Data Connections

I currently have a 2G phone that I use with my laptop with the
"wireless web" plan option, hence it uses minutes from my normal
plan, and is limited to 14.4. It's mainly a fallback to pick up mail
when I'm on the road (I originally bought the phone for this use
and used it extensively, through these day I hardly use it at all,
but I do expect this use to increase again, perhaps extensively again).

On a more involved use I'll telnet to to a site with a newreader,
but this is text based and one message at a time, so speed is not
an issue.

It'll browse too. That's obviously there for the asking since
it's possible, but obviously no speed daemon.

My problem is that I dropped the phone, and it is now flaky.

Basically, I'll take a vision phone if it's all they do not,
but could care less about the vision capability. The problem
is I've just spent some time with Sprint, and trying to make
sense of the web info, and I'm coming up frustrated about
getting answers, including google'ing here. So, my questions:

1) Does sprint support new 2G phones?
2) Can a 3G phone be used in the 2G wireless web mode?
3) I'm confused about exactly what plans are necessary
and what rates they are? Am I right that the 3G data modes
don't use minutes any longer, but are $5 more a month?
And that 14.4 now bites the dust with better throughput,
though at the mercy of possible congestion?
4) A bonus would be being able to fax through the phone too.
Am I correct this is no longer possible with the 3G phones
and/or the 3G sprint plans (dunno if I'm saying this right)?
5) I understand Sprint no longer carries the wireless web
cables. Are those available from say RadioShack for use
with say the SnapDialer applicable? What about for use
with 3G data connections?

If there is any good faq or good site covering some of this,
whether from sprint or not, please provide a pointer.
Ditto for any other words of wisdom about anything I have
no thought about above, etc.
--
Greg Comeau / Comeau C++ 4.3.3, for C++03 core language support
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware's Libraries... Have you tried it?

---

› See More: Data Connections

Greg -
You didn't mention which 2G phone model you have. Maybe you could keep
doing what you're doing by buying a used 2G phone on eBay. I believe
the Sanyo 4700 and the Samsung A460 were among the last 2G data phones.

Search this newsgroup (Google groups advanced search) for posts by Donna
Becker or DonnaB. I believe she made the switch from using a 2G phone
the way you do to a 3G phone.

I've never done this myself - I've only read about it here.

> 1) Does sprint support new 2G phones?
I don't think so.
> 2) Can a 3G phone be used in the 2G wireless web mode?
I don't think so. It might be able to dial a modem at some other ISP or
corporate modem bank and make a 14.4 connection. But for Sprint to be
your ISP, you'll be using 3G Vision.
> 3) I'm confused about exactly what plans are necessary
> and what rates they are? Am I right that the 3G data modes
> don't use minutes any longer, but are $5 more a month?
Yes. The problem is that Sprint doesn't want you to be using a tethered
phone as a modem, so they don't provide much information about it. They
want you to buy a PC Card with a separate data plan. This has been
discussed a lot here.
> And that 14.4 now bites the dust with better throughput,
> though at the mercy of possible congestion?
Or latency.
> 4) A bonus would be being able to fax through the phone too.
> Am I correct this is no longer possible with the 3G phones
> and/or the 3G sprint plans (dunno if I'm saying this right)?
Don't know.
> 5) I understand Sprint no longer carries the wireless web
> cables. Are those available from say RadioShack for use
> with say the SnapDialer applicable? What about for use
> with 3G data connections?
Yes, yes.

--
Frank Harris in San Francisco with an A620

"Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I currently have a 2G phone that I use with my laptop with the
> "wireless web" plan option, hence it uses minutes from my normal
> plan, and is limited to 14.4. It's mainly a fallback to pick up mail
> when I'm on the road (I originally bought the phone for this use
> and used it extensively, through these day I hardly use it at all,
> but I do expect this use to increase again, perhaps extensively again).
>
> On a more involved use I'll telnet to to a site with a newreader,
> but this is text based and one message at a time, so speed is not
> an issue.
>
> It'll browse too. That's obviously there for the asking since
> it's possible, but obviously no speed daemon.
>
> My problem is that I dropped the phone, and it is now flaky.
>
> Basically, I'll take a vision phone if it's all they do not,
> but could care less about the vision capability. The problem
> is I've just spent some time with Sprint, and trying to make
> sense of the web info, and I'm coming up frustrated about
> getting answers, including google'ing here. So, my questions:
>
> 1) Does sprint support new 2G phones?


By support, do you mean servicing a faulty phone? The store by where i live
say they do.
If you mean does Sprint still sell 2G phones, then no. There's always eBay.


> 2) Can a 3G phone be used in the 2G wireless web mode?


No, 2G wireless web mode would enatil dialing-up to any ISP number at
14.4kbps. 2G phones also do faxing.
3G Vision phones are stripped of doing that. They dial #777 and connect to
Sprint's Vision network (servers) directly.


> 3) I'm confused about exactly what plans are necessary
> and what rates they are? Am I right that the 3G data modes
> don't use minutes any longer, but are $5 more a month?
> And that 14.4 now bites the dust with better throughput,
> though at the mercy of possible congestion?


Either add Vision to a voice plan, $15/unlimited, or use Vision without $15
fee on a per use basis at $.01/kb downloaded.
Yes, ''3G data mode'' does not use voice minutes. It is measured by amount
of kilobytes, kb, used.
No, a Sprint 3G phone in ''3G data mode'' is using the Vision service, which
is either a $15 add-on, or $.01/kb, not $5/mth.


> 4) A bonus would be being able to fax through the phone too.
> Am I correct this is no longer possible with the 3G phones
> and/or the 3G sprint plans (dunno if I'm saying this right)?


You're right. Faxing direct from a 3G phone, not possible.
You could look into online faxing.

> 5) I understand Sprint no longer carries the wireless web
> cables. Are those available from say RadioShack for use
> with say the SnapDialer applicable? What about for use
> with 3G data connections?

Yes, RadioShack carries the Futuredial/SnapDialer cables for ''3G data
connections''.
The cables are also available from other sources like DataPilot, Bestbuy.


>
> If there is any good faq or good site covering some of this,
> whether from sprint or not, please provide a pointer.
> Ditto for any other words of wisdom about anything I have
> no thought about above, etc.

http://www.sprintpcsinfo.com is a good place for all sorts of information.

You should be cautious in using your phone via USB cable as a modem, as
Sprint does not officially sanction it, even though it works as such. Light
to moderate use, some say, should be acceptable, but as to what constitutes
moderate use is your discretion.

This quote is from Sprint's terms and conditions:

''Sprint PCS Vision Packs are limited to Sprint PCS Vision Phones and are
not available with any device used as a modem. Services are not available
everywhere''. http://tinyurl.com/27ko8





> --
> Greg Comeau / Comeau C++ 4.3.3, for C++03 core language support
> Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
> World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
> Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware's Libraries... Have you tried it?

In article <[email protected]>,
DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>"Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> I currently have a 2G phone that I use with my laptop with the
>> "wireless web" plan option, hence it uses minutes from my normal
>> plan, and is limited to 14.4. It's mainly a fallback to pick up mail
>> when I'm on the road (I originally bought the phone for this use
>> and used it extensively, through these day I hardly use it at all,
>> but I do expect this use to increase again, perhaps extensively again).
>>
>> On a more involved use I'll telnet to to a site with a newreader,
>> but this is text based and one message at a time, so speed is not
>> an issue.
>>
>> It'll browse too. That's obviously there for the asking since
>> it's possible, but obviously no speed daemon.
>>
>> My problem is that I dropped the phone, and it is now flaky.
>>
>> Basically, I'll take a vision phone if it's all they do not,
>> but could care less about the vision capability. The problem
>> is I've just spent some time with Sprint, and trying to make
>> sense of the web info, and I'm coming up frustrated about
>> getting answers, including google'ing here. So, my questions:
>>
>> 1) Does sprint support new 2G phones?
>
>By support, do you mean servicing a faulty phone? The store by where i live
>say they do.
>If you mean does Sprint still sell 2G phones, then no. There's always eBay.

I'm more than happy to toss the phone. I'm just trying to understand
the Spring current data offering(s) compared to what I'm used to
(and might prefer).

>> 2) Can a 3G phone be used in the 2G wireless web mode?
>
>No, 2G wireless web mode would enatil dialing-up to any ISP number at
>14.4kbps. 2G phones also do faxing.
>3G Vision phones are stripped of doing that. They dial #777 and connect to
>Sprint's Vision network (servers) directly.

Oh my. So I can't even dial into a modem via direct dialing
(even at 14.4) with Vision or 3G or whatver the right term is here?

>> 3) I'm confused about exactly what plans are necessary
>> and what rates they are? Am I right that the 3G data modes
>> don't use minutes any longer, but are $5 more a month?
>> And that 14.4 now bites the dust with better throughput,
>> though at the mercy of possible congestion?
>
>Either add Vision to a voice plan, $15/unlimited, or use Vision without $15
>fee on a per use basis at $.01/kb downloaded.
>Yes, ''3G data mode'' does not use voice minutes. It is measured by amount
>of kilobytes, kb, used.
>No, a Sprint 3G phone in ''3G data mode'' is using the Vision service, which
>is either a $15 add-on, or $.01/kb, not $5/mth.

So to rephrase Vision get one '3G data mode' by default?
2G wireless web is $10/month, so if Vision is $15/month, isn't
that $5 more? (As with tossing the phone above, I'm not worried
about the cost, just trying to understand what it is and what
is necessary to obtain it.)

>> 4) A bonus would be being able to fax through the phone too.
>> Am I correct this is no longer possible with the 3G phones
>> and/or the 3G sprint plans (dunno if I'm saying this right)?
>
>You're right. Faxing direct from a 3G phone, not possible.
>You could look into online faxing.

(Not a big deal, but it sounds like a step backwards.)

>> 5) I understand Sprint no longer carries the wireless web
>> cables. Are those available from say RadioShack for use
>> with say the SnapDialer applicable? What about for use
>> with 3G data connections?
>
>Yes, RadioShack carries the Futuredial/SnapDialer cables for ''3G data
>connections''.
>The cables are also available from other sources like DataPilot, Bestbuy.

Ok, great.

>> If there is any good faq or good site covering some of this,
>> whether from sprint or not, please provide a pointer.
>> Ditto for any other words of wisdom about anything I have
>> no thought about above, etc.
>
>http://www.sprintpcsinfo.com is a good place for all sorts of information.

Ok, I started from sprintpcs.com as well as a Sprint store,
and well, here I am, so will try springpcsinfo.com too.

>You should be cautious in using your phone via USB cable as
>a modem, as Sprint does not officially sanction it, even though it
>works as such. Light to moderate use, some say, should be acceptable,
>but as to what constitutes moderate use is your discretion.
>
>This quote is from Sprint's terms and conditions:
>
>''Sprint PCS Vision Packs are limited to Sprint PCS Vision Phones and are
>not available with any device used as a modem. Services are not available
>everywhere''. http://tinyurl.com/27ko8

You lost me on this one. How does one do either 2G data or
3G data w/o a USB cable (on a recent PC)? What does Sprint
officially sanction one to use for data mode then? Do you mean
they don't support data calls at all any more in any mode?
--
Greg Comeau / Comeau C++ 4.3.3, for C++03 core language support
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware's Libraries... Have you tried it?

"Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
> >"Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >> I currently have a 2G phone that I use with my laptop with the
> >> "wireless web" plan option, hence it uses minutes from my normal
> >> plan, and is limited to 14.4. It's mainly a fallback to pick up mail
> >> when I'm on the road (I originally bought the phone for this use
> >> and used it extensively, through these day I hardly use it at all,
> >> but I do expect this use to increase again, perhaps extensively again).
> >>
> >> On a more involved use I'll telnet to to a site with a newreader,
> >> but this is text based and one message at a time, so speed is not
> >> an issue.
> >>
> >> It'll browse too. That's obviously there for the asking since
> >> it's possible, but obviously no speed daemon.
> >>
> >> My problem is that I dropped the phone, and it is now flaky.
> >>
> >> Basically, I'll take a vision phone if it's all they do not,
> >> but could care less about the vision capability. The problem
> >> is I've just spent some time with Sprint, and trying to make
> >> sense of the web info, and I'm coming up frustrated about
> >> getting answers, including google'ing here. So, my questions:
> >>
> >> 1) Does sprint support new 2G phones?
> >
> >By support, do you mean servicing a faulty phone? The store by where i
live
> >say they do.
> >If you mean does Sprint still sell 2G phones, then no. There's always
eBay.
>
> I'm more than happy to toss the phone. I'm just trying to understand
> the Spring current data offering(s) compared to what I'm used to
> (and might prefer).
>
> >> 2) Can a 3G phone be used in the 2G wireless web mode?
> >
> >No, 2G wireless web mode would enatil dialing-up to any ISP number at
> >14.4kbps. 2G phones also do faxing.
> >3G Vision phones are stripped of doing that. They dial #777 and connect
to
> >Sprint's Vision network (servers) directly.
>
> Oh my. So I can't even dial into a modem via direct dialing
> (even at 14.4) with Vision or 3G or whatver the right term is here?
>
> >> 3) I'm confused about exactly what plans are necessary
> >> and what rates they are? Am I right that the 3G data modes
> >> don't use minutes any longer, but are $5 more a month?
> >> And that 14.4 now bites the dust with better throughput,
> >> though at the mercy of possible congestion?
> >
> >Either add Vision to a voice plan, $15/unlimited, or use Vision without
$15
> >fee on a per use basis at $.01/kb downloaded.
> >Yes, ''3G data mode'' does not use voice minutes. It is measured by
amount
> >of kilobytes, kb, used.
> >No, a Sprint 3G phone in ''3G data mode'' is using the Vision service,
which
> >is either a $15 add-on, or $.01/kb, not $5/mth.
>
> So to rephrase Vision get one '3G data mode' by default?
> 2G wireless web is $10/month, so if Vision is $15/month, isn't
> that $5 more? (As with tossing the phone above, I'm not worried
> about the cost, just trying to understand what it is and what
> is necessary to obtain it.)
>
> >> 4) A bonus would be being able to fax through the phone too.
> >> Am I correct this is no longer possible with the 3G phones
> >> and/or the 3G sprint plans (dunno if I'm saying this right)?
> >
> >You're right. Faxing direct from a 3G phone, not possible.
> >You could look into online faxing.
>
> (Not a big deal, but it sounds like a step backwards.)
>
> >> 5) I understand Sprint no longer carries the wireless web
> >> cables. Are those available from say RadioShack for use
> >> with say the SnapDialer applicable? What about for use
> >> with 3G data connections?
> >
> >Yes, RadioShack carries the Futuredial/SnapDialer cables for ''3G data
> >connections''.
> >The cables are also available from other sources like DataPilot, Bestbuy.
>
> Ok, great.
>
> >> If there is any good faq or good site covering some of this,
> >> whether from sprint or not, please provide a pointer.
> >> Ditto for any other words of wisdom about anything I have
> >> no thought about above, etc.
> >
> >http://www.sprintpcsinfo.com is a good place for all sorts of
information.
>
> Ok, I started from sprintpcs.com as well as a Sprint store,
> and well, here I am, so will try springpcsinfo.com too.
>
> >You should be cautious in using your phone via USB cable as
> >a modem, as Sprint does not officially sanction it, even though it
> >works as such. Light to moderate use, some say, should be acceptable,
> >but as to what constitutes moderate use is your discretion.
> >
> >This quote is from Sprint's terms and conditions:
> >
> >''Sprint PCS Vision Packs are limited to Sprint PCS Vision Phones and are
> >not available with any device used as a modem. Services are not available
> >everywhere''. http://tinyurl.com/27ko8
>
> You lost me on this one. How does one do either 2G data or
> 3G data w/o a USB cable (on a recent PC)? What does Sprint
> officially sanction one to use for data mode then? Do you mean
> they don't support data calls at all any more in any mode? They do.

Vision phones have web browsers that let you get information like news,
email, stock quotes, download ringers and games and so on, and so did some
2G phones. Other than for phone web browsing, Sprint would rather people buy
laptop PC cards and accompanying data plan to use Vision on PCs. Basically
if you want to tether your vision phone to your computer as a modem for data
use, it works, but at your own risk 'cause they don't officially sanction
it. Why....read their terms of service.



> Greg Comeau / Comeau C++ 4.3.3, for C++03 core language support
> Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
> World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
> Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware's Libraries... Have you tried it?

In article <[email protected]>,
DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>"Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> In article <[email protected]>,
>> DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>>......
>> >You should be cautious in using your phone via USB cable as
>> >a modem, as Sprint does not officially sanction it, even though it
>> >works as such. Light to moderate use, some say, should be acceptable,
>> >but as to what constitutes moderate use is your discretion.
>> >
>> >This quote is from Sprint's terms and conditions:
>> >
>> >''Sprint PCS Vision Packs are limited to Sprint PCS Vision Phones and are
>> >not available with any device used as a modem. Services are not available
>> >everywhere''. http://tinyurl.com/27ko8
>>
>> You lost me on this one. How does one do either 2G data or
>> 3G data w/o a USB cable (on a recent PC)? What does Sprint
>> officially sanction one to use for data mode then? Do you mean
>> they don't support data calls at all any more in any mode?
>
> They do.

Ok.

>Vision phones have web browsers that let you get information like news,
>email, stock quotes, download ringers and games and so on, and so did some
>2G phones.

Right, I can get that now (just text based).

>Other than for phone web browsing, Sprint would rather people buy
>laptop PC cards and accompanying data plan to use Vision on PCs. Basically
>if you want to tether your vision phone to your computer as a modem for data
>use, it works, but at your own risk 'cause they don't officially sanction
>it. Why....read their terms of service.

This is one other reason (for me) to be confused then, since they
do expressly publicize using a laptop to make a connection,
but it didn't hit me that they really meant to only for use with
a wireless card. I'm assuming it would be really dumb of them
to disable it in some way in the future, but I guess I'll worry
about that when and if that time ever comes.

Ok, so it looks like the "damage" is a 3G phone (I'm sure
I'll have fun with it even though I don't need it),
$5 more a month for Vision ($15 - $10), finding a cable
for the phone to the PC, and that's it?
--
Greg Comeau / Comeau C++ 4.3.3, for C++03 core language support
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware's Libraries... Have you tried it?

"Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
<snipped>
> My current plan is $49.99 for 500 anytime minutes,
> plus $10/month for 1500 night and weekend minutes
> (which I think they refund due to yearly service agreement),
> plus $10/month for wireless web, with free LD tossed in
> somewhere.
>
> Am I reading it right that with the Free & Clear plan
> they are offering the same thing (actually better since
> night and weekends are unlimited) for $40? (And that if
> I go over I pay $0.30??? per minute.)
>
> Am I also reading the Fair and Flexible Plan right that
> if I go for that that if I were to use say 20 minutes
> one month I'd pay $35, and if I were to use 1000 the following
> month I'd pay $87.50, and then if I were to use 20 minutes
> again the following month it would be $35 again?
>
> And that to either of these I can add Vision for $15/month?
>
> What if I keep my current 2G phone, and buy a 3G phone
> as an add-a-phone. That'll be what I'm paying now,
> plus $20 more a month for the add-a-phone,
> plus I guess $15 for the Vision for the 3G phone?

Instead of all these follow up questions, here's a suggest. Define what YOUR
needs are! There are a lot of wudda, cudda answers that can be supplied, but
in the end, the answer will be just what your needs are with your cell
phone.

Bob

"Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> Bob Smith <[email protected]> wrote:
> >"Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> ><snipped>
> >> My current plan is $49.99 for 500 anytime minutes,
> >> plus $10/month for 1500 night and weekend minutes
> >> (which I think they refund due to yearly service agreement),
> >> plus $10/month for wireless web, with free LD tossed in
> >> somewhere.
> >>
> >> Am I reading it right that with the Free & Clear plan
> >> they are offering the same thing (actually better since
> >> night and weekends are unlimited) for $40? (And that if
> >> I go over I pay $0.30??? per minute.)
> >>
> >> Am I also reading the Fair and Flexible Plan right that
> >> if I go for that that if I were to use say 20 minutes
> >> one month I'd pay $35, and if I were to use 1000 the following
> >> month I'd pay $87.50, and then if I were to use 20 minutes
> >> again the following month it would be $35 again?
> >>
> >> And that to either of these I can add Vision for $15/month?
> >>
> >> What if I keep my current 2G phone, and buy a 3G phone
> >> as an add-a-phone. That'll be what I'm paying now,
> >> plus $20 more a month for the add-a-phone,
> >> plus I guess $15 for the Vision for the 3G phone?
> >
> >Instead of all these follow up questions, here's a suggest. Define what
YOUR
> >needs are! There are a lot of wudda, cudda answers that can be supplied,
but
> >in the end, the answer will be just what your needs are with your cell
> >phone.
>
> As in my other post in this thread, it's low volume email pickup
> and text based telnet'ing. Right now that use with a 2G phone
> and "wireless web" option is 0 and has been for months.
> There have been months though in the past where I've used most
> minutes (as above, 500 anytime, plus 1500 night and weekend)
> for wireless web when I'm on the road, which is why I got the
> phone to begin with a few years ago (at the time Sprint was
> really the only option in town, even if it did not come with
> free LD capability I would have taken it). And that (setup and
> minute'age) has been sufficient.

If your current plan has been sufficient, then all you need is another 2G
phone (which you haven't said which model you currently have yet). Try
looking on eBay for another.

Now, depending on how long you've had that 2G phone, with the same phone
number, you might qualify for a $150 mail in credit, if you buy a new 3G
phone. You can check this site to see if you qualify.
http://pcshandsetupgrade.sprint.com/

If you change to a Vision phone, you will probably have to change plans and
get the vision option, which will probably cost you more $$. You will also
need to extend to a one year or two year contract.

Even though Vision will be a lot faster for you, if you spend quite a bit
online, which it sounds like you do on the weekends, it may raise some flags
with SPCS on the amount you download while tethered to your laptop.

Bob

On 5/17/04 9:23 AM, in article [email protected], "Greg Comeau"
<[email protected]> wrote:

> In article <[email protected]>,
> DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>> "Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> In article <[email protected]>,
>>> DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> ......
>>>> You should be cautious in using your phone via USB cable as
>>>> a modem, as Sprint does not officially sanction it, even though it
>>>> works as such. Light to moderate use, some say, should be acceptable,
>>>> but as to what constitutes moderate use is your discretion.
>>>>
>>>> This quote is from Sprint's terms and conditions:
>>>>
>>>> ''Sprint PCS Vision Packs are limited to Sprint PCS Vision Phones and are
>>>> not available with any device used as a modem. Services are not available
>>>> everywhere''. http://tinyurl.com/27ko8
>>>
>>> You lost me on this one. How does one do either 2G data or
>>> 3G data w/o a USB cable (on a recent PC)? What does Sprint
>>> officially sanction one to use for data mode then? Do you mean
>>> they don't support data calls at all any more in any mode?
>>
>> They do.
>
> Ok.
>
>> Vision phones have web browsers that let you get information like news,
>> email, stock quotes, download ringers and games and so on, and so did some
>> 2G phones.
>
> Right, I can get that now (just text based).
>
>> Other than for phone web browsing, Sprint would rather people buy
>> laptop PC cards and accompanying data plan to use Vision on PCs. Basically
>> if you want to tether your vision phone to your computer as a modem for data
>> use, it works, but at your own risk 'cause they don't officially sanction
>> it. Why....read their terms of service.
>
> This is one other reason (for me) to be confused then, since they
> do expressly publicize using a laptop to make a connection,
> but it didn't hit me that they really meant to only for use with
> a wireless card. I'm assuming it would be really dumb of them
> to disable it in some way in the future, but I guess I'll worry
> about that when and if that time ever comes.
>
> Ok, so it looks like the "damage" is a 3G phone (I'm sure
> I'll have fun with it even though I don't need it),
> $5 more a month for Vision ($15 - $10), finding a cable
> for the phone to the PC, and that's it?


Yes, that's it. If you get stuck while at it, check back in here.
--

On 5/17/04 3:43 PM, in article [email protected], "Greg Comeau"
<[email protected]> wrote:

> In article <[email protected]>,
> Greg Comeau <[email protected]> wrote:
>> In article <[email protected]>,
>> DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> "Greg Comeau" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> In article <[email protected]>,
>>>> DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>> ......
>>>>> You should be cautious in using your phone via USB cable as
>>>>> a modem, as Sprint does not officially sanction it, even though it
>>>>> works as such. Light to moderate use, some say, should be acceptable,
>>>>> but as to what constitutes moderate use is your discretion.
>>>>>
>>>>> This quote is from Sprint's terms and conditions:
>>>>>
>>>>> ''Sprint PCS Vision Packs are limited to Sprint PCS Vision Phones and are
>>>>> not available with any device used as a modem. Services are not available
>>>>> everywhere''. http://tinyurl.com/27ko8
>>>>
>>>> You lost me on this one. How does one do either 2G data or
>>>> 3G data w/o a USB cable (on a recent PC)? What does Sprint
>>>> officially sanction one to use for data mode then? Do you mean
>>>> they don't support data calls at all any more in any mode?
>>>
>>> They do.
>>
>> Ok.
>>
>>> Vision phones have web browsers that let you get information like news,
>>> email, stock quotes, download ringers and games and so on, and so did some
>>> 2G phones.
>>
>> Right, I can get that now (just text based).
>>
>>> Other than for phone web browsing, Sprint would rather people buy
>>> laptop PC cards and accompanying data plan to use Vision on PCs. Basically
>>> if you want to tether your vision phone to your computer as a modem for data
>>> use, it works, but at your own risk 'cause they don't officially sanction
>>> it. Why....read their terms of service.
>>
>> This is one other reason (for me) to be confused then, since they
>> do expressly publicize using a laptop to make a connection,
>> but it didn't hit me that they really meant to only for use with
>> a wireless card. I'm assuming it would be really dumb of them
>> to disable it in some way in the future, but I guess I'll worry
>> about that when and if that time ever comes.
>>
>> Ok, so it looks like the "damage" is a 3G phone (I'm sure
>> I'll have fun with it even though I don't need it),
>> $5 more a month for Vision ($15 - $10), finding a cable
>> for the phone to the PC, and that's it?
>
> My current plan is $49.99 for 500 anytime minutes,
> plus $10/month for 1500 night and weekend minutes
> (which I think they refund due to yearly service agreement),
> plus $10/month for wireless web, with free LD tossed in
> somewhere.
>
> Am I reading it right that with the Free & Clear plan
> they are offering the same thing (actually better since
> night and weekends are unlimited) for $40? (And that if
> I go over I pay $0.30??? per minute.)

If you go over anytime minutes, it's $.40 per minute.


> Am I also reading the Fair and Flexible Plan right that
> if I go for that that if I were to use say 20 minutes
> one month I'd pay $35, and if I were to use 1000 the following
> month I'd pay $87.50, and then if I were to use 20 minutes
> again the following month it would be $35 again?

Exactly.


> And that to either of these I can add Vision for $15/month?

Yes.

> What if I keep my current 2G phone, and buy a 3G phone
> as an add-a-phone. That'll be what I'm paying now,
> plus $20 more a month for the add-a-phone,
> plus I guess $15 for the Vision for the 3G phone?

You would have to change the plan on the primary account to a current
service plan, like the Fair and Flexible plans you referred to, to
add-a-phone to.
I'd suggest that you take advantage of the news plans that now give more
minutes than your old plan, and add vision to it. Example, you say your
current plan is $49.99/500mins + $10/1500 nts/wknds + $10/wrls web = $69.99.

A better plan would be $40/500mins/unlmtd nights/wknds + $15/vision = $55.
Since you're in the market for a 3G phone anyway, you can check to see if
you qualify for a handset upgrade rebate http://pcshandsetupgrade.sprint.com



--

In article <BCCEBB29.414%[email protected]>, DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>On 5/17/04 3:43 PM, in article [email protected], "Greg Comeau"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>> My current plan is $49.99 for 500 anytime minutes,
>> plus $10/month for 1500 night and weekend minutes
>> (which I think they refund due to yearly service agreement),
>> plus $10/month for wireless web, with free LD tossed in
>> somewhere.
>>
>> Am I reading it right that with the Free & Clear plan
>> they are offering the same thing (actually better since
>> night and weekends are unlimited) for $40? (And that if
>> I go over I pay $0.30??? per minute.)
>
>If you go over anytime minutes, it's $.40 per minute.
>
>> Am I also reading the Fair and Flexible Plan right that
>> if I go for that that if I were to use say 20 minutes
>> one month I'd pay $35, and if I were to use 1000 the following
>> month I'd pay $87.50, and then if I were to use 20 minutes
>> again the following month it would be $35 again?
>
>Exactly.
>
>> And that to either of these I can add Vision for $15/month?
>
>Yes.
>
>> What if I keep my current 2G phone, and buy a 3G phone
>> as an add-a-phone. That'll be what I'm paying now,
>> plus $20 more a month for the add-a-phone,
>> plus I guess $15 for the Vision for the 3G phone?
>
>You would have to change the plan on the primary account to a current
>service plan, like the Fair and Flexible plans you referred to, to
>add-a-phone to.

Ok.

>I'd suggest that you take advantage of the news plans that now give more
>minutes than your old plan, and add vision to it. Example, you say your
>current plan is $49.99/500mins + $10/1500 nts/wknds + $10/wrls web = $69.99.

I think I get $10 credit for the yearly plan, so $59.99 and...

>A better plan would be $40/500mins/unlmtd nights/wknds + $15/vision = $55.

$55 come fairly equal, and neither being much to worry about either way
(I can pay that much for lunch.)

>Since you're in the market for a 3G phone anyway, you can check to see if
>you qualify for a handset upgrade rebate http://pcshandsetupgrade.sprint.com

Can't hurt, thanks. I suspect I'll end up with the 3G and the
per MB rate plan at some point, if I use it like my original 2G WW use,
since that potential still hold. I'll guess about 1/2Meg email/day +
text-based newsgroup reading (let's say each message displays as 2K,
then 100+ message) could add it seems at least 1/4 meg more, a day...
For say a week even few months. Or is that not considered abuse of
the Vision web access?
--
Greg Comeau / Comeau C++ 4.3.3, for C++03 core language support
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware's Libraries... Have you tried it?

On 5/17/04 7:13 PM, in article [email protected], "Greg Comeau"
<[email protected]> wrote:

> In article <BCCEBB29.414%[email protected]>, DavyDE <[email protected]> wrote:
>> On 5/17/04 3:43 PM, in article [email protected], "Greg Comeau"
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> My current plan is $49.99 for 500 anytime minutes,
>>> plus $10/month for 1500 night and weekend minutes
>>> (which I think they refund due to yearly service agreement),
>>> plus $10/month for wireless web, with free LD tossed in
>>> somewhere.
>>>
>>> Am I reading it right that with the Free & Clear plan
>>> they are offering the same thing (actually better since
>>> night and weekends are unlimited) for $40? (And that if
>>> I go over I pay $0.30??? per minute.)
>>
>> If you go over anytime minutes, it's $.40 per minute.
>>
>>> Am I also reading the Fair and Flexible Plan right that
>>> if I go for that that if I were to use say 20 minutes
>>> one month I'd pay $35, and if I were to use 1000 the following
>>> month I'd pay $87.50, and then if I were to use 20 minutes
>>> again the following month it would be $35 again?
>>
>> Exactly.
>>
>>> And that to either of these I can add Vision for $15/month?
>>
>> Yes.
>>
>>> What if I keep my current 2G phone, and buy a 3G phone
>>> as an add-a-phone. That'll be what I'm paying now,
>>> plus $20 more a month for the add-a-phone,
>>> plus I guess $15 for the Vision for the 3G phone?
>>
>> You would have to change the plan on the primary account to a current
>> service plan, like the Fair and Flexible plans you referred to, to
>> add-a-phone to.
>
> Ok.
>
>> I'd suggest that you take advantage of the news plans that now give more
>> minutes than your old plan, and add vision to it. Example, you say your
>> current plan is $49.99/500mins + $10/1500 nts/wknds + $10/wrls web = $69.99.
>
> I think I get $10 credit for the yearly plan, so $59.99 and...
>
>> A better plan would be $40/500mins/unlmtd nights/wknds + $15/vision = $55.
>
> $55 come fairly equal, and neither being much to worry about either way
> (I can pay that much for lunch.)
>
>> Since you're in the market for a 3G phone anyway, you can check to see if
>> you qualify for a handset upgrade rebate http://pcshandsetupgrade.sprint.com
>
> Can't hurt, thanks. I suspect I'll end up with the 3G and the
> per MB rate plan at some point, if I use it like my original 2G WW use,
> since that potential still hold. I'll guess about 1/2Meg email/day +
> text-based newsgroup reading (let's say each message displays as 2K,
> then 100+ message) could add it seems at least 1/4 meg more, a day...
> For say a week even few months. Or is that not considered abuse of
> the Vision web access?

Sounds like minimal use to me.

http://davidosa1.spymac.net/blog/

In article <BCCEDC88.5C9%[email protected]>, DavyDE <[email protected]>
wrote:

> > Can't hurt, thanks. I suspect I'll end up with the 3G and the
> > per MB rate plan at some point, if I use it like my original 2G WW use,
> > since that potential still hold. I'll guess about 1/2Meg email/day +
> > text-based newsgroup reading (let's say each message displays as 2K,
> > then 100+ message) could add it seems at least 1/4 meg more, a day...
> > For say a week even few months. Or is that not considered abuse of
> > the Vision web access?
>
> Sounds like minimal use to me.

The thing that seems contradictory to some of us here is the TOS says no
use is allowed, but it's only enforced for gigabytes of useage, and the
PC card (which is allowed) pricing is so high, it drives consumers to
using the cell phone as a modem.

In article <[email protected]>,
Robert M <[email protected]> wrote:
>In article <BCCEDC88.5C9%[email protected]>, DavyDE <[email protected]>
>wrote:
>> > Can't hurt, thanks. I suspect I'll end up with the 3G and the
>> > per MB rate plan at some point, if I use it like my original 2G WW use,
>> > since that potential still hold. I'll guess about 1/2Meg email/day +
>> > text-based newsgroup reading (let's say each message displays as 2K,
>> > then 100+ message) could add it seems at least 1/4 meg more, a day...
>> > For say a week even few months. Or is that not considered abuse of
>> > the Vision web access?
>>
>> Sounds like minimal use to me.
>
>The thing that seems contradictory to some of us here is the TOS says no
>use is allowed, but it's only enforced for gigabytes of useage, and the
>PC card (which is allowed) pricing is so high, it drives consumers to
>using the cell phone as a modem.

Right, I pretty much just posted that in another thread.
It's obviously technically possible, and it obviously doesn't
cost the rates they seem to be seeking or they would ask
for the fee from people who use it. Or is the issue that
they have no way of knowing which way you are doing it,
and high use just seems "impossible" for handheld users?
--
Greg Comeau / Comeau C++ 4.3.3, for C++03 core language support
Comeau C/C++ ONLINE ==> http://www.comeaucomputing.com/tryitout
World Class Compilers: Breathtaking C++, Amazing C99, Fabulous C90.
Comeau C/C++ with Dinkumware's Libraries... Have you tried it?

In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] (Greg Comeau) wrote:

> In article <[email protected]>,
> Robert M <[email protected]> wrote:
> >In article <BCCEDC88.5C9%[email protected]>, DavyDE <[email protected]>
> >wrote:
> >> > Can't hurt, thanks. I suspect I'll end up with the 3G and the
> >> > per MB rate plan at some point, if I use it like my original 2G WW use,
> >> > since that potential still hold. I'll guess about 1/2Meg email/day +
> >> > text-based newsgroup reading (let's say each message displays as 2K,
> >> > then 100+ message) could add it seems at least 1/4 meg more, a day...
> >> > For say a week even few months. Or is that not considered abuse of
> >> > the Vision web access?
> >>
> >> Sounds like minimal use to me.
> >
> >The thing that seems contradictory to some of us here is the TOS says no
> >use is allowed, but it's only enforced for gigabytes of useage, and the
> >PC card (which is allowed) pricing is so high, it drives consumers to
> >using the cell phone as a modem.
>
> Right, I pretty much just posted that in another thread.
> It's obviously technically possible, and it obviously doesn't
> cost the rates they seem to be seeking or they would ask
> for the fee from people who use it. Or is the issue that
> they have no way of knowing which way you are doing it,

That has been my suspicion although at least one Sprint PCS employee
says otherwise, but I retain my belief. Certainly they can put sniffers
on the line, but that monitoring gets very expensive very quick, and
they'd never do it for everyone. So possibly usage gets over 5 Gigs a
month they check it out???

> and high use just seems "impossible" for handheld users?