What is the best phone to use as modem

B

Bubbly ♥

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I would like to eliminate my data card since I find myself using it less and less. Still sometimes, maybe once a week, I need to get online when I am not near WIFI or home. Can someone tell me what is the best phone to use as a modem and how it compares with a dedicated data card?

Best regards
 
Best phone? The phone doesn't mean a whole lot as long as it has the tethering feature and is 3G.

As far as using your phone instead of a data card, here's how it compared:

Data card:
$59.99 for 5GB per month
Separate contract required
3G speeds, where available
Dial-up speeds, where 3G is not available.
Quick to logon and start browsing.

Tethering phone:
$59.99 for 5GB per month
no separate contract required, add to your current wireless service
3G speeds where available
Dial-up speeds, where 3G is not available
Slower and harder to logon, with more errors
If you receive a call on the phone, you must answer it...internet will be terminated.

I am definitely not a fan of AT&T's 3G service and their tethering service.
 
Thanks for the informative response.
My concern was that a tethered phone requires additional protocols layers at the hardware & software level slowing the throughput down.



From your experience what is the best data service to use with thethering.

Response is appreciated.

Best regards.
 
I always reply.

Verizon Wireless is a great choice, here is why.

Wireless (cellular) data on the go (phone tethering) for your laptop will operate in either a 2G, 2.5G, or a 3G coverage area. Some networks, including Verizon Wireless have a 3.5G network. 2.5G is never really discussed, so I won't discuss it...it doesn't have much distinct about it.

Your laptop internet speeds will vary based on the type of coverage you have. If you are in a 2G or a 2.5G network coverage area, your speeds will be dial-up...maybe a little faster or slower in some areas. In a 3G or 3.5G area, your speeds will be somewhat faster than the fastest DSL, in some areas.

AT&T has only had 3G really since the first release of the 3G iPhone...how long, 7 months? They are new at the 3G business. 3G is what you want. 3.5G is even better. On the phone itself, you cannot distinguish the difference between 3G and 3.5G...but an indicator will be displayed to distinguish the difference between 3G and 2G.

Verizon Wireless was the first wireless carrier to launch a 3G service. They launched it in September of 2004. Sprint, if you wanted to get technical, launched it in New York, New York in May 2002. They kinda kept it there though, so I wouldn't hardly call it a release. In 2006, it began to roll out nationwide. T-Mobile has just released 3G...like super recently.

Here's common claims you will hear by each company:

Verizon Wireless-"Our 3G network covers 80% of the United States, and we have 3G roaming in Canada!"

AT&T-"Choose a 3G network which will quickly expand, over time."

Sprint PCS-"No one can top our 3G network. We have you covered"

T-Mobile has not placed any advertised claims for 3G, except for their G1 device, which they just say it is kinda faster than usual speeds.

Here's the reality: Sprint PCS cannot possibly have a larger 3G network than Verizon Wireless. For one, 3G requires an already standing 2G network. Sprint is known for only having local coverage along Freeways and some major highways...oh yea, and big cities. They really don't got you covered in the middle of nowhere, with anything except roaming.

AT&T cannot possibly have a 3G network better than Sprint PCS or Verizon Wireless. They are so new at this business that 3G is a concept of the future for them. I do give them props that it is expanding faster than expected, but it will be years before it is coast to coast.

I have a cool graphic here that compares Verizon Wireless and AT&T...Click Here. Wait a few minutes on that link. It may take a while before the graphic becomes in motion. Both carriers may have larger 3G coverage, since this map hasn't been updated since October 2008. Even Verizon bashes AT&T's 3G, right on Verizon's coverage locator. Click Here and then go to the bottom of the page to the blue lettering "Broadband 3G Network Comparisons". Click that text. You may need to enter your zipcode before you even get to the coverage locator.

Next, who has the fastest 3G network? Every wireless carrier that has 3G has claimed to have the fastest speeds. Verizon Wireless and Sprint both would be top competitors in this one. AT&T is said to have the fastest connection speeds. This means, it does only take 2 seconds to connect, but when you're on there, how slow is it? AT&T never stated they had the fastest. Sprint is said to have the fastest for downloading items, not uploading. Verizon is the exact opposite. Verizon is extremely fast at uploading...but slightly slower at downloading. Also, with Verizon and Sprint, it takes about 5 seconds to connect.

Verizon Wireless and Sprint both have an easy to use/understand Access Manager which will allow you to connect to the internet. With Verizon's VZAcess manager, you can send/receive text messages from your laptop, Open key programs (microsoft office programs), view the duration online, view your bill, and more...all from this little downloadable program. Sprint has a similar program, but less thorough.

Pricing:
Sprint PCS, Verizon Wireless, and AT&T all charge $59.99 per month for 5GB. Some may offer plans for less GB or MB. Sprint PCS has more limited devices than AT&T and Verizon. They also will not allow you to put it on certain plans, such as the Simply Everything Plan.

Verizon Wireless allows you to add it to almost any plan. AT&T allows you to add it on any plan as well.

It really doesn't matter about pricing, they all charge the same. Which has the best phones and coverage really is all that matters.

Hope this helped.
 
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