access EDGE in both uplink and downlinks (i.e. high data rates can be received and sent). The later device types will therefore need greater terminal modifications to both the receiver and the transmitter parts.

In addition, the TDMA industry association, the Universal Wireless Communications Corporation, has introduced what it calls EDGE Compact. This a spectrum efficient version of EDGE that will support the 384 kbits mandated packet data rates but will require only minimum spectral clearing and therefore could work for network operators with limited spectrum allocations. In fact, as a result of this, EDGE has been renamed Enhanced Data Rates for GSM and TDMA Evolution. (See the TDMA section below for more details). Source:mobileipworld.com

EDGE is planned to be commercially available end of year 2001 (FOA).


High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD)


GSM Circuit Switched Data supports one user per channel per time slot. High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) gives a single user simultaneous access to multiple channels (up to four) at the same time. As such, there is a direct trade-off between greater speed and the associated cost from using more radio resources- it is expensive for end users to pay for multiple simultaneous calls.

Assuming a standard Circuit Switched Data transmission rate of 14.4 kilobits per second (kbps), using four timeslots with High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) allows theoretical speeds of up to 57.6 kbps. This is broadly equivalent to providing the same transmission rate as that available over one ISDN B-Channel. Some Mobile Switching Centres (MSCs) are limited to 64 kbps maximum throughput- this restriction is removed with GPRS.

In networks where HSCSD is deployed, GPRS may only be assigned third priority, after voice as number one priority and HSCSD as number two. In theory, HSCSD can be preempted by voice calls- such that HSCSD calls can be reduced to one channel if voice calls are seeking to occupy these channels. HSCSD does not disrupt voice service availability, but it does affect GPRS. Even given preemption, it is difficult to see how HSCSD can be deployed in busy networks and still confer an agreeable user experience- i.e. continuously high data rate. HSCSD is therefore more likely to be deployed in start up networks or those with plenty of spare capacity- since it is relatively inexpensive to deploy and can turn some spare channels into revenue streams. High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) is however easier to implement in mobile networks than General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) because some GSM vendor solutions require only a software upgrade of base stations and no new hardware. This is not the case with D-AMPS networks and some GSM vendor solutions.

There are a couple of reasons why HSCSD may be the preferred bearer for certain applications when compared to GPRS. The fact that associated packets can be sent in different directions to arrive at the same destination should in theory make the transmission more robust since there are many different ways of achieving the end result. However, this nature of packet transmission means that packets are subject to variable delay and some could be lost. Whilst packet retransmission is incorporated into the GPRS standards, naturally this process does take time and in the case of applications such as video transmission can cause poor quality images.

Another preferred application for HSCSD could be the fact that whilst GPRS is complementary for communicating with other packet-based networks such as the Internet, HSCSD could be the best way of communicating with other circuit switched communications media such as the PSTN and ISDN. HSCSD is mainly supported by Nokia with little success. Source:mobileipworld.com

 

Here's EVDO:

Now get the broadband-like speed you require to work efficiently outside the office. Using our wireless PC card with your laptop, you can connect to the Internet, corporate intranet, and your email and attachments while you're away from the office at typical download speeds of 400 - 700 kbps^, capable of reaching speeds up to 2.0 Mbps. BroadbandAccess will give you the freedom to stay productive and connected whether you're on the road or in a meeting across town.

Which one is faster?

 

to tell you the truth, i dont really care,:loony: thats like saying chevy is faster than ford.

if your happy with whatever, thats good. you dont need to preach it from the rooftops.:loony:

if it works for you, thats great. you dont need to belittle cingular, ever chance you get. that , gets old real fast.

when i was a kid, we played that game, my dad can whop your dad, my house is bigger than yours, my girl is prettyer than yours.




some of you guys need to grow the up. and get a life.


some of you guys are nothing but a bunch of trolls. coming over to the cingular forum and harashing people that dont belive as you do.



this is america, after all.


oh by the way, im just kidding, :browani:

 

With sprint.... the dark green are SPRINT towers .....the light great is AFFILLIATE towers ..... The dark yelllow is the EVDO coverage.

The data card has limited capability in affilliate areas. unless you are in a SPRINT direct market don't expect to have access to the net.

Now when you talk about UTMS VS EVDO.... The UTMS speed is just a little faster than the EVDO but not enough for the average user to notice. However, if you what to talk about the high speed coverage....... There are more UTMS towers available in the US than there are EVDO towers.


What this means is more coverage at faster speeds with UTMS than with EVDO.....

 

To upgrade you will be renewing your contract. But all you have to do is call cingular or go into your local store. they will do it all for you...
The one you really want to get is the sierra wireless AC860 UMTS aircard... that is the best one of the 4 they have, but expect to fork out some denero...:browani:

 

That has been put on hols till they recieve the revenue from the sale of the IDEN towers to the government.:loony:

 

I just find it rather annoying that you tell other members they are smocking crack, whereas you are the one who had your facts wrong this time. You can't compare EDGE to EVDO, like another member pointed out UMTS compared to EVDO is much more fair. It's not fair to GSM to compare a slower data speed technology to the fastest CDMA data technology currently used in the U.S. You have to compare apples to apples.

~Andy

And P.S. this thread is not in the Cingular forum, and even if it was, this is America and every member has the right to post their experiences and facts wherever if they apply to the question asked and help other readers.

 

This time I agree with Andy :highclap:

 

Yeah I posted that over a month ago.

I wonder when they will have it implemented...

 

Andy... hey I'm not defending anyone or getting in the middle of a dispute, because I believe everyone can post their experiences, etc., but I would like to say that please read back in this forum thread as walkguru didn't state the whole crack statement to begin with...jimwayda did and walkguru just quoted him... and then you said what you said about walkguru's post and then jimwayda said

to your post. Considering jimwayda said the whole crack thing to begin with....?????

So like I said I'm not trying to cause problems...I'm just stating that I don't think it needs to be directed at walkguru alone.

Let's all get along ..... This is a happy place where we talk about our buddies----our cell phones! ha ha ha:lmao:

 

Non Biased opinion. If you are already with Cingular, and you plan on staying in the Eastern US, like only one state over from the mississippi river then you are fine. If you want more than that go with Verizon or Alltel. We have a free roaming agreement with one another. 59.99 a month unlimited national access.