Using Cingular Phone as Modem - Data plan?

I currently have a T-mobile phone - but their "edge" plan sucks, only 100kbps download speed.

I am on the road a lot with a laptop. I want a phone that I can use as a modem to connect my laptop to the internet.

I need the speeds to be much higher a regular dialup modem...I heard cingular does 800 kbps down on their network, is that true?

Also, I currently have a T-mobile MDA (but it's unlocked) - so, can I simply change my provider to cingular and sign up for their plan?

Also, is cingular the fastest one out there? What about Sprint/ATT ?

thanks

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To get the kind of download speeds you are talking about you will need a 3g capable phone or pccard. I don't know if a 3g phone will give you the 800 kbs that you are talking about. Plus you will only get those speeds in areas with 3g coverage. As far as sprint's speeds, not really sure, but possibly the same or a bit slower. And there coverage is much more limited than Cingulars.

I forgot to mention that the MDA is only edge capable, and that tops out at about 140 to 160 kbs, T-Mo or Cingular.

Originally Posted by Shrocat

To get the kind of download speeds you are talking about you will need a 3g capable phone or pccard. I don't know if a 3g phone will give you the 800 kbs that you are talking about. Plus you will only get those speeds in areas with 3g coverage. As far as sprint's speeds, not really sure, but possibly the same or a bit slower. And there coverage is much more limited than Cingulars.

I got a friend at work who just got a cingular blackjack.

He says he tested the connection speed and he got 800 kbps down/200 kbps up..he connected his laptop to his blackjack phone to get on the internet..

Originally Posted by Shrocat

I forgot to mention that the MDA is only edge capable, and that tops out at about 140 to 160 kbs, T-Mo or Cingular.

I thought the speed depends on the SIM card - can't I simply get a cingular 3G enabled SIM card for my MDA ?

so, i just found out i have a t-mobile contract until May 2008 lol.

so, i guess im stuck with t-mobile...lets hope they come out with 3G by then

I'd still cancel out my contract if I can find a killer deal on sprint or cingular..

Originally Posted by pj94z

I thought the speed depends on the SIM card - can't I simply get a cingular 3G enabled SIM card for my MDA ?

The sim card has little to do with the speed. 3g is a different technology than
edge and gprs. New hardware is needed for it. Which is why it takes a while for 3g to become available in all markets. You need a phone that is designed to use this technology. The MDA/8125 is not capable. Cingular's 8525 is capable, and other than the 3g it is basically the same as the 8125/MDA.
Of course, there are also other 3g phones available from Cingular.

Man..that sucks.

My contract with T-mobile expires on 3/2008 - i have a way around this...but would be a hassle to get rid of this phone n setup a new service etc..

although, i may just go ahead and do it...as much as I use the net on the road..it mite be worth it to go with cingular..