Mobile Laptop Data Acess

[Brandon Sullivan]

I know many threads have been around about this.. But I need a good mobile data plan.. Currently, I tether my cell phone.. But this means that I cannot recieve or make calls... And I know for a fact that some offices are starting to use Spotter Network to retrieve numbers to call spotters in the field.. So I need a cheap data plan.. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Van DeWald]

I have AT&T (formerly Cingular) with a Media Max plan. While their TOS says tha tethering isn't allowed, I have done it on occasion without any trouble. I can make and receive calls while the phone is tethered, without losing the data connection. However, I'm not recommending that you tether your phone on AT&T when the TOS is against it.

However, I believe Alltel has a plan that legally allows tethering of your phone for an extra $25 above the cell plan. Several people on the board have it and love it. I believe that many of them can also make and receive calls while the phone is tethered.

 

[Skip Talbot]

Brandon, I'm on Cingular Media Works tethering via Bluetooth. My phone supports 3G broadband speeds which is nice if you are in a big city. I can make and receive calls while connected, but any data transfers are suspended until I'm done with the call.

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

I have AT&T (formerly Cingular) with a Media Max plan. While their TOS says tha tethering isn't allowed, I have done it on occasion without any trouble. I can make and receive calls while the phone is tethered, without losing the data connection. However, I'm not recommending that you tether your phone on AT&T when the TOS is against it.

However, I believe Alltel has a plan that legally allows tethering of your phone for an extra $25 above the cell plan. Several people on the board have it and love it. I believe that many of them can also make and receive calls while the phone is tethered.

You can take calls on Alltel while tethered, but all data stops until you hang up again (then it auto resumes). To make a call, you have to first disconnect the phone; at least with my RAZR, it won't let me dial while it's dialed in to the internet.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

You can take calls on Alltel while tethered, but all data stops until you hang up again (then it auto resumes). To make a call, you have to first disconnect the phone; at least with my RAZR, it won't let me dial while it's dialed in to the internet.

The RAZR I have lets you leave it connected and recieve and dial out. Think it is V3.

 

[Blake Michaleski]

I use a card from cingular/AT&T as my only internet, including at teh house, that's what i'm on now. It's really nice to have data and voice completely seperate.

I pay $60 a month though for unlimited data transfer. speed isn't rediculously fast but very tolerable. the factory supplied antenna leave ssomething to be desired however. I'm ordering an external antenna that mounts by NMO mount through the roof on my chase rig for optimal ground plane.

 

[Andrew Pritchard]

Yeah Brandon, it may be your phone that won't let you talk... what company are you with? I tether with Cingular and can make or recieve calls and text all while connected. Your phone may just not be able to handle the multitasking.