There are many different ways to take advantage of broadband cellular for internet access. For the next few articles, I’ll cover some pros and cons of internet connections via:
- an internet-enabled phone or “PDA” (Personal Digital Assistant) like the Sprint BlackBerry 8830
- embedded data device in a laptop like certain Dell Laptops with Mobile Broadband Technology
- dedicated data device directly attached to computer, like the Verizon UM150
- sharing the internet connection with many computer using a 3G router like the Cradlepoint MBR1000
Many consider today’s feature-rich cellphones and high-end PDA phones (Personal Digital Assistant) to be the easiest way to access the internet while ‘on the road’. Hard to argue with those who make that claim since these devices are relatively small, self contained and many have nearly all the same functionality of a small laptop computer. With one of these high-tech beasts you can send and receive email, chat via instant messenger and surf web pages and so much more… albeit, on a small screen.
Most PDA’s are fairly expensive, even when discounted by lengthy carrier contracts. Many modern cell phones are less expensive and still offer the same capabilities of the more expensive PDA’s. If all you need is occasional access to the internet, using a cell phone or PDA might just be the proper purchase.
Not satisfied with the tiny screen on their phone, many folks take the next logical step that is available with most internet-enabled phones and choose to ‘tether’ their phone to their computer via USB cable or even wirelessly via ‘Bluetooth‘. When the phone/PDA is tethered properly, the computer will have internet access using the phone’s connectivity.
Sounds great so far, right? What’s not to love about accessing the internet with your phone, or tethering that phone to your computer?
Not much really… but enough to be real deal-breakers for the hard-core internet junkies. The first issue is speed. Most of today’s phones are designed as phones first, and data devices second. Sometimes not even second… the data side of the phone may have been an after-thought or last minute decision by the phone manufacturer.
The brains (processor) of a phone are typically nowhere near as fast as you’d find on a real computer. Neither is the phone’s internal ‘data bus’, the parts that allow for transfer of raw data. On top of these design deficiencies, most phones do not have data chipsets that are compatible with the fastest available cellular networks like HSPA and EVDO Rev-A, simply because those chips consume a lot more battery life, and we all know that short battery life on any cell phone is a really bad thing. In fact, many folks with data-enabled phones that don’t ever use the data side, are trying to find ways to disable the high-speed chips to get longer battery life when they use their phone, as just a phone.
As far as speed is concerned, the best internet-enabled phones with the best high-speed chipsets will only average about one-third the speed of a dedicated data device operating from the same cell tower.
Those wanting to tether their phone to their computer and get the best speeds, will have to use a USB cable. Wireless tethering via Bluetooth is certainly going to be an option for those with that feature on both their phone and computer… but most phones (and older computers) are still only using BlueTooth version 1.x radios which have less bandwidth than high-speed cellular internet. For most users, BlueTooth becomes a bottleneck that prevents getting all the bandwidth you are paying each month for.
For the RVer who only needs infrequent internet access to retrieve email a couple times a week, an internet-enabled phone on its own, or tethered to a laptop will be fine. For those RVers who consider the internet to be like air (or diesel?), the compromises that are associated with internet via cell phone, just aren’t acceptable.
Here’s another potential problem that some can’t live with — EVDO phones like those from Sprint/Verizon/Alltel cannot be used for data service and phone calls at the same time. Sure, you can use a 2nd phone to talk to clients and surf at the same time, but if you’re a single person, owning two phones probably makes less sense than owning a phone and a dedicated data device.
One last issue that might affect a phone/PDA for internet access is available coverage area. Some carriers (like Verizon) don’t allow data access in some extended/roaming coverage areas using a phone, but will allow it using a dedicated data plan.
In life, everything is a compromise. Using an internet-enabled cell phone or PDA might be perfect for some RVers with infrequent need to access the internet… but for most, the compromises are just too compromising.
If you have questions about this article, feel free to join the discussion I’ve started on RV.net’s technology forum by clicking on this link.
Next week, I’ll discuss accessing the internet using a data device that is built-in (embedded) into a laptop.
Tracy-franchise 500
I am using s smartphone not because I want to be “in” but because I have to. With the kind of job that I have I need to stay connected.
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fncampn
One way to improve connectivity and speed when using a tethered cell phone or an air card is to use a cellular antenna signal booster. Have a look at this article for some good tips on how to do this:
http://www.modmyrv.com/2008/06/11/mod-7-cellular-antenna-booster/
Robin
We have been on the road F/T for 12 yrs and my husband calls me a computer geek. I have to be connected to the Internet or I have withdrawals. I have been a Verizon customer even longer. Up until last year, I had a dinosaur of a cell phone that I tethered to my laptop that ran at a below dialup speed. After years of screaming at my PC in total frustration for pages taking up to 10 mins to load, I signed up for the Verizon aircard. It is pricey ($60/mo), but I have unlimited usage and the speed is great. While driving from CA to TX across Hwy 10 (pretty desolate) I was able to be connected the whole way (did some Ebay shopping and looked up gas prices at the truckstops.) We tend to go to some isolated places and only once did I have to suspend my service due to lack of towers. You can suspend your service for up to 90 days with 2 consecutive suspensions and only pay a small disconnect/connect fee. For $2/day, I’d gladly give up a soda at a truckstop to have my internet.
Mike and Cyndy Cotter, RNs
Starting in Sept we will be traveling North America our 8 (winter) months of the year, home the 4 summer months and really want to keep it simple and inexpensive technology wise. We will have laptops,maybe Dells,and just want to know the best and least expensive way to have a phone with good reception(to be in touch with family ,Internet access several times weekly to check email and have GPS. We are reading the postings- but are somewhat still befuddled.
Also any comments on Sirius radio pro and con.
Thanks for any guidance!
Mike and Cyndy
Bob Hummell
I have eliminated my home land line phone and cable TV. Instead I have Direct TV at home and take it with me in the Motor Home. Costs about $42 a month.
I have AT&T Celular with a phone for me and my wife, 500 minutes a month, with free nights and weekends. My wife does all of her calling to friends and relatives on the weekends. No long distance or roaming charges. We currently have 1400 rollover minutes.
I have an AT&T data card that slips into the pcmcia slot in my laptop computer. It is my Internet Provider and I have free Aol and other sites for my email, etc. I have total 24/7 access wherever I go. I use it at home and when I am on the road. So far I have been able to access it where I have traveled. Ca, Ore, Nevada, Utah, NM, Tx, Az. It works whereve AT&T has a signal which is the largest coverage in the US, so I understand.
My total monthly AT&T bill is $104 per month. So for under $150 per month I have TV, telephone and computer access. So far it has really worked well for me.
Don Klinger
I live in the country. Have Earthlink ($20/mo) Speed 2 t0 6 Kbps. I want to increase speed at my home and add Internet to my coach. Because cost is a consideration what is the best way. My current thinking is to tether a phone. Receiption at my home is not great but we can use our AT&T cell phone in most areas. I think using a tethered cell phone I will need to add a antenne at my home. Any ideas?
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Jeff Foley
Jack,
You can suspend your account as many times as you like, I think. However, the time your account is in “suspension” does not count toward completion of the contract, it extends the contract on a day for day basis.
I also think you can get service on Customer Provided Equipment (CPE) without a contract, month to month, or even daily.
Jeff
Jack
Jeff,
That’s interesting about suspending the AirCard for up to 90 days for a $10 fee. Is there a limit to the number of times this can be done within a 2 year contract? Also, when you reestablish the service prior to the 90 days expiring how long must you keep it active before ‘suspending’ again? Or can you only do it once during the contract period?
The reason for my question is that we travel by RV off and on (long weekends and summer vacations) for about 6 months each year and only need mobile internet service for half the year. With our satellite radio in the RV we terminate service at the end of the season and restart it the next season. It would be great is there was a similar internet option with the AirCard. Currently we just signed up with VZN wireless phone service and do not have a data plan or PDA.
Thanks,
Jack
Jeff Foley
If you have a VZW PDA with a voice and data plan, you can add (or delete) the tethering feature and it costs $15 per month. You can make one such change per month. You can change your plan at any time WITHOUT EXTENDING YOUR CONTRACT, and that includes cutting your data plan off.
If you have an aircard, you can suspend the service for up to 90 days for a charge of $10. The early termination fee is reduced every month after the first month of an active contract, until it is zero after 22 months.
Jack
Dan,
Which Verizon plan do you have that allows you to turn access on and off as needed for $2/day? The plans that I see on the VZN website have a $35 activation fee and a $175 early termination fee. How do you get around this?
Thanks,
Jack
Dan O'Connor
Good analysis. I use a treo tether on the road, because you can cancel the unlimited data service and bba with Verizon and pay only for the days you use (about $2.00 a day). When you’re at a hard wire computer, like home, you don’t need the service. No long term contract, etc…..Works for me!!!
Dan