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[Patrick Stoddard]

Hi!

--- Cindy Fox <cindyfox@home.com> wrote:
> I have always avoided using my cell phone with my
> laptop because of the
> outrageous "data" charges.  What do they care what I
> use my on-air hours
> for?

They "care" because they are handling the data
differently (on a CDMA digital system like the one
Sprint PCS uses) than voice.  Plus their phones
know when you are using the interconnect cable
for data.  Some other digital cellular/PCS systems
can't get this fast on a good day.

> I can't believe that you have to suffer at 14.4K and
> pay high prices.

It is available in a pinch, it would have its uses,
but not something to use all the time (unless 
someone else was paying the data charges).
 
> Has anyone ever used an acoustic coupler with a cell
> phone.  I've been
> thinking about it, but it's not that high of a
> priority right now, though I
> wonder how well it works.  I'm sure it depends on
> the phone style and the
> coupler.   But then you're set up for the payphone
> when your cell phone dies
> and for foreign countries, if your email is very
> important to you.  :)

On an analog call phone, you can use the CDPD modems
and connect into the phone, and it would appear to 
be just another analog call.  But you may be lucky
to get 9600bps speeds.

Data over the cell phones is a new concept to North
American cellular/PCS companies, they are behind
their counterparts in Europe and Japan now.  CDMA-
based networks, if the reports are true, could make
big improvements in data speeds soon as systems are
upgraded.  

Now, if only MCI WorldCom hadn't cut the phone lines
into my office.  The Internet circuit is going, and
we have 2 or 3 inbound lines, but this is giving me
a headache having to pass cell phones around the
office
from the phone company (NextLink) to manage a small
24/7 call center.

C ya!   Patrick

 


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