Internet Access via Cell Phone HOWTO

Nate Carlson writes "I've been searching for a decently fast, inexpensive wireless 'net access solution. It's finally here! Sprint recently cut their PCS Vision pricing so that US$40/mo gets you unlimited data and 300 voice minutes to boot. I've written up a document on how to get this working with Linux - it works great, and averages 7-12kbytes/sec download speed. All I can say is, wow!"

Comments

Great..except it violates the new TOS.

[Anonymous Coward]

Connection to the Vision network via anything other than a Vision enabled phone is a violation of the new TOS. In fact, SPCS has gone so far as to remove the PC connection kits from stores and the online shop.

Check out alt.cellular.sprintpcs for details.

Re:Great..except it violates the new TOS.

[swordboy]

Connection to the Vision network via anything other than a Vision enabled phone is a violation of the new TOS.

No it doesn't.

how long will it last?

[fifedrum]

It sounds like a good solution to some problems I've been having, rather conflicts between wanting to stay connected and wanting to hang out with the kids at the in-laws... But I can't help but wonder how long the service will be "unlimited data" before they start charging by the byte or minute once we're hooked on it.

Get 1XRTT service from Verizion, 144Kpbs

[malakai]

You can get unlimited data access from them for 90 bucks a month.

60 bucks for the USB cable. Phone appears as a USB modem to the OS.

-Malakai

For $40 Bucks...

[telstar]

For $40 bucks I want Sprint to stop screwing around with their service and stop making changes that complicate things for their users. In the past 4-5 months these changes have taken effect:

• Sprint relocated the due-date on Sprint bills making is more difficult to find the "pay by" date
• Sprint voice-mail no longer states the name of the caller. Instead you get to listen to a verbose reading of their phone number ... adding about 10 seconds to every call
• The voice-mail indicator requires that you stay on the call an additional 2-3 seconds longer than you used to, when picking up voice mail, in order for the indicator icon to disappear on your phone. If you hang up too soon, you'll have to call back to listen to "No new messages" before it disappears.

This is just a sampling of the changes Sprint has made over the past few months. I can't see how any of them were implemented for any other reason than to increase their profits. Additionally, ALL mobile phone companies are guilty of delaying phone-number portability, because they know that once people can leave their network and take their phone number with them it will open up a completely new area for competition.

Yes it does.

[_xeno_]

And I quote from the Agreement for the very plan the story submitter is quoting (the plan I'm going to be switching to shortly for my phone):

Sprint may deny or terminate service without notice where use is in connection with server devices or host computer applications, other systems that drive continuous heavy traffic or data sessions, or as substitutes for private lines or frame relay connections. Unlimited PCS Vision offer for PCS Free & Clear Plans with Vision is: (a) only available with a Vision capable PCS Phone or PCS smart phone device; and (b) not available with Connection Cards, Aircards, or any other device used in connection with a computer or PDA - including phones, smart phones or other devices used with connection kits or similar phone-to-computer/PDA accessories. Sprint reserves the right to deny or to terminate service without notice for misuse.

The reality I got from that section is that basically if you try and use your phone as your primary Internet connection, they'll shut you down. But if you just use the phone occasionally as an alternate method of connecting to the Internet, then they'll probably leave you alone.

Basically, what this guy is doing does go against the agreement needed to receive the "Unlimited PCS Vision" option. But yes, you can get plans that are designed for use with laptops/PDAs, but at around $40/month for 20MB total and $100/month for unlimited access. And these plans do not come with voice calling, or any features related to it - they are purely for Internet access.