Date:         Mon, 3 Dec 2001 16:03:26 -0800
Reply-To:     Wayne Hagan <waynehagan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Wayne Hagan <waynehagan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Internet access on the road
In-Reply-To:  <200112032145.fB3Lj2sE000772@smtpin06.mac.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

It is great having access on the road, however, one important point is data
coverage. If you ask the sales people they will say data coverage works any
where there is a digital signal. Unfortunately this is wrong, I have used
mine all over the lower 48 and data access only works in some large
metropolitan areas, not the typical place I take my Westy to. This of course
depends on your provider. Mine is Verizon, they along with AT&T have the
largest coverage in the US. On several occasions I called in on the road to
their special data tech support folks to see why I wasn't getting a data
connection. Their explanation was that much of their network is shared from
other companies and there is no comprehensive list of who has data
capability and who doesn't. One way you can check is to try to log in using
your internet capable phone interface, if it's a no go there then it won't
connect via the computer either. The apparent reason for all this is that
your phone is acting as the modem with a cell connection, and it needs
certain protocol signals from the tower to function properly. Here are some
rather contradictory snippets from their site
(http://www.verizonwireless.com/internet_data/mobile_office/)

"Where will my Mobile Office service work?
The Mobile Office service is available in all Verizon Wireless digital
markets and the list keeps growing. For availability in specific areas,
check with your Verizon Wireless representative."
vs. this
 "Presently, some digital service areas do not yet support the Mobile Office
service. For details of your area service availability check with your local
Verizon Wireless representative. "

I got great coverage on the left coast I-5 corridor, connected within 10
seconds, but traveling to the right coast along I-90, coverage was
miserable. The occasional motel was no longer just for a shower, but also
for a phone line.
-Wayne


> Date:    Mon, 3 Dec 2001 00:02:34 -0500
> From:    Julian Burden <julian.burden@SYMPATICO.CA>
> Subject: Re: Internet access on the road
>
> I have already posted regarding this issue, but at the time did not have the
> cable to connect my notebook computer to my cell phone.
>
> I purchased one today for $99 Canadian from my local Bell store, and thought
> I'd comment on some points from other listees' postings.
> ...ect
>