connecting a laptop -- current advice?

From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
changed, and clarify a few points.

As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
options:

1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.

1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
for a Vision plan.

2. Obtain a "Sprint PCS Connection" PCMCIA card and pay at least
$40/month for a separate Vision plan for it.

I don't expect to use Sprint as my primary internet access for my
laptop; this will be for occasional use (say, 100-200 minutes per
month, or 10 megabytes transferred per month). I really don't
feel like paying $40/month for this; $40/month feels like primary
internet access, and I have some doubts that the Connection card
is supported or would would work with my laptop and OS (older Mac
PowerBook, running Linux) at all.

Questions:

Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
some unstated bandwidth limit?

What's the "a la carte" rate for option 1a, and does it refer to
kilobytes transferred, or what? When Sprint's brochure says that
the `Sprint PCS Vision for Sprint PCS Connection cards' service
costs $40/month for 20MB, $60/month for 40MB, and $80/month for
300MB, what do those MB numbers mean?

Does a $15/month Vision plan really secretly buy you data cable
access? The current brochure talks mostly about picture phone use,
SMS messages, ringer downloads, etc.

How hard is it to find third-party cables, or used cables on
eBay, at a reasonable price? I gather that the going rate for
data cables from the phone manufacturers is something like $70,
but this is highway robbery abetted by the connector conspiracy,
which I refuse to pay. (The phone I expect to get is a
Sanyo (?) RL 7300.)

How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
(drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).

Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
for (ab)using it lately?

Thanks for any answers or suggestions anyone can provide.

Steve Summit
[email protected]

---

› See More: connecting a laptop -- current advice?

"Steve Summit" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
> understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
> changed, and clarify a few points.
>
> As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
> cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
> options:
>
> 1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.

That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300, I
believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit the
7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
futuredial.com has these available at no charge.

>
> 1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
> for a Vision plan.

Same as above.

>
> 2. Obtain a "Sprint PCS Connection" PCMCIA card and pay at least
> $40/month for a separate Vision plan for it.

Yes, but it's expensive, as you've mentioned below, plus you have the
expense of the PCMCIA card as well.

> I don't expect to use Sprint as my primary internet access for my
> laptop; this will be for occasional use (say, 100-200 minutes per
> month, or 10 megabytes transferred per month). I really don't
> feel like paying $40/month for this; $40/month feels like primary
> internet access, and I have some doubts that the Connection card
> is supported or would would work with my laptop and OS (older Mac
> PowerBook, running Linux) at all.
>
> Questions:
>
> Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
> that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
> and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
> some unstated bandwidth limit?

They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision. In
saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our account, and
connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.

> What's the "a la carte" rate for option 1a, and does it refer to
> kilobytes transferred, or what? When Sprint's brochure says that
> the `Sprint PCS Vision for Sprint PCS Connection cards' service
> costs $40/month for 20MB, $60/month for 40MB, and $80/month for
> 300MB, what do those MB numbers mean?

Megabytes ... 1 Meg = 1000 Kilobytes.
>
> Does a $15/month Vision plan really secretly buy you data cable
> access? The current brochure talks mostly about picture phone use,
> SMS messages, ringer downloads, etc.

Yes and no. When SPCS first brought out WW, they were promoting it with
using it with a USB cable. After a few months, they changed their minds.

> How hard is it to find third-party cables, or used cables on
> eBay, at a reasonable price? I gather that the going rate for
> data cables from the phone manufacturers is something like $70,
> but this is highway robbery abetted by the connector conspiracy,
> which I refuse to pay. (The phone I expect to get is a
> Sanyo (?) RL 7300.)
>

Don't have a clue where you are getting the $70 figure. The cable can be had
for $20, and possibly less on line.

> How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
> (drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
> I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
> FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
> to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).

Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue what's
involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set up.

> Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?

On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or downloaded
through the phone.

> Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
> restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
> for (ab)using it lately?

You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that those
of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short periods of time
during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not doing large downloads.

Bob

"Bob Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Steve Summit" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
>> understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
>> changed, and clarify a few points.
>>
>> As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
>> cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
>> options:
>>
>> 1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
>> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.
>
> That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300, I
> believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit the
> 7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
> Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
> futuredial.com has these available at no charge.
>
>>
>> 1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
>> for a Vision plan.
>
> Same as above.
>
>>
>> 2. Obtain a "Sprint PCS Connection" PCMCIA card and pay at least
>> $40/month for a separate Vision plan for it.
>
> Yes, but it's expensive, as you've mentioned below, plus you have the
> expense of the PCMCIA card as well.
>
>> I don't expect to use Sprint as my primary internet access for my
>> laptop; this will be for occasional use (say, 100-200 minutes per
>> month, or 10 megabytes transferred per month). I really don't
>> feel like paying $40/month for this; $40/month feels like primary
>> internet access, and I have some doubts that the Connection card
>> is supported or would would work with my laptop and OS (older Mac
>> PowerBook, running Linux) at all.
>>
>> Questions:
>>
>> Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
>> that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
>> and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
>> some unstated bandwidth limit?
>
> They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision. In
> saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our account, and
> connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.
>
>> What's the "a la carte" rate for option 1a, and does it refer to
>> kilobytes transferred, or what? When Sprint's brochure says that
>> the `Sprint PCS Vision for Sprint PCS Connection cards' service
>> costs $40/month for 20MB, $60/month for 40MB, and $80/month for
>> 300MB, what do those MB numbers mean?
>
> Megabytes ... 1 Meg = 1000 Kilobytes.
>>
>> Does a $15/month Vision plan really secretly buy you data cable
>> access? The current brochure talks mostly about picture phone use,
>> SMS messages, ringer downloads, etc.
>
> Yes and no. When SPCS first brought out WW, they were promoting it with
> using it with a USB cable. After a few months, they changed their minds.
>
>> How hard is it to find third-party cables, or used cables on
>> eBay, at a reasonable price? I gather that the going rate for
>> data cables from the phone manufacturers is something like $70,
>> but this is highway robbery abetted by the connector conspiracy,
>> which I refuse to pay. (The phone I expect to get is a
>> Sanyo (?) RL 7300.)
>>
>
> Don't have a clue where you are getting the $70 figure. The cable can be
> had
> for $20, and possibly less on line.
>
>> How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
>> (drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
>> I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
>> FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
>> to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).
>
> Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue what's
> involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set up.
>
>> Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
>
> On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or
> downloaded
> through the phone.
>
>> Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
>> restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
>> for (ab)using it lately?
>
> You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that
> those
> of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short periods of
> time
> during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not doing large downloads.
>
> Bob
>
>

He should also realize that legally, Sprint doesn't allow using a
phone/cable/Vision combo for accessing the internet on a computer, even
though technically, they don't prevent it as of yet. My understanding (and
experience) is that as long as you limit such access, they're not going to
go after you, and it's ok for occasional use. But only with the realization
that it's not with Sprint's approval, and there is always the chance,
however remote, that they'll go after even casual "abusers" of this policy,
or disable this capability entirely, simply because it's within their legal
right to do so at present. Just making sure this is clear.

--
Kovie
[email protected]zen

"Bob Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

>
> "Steve Summit" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
>> understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
>> changed, and clarify a few points.
>>
>> As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
>> cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
>> options:
>>
>> 1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
>> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.
>
> That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300,
> I believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit
> the 7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
> Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
> futuredial.com has these available at no charge.
>
>>
>> 1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
>> for a Vision plan.
>
> Same as above.
>

[SNIP]
>> Questions:
>>
>> Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
>> that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
>> and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
>> some unstated bandwidth limit?
>
> They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision.
> In saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our
> account, and connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.
>
[SNIP]
>> How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
>> (drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
>> I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
>> FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
>> to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).
>
> Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue
> what's involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set
> up.
>

My Mac OS X laptop sees the USB cbale natively and all I need do is
enter #777 to make a connection. Easier than with XP actually for my
N400 phone.

>> Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
>
> On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or
> downloaded through the phone.
>
>> Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
>> restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
>> for (ab)using it lately?
>
> You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that
> those of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short
> periods of time during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not
> doing large downloads.
>

I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
hour total online time for the entire month.

SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
The second time they only reduced the charges.

So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.

On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 20:43:08 +0000, Kovie wrote:

> "Bob Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> He should also realize that legally, Sprint doesn't allow using a
> phone/cable/Vision combo for accessing the internet on a computer, even
> though technically, they don't prevent it as of yet. My understanding (and
> experience) is that as long as you limit such access, they're not going to
> go after you, and it's ok for occasional use. But only with the realization
> that it's not with Sprint's approval, and there is always the chance,
> however remote, that they'll go after even casual "abusers" of this policy,
> or disable this capability entirely, simply because it's within their legal
> right to do so at present. Just making sure this is clear.

And your understanding is warranted. When I first signed up for vision,
around 2yrs ago in oct?, it was promoted by the sales rep for tethered
laptop usage. I even grilled him on it since at the time I was using
another provider for dialup/service notifications via email. Even the reps
I spoke with on the phone gave it the blessing, I'm sure a search of
google news will find the old Usenet postings of people who experienced
this. Then around December their attitude changed from "yes no problem" to
"well for limited use". This also was around the time when they pulled the
connection kits from store shelves. Of course when I called to find out
more all I got was, "we have been told only for limited use but we have
not been told what that limit is...". Anyway I signed up for sprintpcs
solely for this purpose and have been using it for mobile/remote admin
access along with my voice plan. Luckily I haven't been questioned about
my usage but 800MB over three years is alittle less then a MB of day so I
would hope that falls into the limited use plan.

It is a shame they changed their policy, mostly due to abuse, since it is
a great data service(public ip and little port issues) not to mention that
I have been able to use it going 70mph down an interstate without
disconnect. If they do decided to completely cut users off verizon's per
min data plan options, although more expensive and eats out of your minute
bucket, is always an alternative and at least when I called them about it
in feb had no problem answering my questions about laptop usage.

On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 +0000, Steph wrote:
>
> I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
> and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
> billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
> for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
> hour total online time for the entire month.
>
> SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
> The second time they only reduced the charges.
>
> So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
> tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
> given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
> I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.

Well did they state it was because you broke their acceptable use policy?
There has been countless users who have had issues with sprintpcs vision
on multiple phones (add a phone mostly) where one was seen as having
vision and the other was not. Since they let you keep getting on without
the per KB billing on some months that would seem that it was more an
account error, why would you let an abusive user go back to abusing the
unlimited plan?, then you violating a vision usage policy. If that was the
case you shouldn't have been charged at all. There are a few unknowns
about your setup so of course I could be looking at it wrong.

I have used my vision capable phone for the last three years at around
800-900MBs of transfer(under or near 1MB a day) without even so much a
question from customer service or a bill(Knock on wood). I do not feel I'm
abusing their limited and I'm sure other users could share similar stories.
Also while I'm on the subject has anyone noticed that *4 now has a better
handling of data in regards to unlimited plans? It used to say data usage
was unavailable but now mentions that it is unlimited and has a format for
expressing how much has been used, which it doesn't yet.

It could have been an hour or ten hours, the charge for that month
would have been the same, since it is billed by the KB.


Steph wrote:
> "Bob Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>
>>"Steve Summit" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected]...
>>
>>>From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
>>>understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
>>>changed, and clarify a few points.
>>>
>>>As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
>>>cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
>>>options:
>>>
>>>1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
>>> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.
>>
>>That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300,
>>I believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit
>>the 7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
>>Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
>>futuredial.com has these available at no charge.
>>
>>
>>>1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
>>> for a Vision plan.
>>
>>Same as above.
>>
>
>
> [SNIP]
>
>>>Questions:
>>>
>>>Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
>>>that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
>>>and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
>>>some unstated bandwidth limit?
>>
>>They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision.
>>In saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our
>>account, and connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.
>>
>
> [SNIP]
>
>>>How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
>>>(drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
>>>I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
>>>FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
>>>to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).
>>
>>Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue
>>what's involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set
>>up.
>>
>
>
> My Mac OS X laptop sees the USB cbale natively and all I need do is
> enter #777 to make a connection. Easier than with XP actually for my
> N400 phone.
>
>
>>>Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
>>
>>On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or
>>downloaded through the phone.
>>
>>
>>>Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
>>>restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
>>>for (ab)using it lately?
>>
>>You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that
>>those of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short
>>periods of time during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not
>>doing large downloads.
>>
>
>
> I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
> and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
> billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
> for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
> hour total online time for the entire month.
>
> SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
> The second time they only reduced the charges.
>
> So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
> tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
> given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
> I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
>
>

The point is that he has an unlimited Vision plan where kb charges should
not apply. He was asking whether Sprint now charges per kb for non-phone
internet access even for people with such plans. And if so, do they state
this anywhere.

--
Kovie
[email protected]zen


"Jerome Zelinske" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> It could have been an hour or ten hours, the charge for that month
> would have been the same, since it is billed by the KB.
>
>
> Steph wrote:
>> "Bob Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in
>> news:[email protected]:
>>>"Steve Summit" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>news:[email protected]...
>>>
>>>>From reading past traffic in this newsgroup, I think I mostly
>>>>understand this issue, but I wanted to find out if anything's
>>>>changed, and clarify a few points.
>>>>
>>>>As I understand it, if I want to connect my laptop to a Sprint
>>>>cell phone and make "data" or "modem" calls, I have two or three
>>>>options:
>>>>
>>>>1a. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow (Sprint no longer
>>>> sells them) and pay 0.01 per kilobyte or something.
>>>
>>>That's about it on this option. If you are looking at the Sanyo 7300,
>>>I believe the same cable that fits the 4900, 4920, 5300, etc, will fit
>>>the 7300. Radio Shack has these cables for $20. You can also check
>>>Futuredial.com, Susteen.com or rpiwireless.com. As for the drivers,
>>>futuredial.com has these available at no charge.
>>>
>>>
>>>>1b. Obtain a cable and driver software somehow, and pay $15/month
>>>> for a Vision plan.
>>>
>>>Same as above.
>>>
>>
>>
>> [SNIP]
>>
>>>>Questions:
>>>>
>>>>Are the above 2/3 options still accurate? Is it still the case
>>>>that options 1a and 1b are not according to the Terms of Service,
>>>>and can cause you to get cut off if you "abuse" them by exceeding
>>>>some unstated bandwidth limit?
>>>
>>>They can, if you are trying to replace your ISP service with Vision.
>>>In saying that, there are a lot of us that do have Vision on our
>>>account, and connect via tethered to our laptops on a limited basis.
>>>
>>
>> [SNIP]
>>
>>>>How hard is it to find and install the necessary software
>>>>(drivers, etc.) and get the networking actually working?
>>>>I do *not* have a Windows PC; I have an older (but USB- and
>>>>FireWire-capable) Mac PowerBook which I would want to connect
>>>>to the net using either OS X or Linux (or preferably both).
>>>
>>>Not hard at all, at least for a Windows set up. Don't have a clue
>>>what's involved in setting up a new dial up for an Apple or Linux set
>>>up.
>>
>>
>> My Mac OS X laptop sees the USB cbale natively and all I need do is enter
>> #777 to make a connection. Easier than with XP actually for my N400
>> phone.
>>
>>
>>>>Finally, what's the current TOS status of options 1a and 1b?
>>>
>>>On 1a, no problem. You just get billed $0.01 per 1KB uploaded or
>>>downloaded through the phone.
>>>
>>>
>>>>Still officially disallowed, but tolerated? Any port
>>>>restrictions that anyone has discovered? Anybody been busted
>>>>for (ab)using it lately?
>>>
>>>You mean 1b? If so, no, not as posted here. Keep in mind though, that
>>>those of use who do connect via our laptops are only on for short
>>>periods of time during the week, maybe 15 min. to an hour, and not
>>>doing large downloads.
>>
>>
>> I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>> and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>> billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it for
>> checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an hour
>> total online time for the entire month.
>>
>> SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
>> The second time they only reduced the charges. So I am very confused
>> about who and how are able to use their laptops tethered through the
>> phone without incurring big charges. I think that given the plan I have
>> it should allow for a megabyte of data per month - I just haven't had the
>> strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
>>

On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
>
>I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
>for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
>hour total online time for the entire month.
>
>SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
>The second time they only reduced the charges.
>
>So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
>tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
>given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
>I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
>
For what it's worth,
From posted info garnered from this and some other postings,
plus my own usages experiences, the "secret" of getting away
with using SPCS Vision, that is, ONLY being charged for
minutes-usage is possibly this:

1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
$5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)

2) DO NOT use a laptop wireless data card.

3) INSTEAD, use your Vison-capable cell phone as a wireless
interface "modem" cabled to your laptop with suitable driver
software.

4) Dial up the #777 and your Vision-capable phone will
display those parallel up/down arrows.

5) ABSOLUTELY, do not abuse this by doing "excessive" data
downloads and uploads, & some lucky and logical guessing as
to actually very limiting your online time and sessions per
month.

For example, in my own case, when occasionally traveling or
if at home with the A.C. power knocked out for several days
due to hurricanes, I use my LG-5350 with a USB cable, &
laptop with Win2k Pro.

Dialing #777, the Vision connection up/down arrows appear on
the phone's screen. (This has been observed as being
noticeably faster than regular ultra pokey Wireless Web.)

On the laptop, with booted-up e-mail client, portfolio
updater, and a browser, I then download the e-mail, download
investment portfolio updates, & observe a couple of online
banking statements,

Then, I disconnect, read the e-mail, input any replies,
compose any new e-mails.

I then reconnect briefly to upload any new outgoing
e-mails.

I.E., when doing these online Vision sessions, there are no
long sessions of casual Web browsing, nor Kazaa downloads
for example.
---Juan

"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
> >
> >I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
> >and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
> >billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
> >for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
> >hour total online time for the entire month.
> >
> >SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
> >The second time they only reduced the charges.
> >
> >So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
> >tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
> >given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
> >I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
> >
> For what it's worth,
> From posted info garnered from this and some other postings,
> plus my own usages experiences, the "secret" of getting away
> with using SPCS Vision, that is, ONLY being charged for
> minutes-usage is possibly this:
>
> 1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
> $5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)
>
> 2) DO NOT use a laptop wireless data card.
>
> 3) INSTEAD, use your Vison-capable cell phone as a wireless
> interface "modem" cabled to your laptop with suitable driver
> software.
>
> 4) Dial up the #777 and your Vision-capable phone will
> display those parallel up/down arrows.
>
> 5) ABSOLUTELY, do not abuse this by doing "excessive" data
> downloads and uploads, & some lucky and logical guessing as
> to actually very limiting your online time and sessions per
> month.
>
> For example, in my own case, when occasionally traveling or
> if at home with the A.C. power knocked out for several days
> due to hurricanes, I use my LG-5350 with a USB cable, &
> laptop with Win2k Pro.
>
> Dialing #777, the Vision connection up/down arrows appear on
> the phone's screen. (This has been observed as being
> noticeably faster than regular ultra pokey Wireless Web.)
>
> On the laptop, with booted-up e-mail client, portfolio
> updater, and a browser, I then download the e-mail, download
> investment portfolio updates, & observe a couple of online
> banking statements,
>
> Then, I disconnect, read the e-mail, input any replies,
> compose any new e-mails.
>
> I then reconnect briefly to upload any new outgoing
> e-mails.
>
> I.E., when doing these online Vision sessions, there are no
> long sessions of casual Web browsing, nor Kazaa downloads
> for example.
> ---Juan

Juan, are you saying that your 2G phone can access Vision's 3G protocol and
get higher than 14.4K speeds?

Bob

The unlimited Vision is for data on the phone. What I think he was
asking about, was for data on a laptop through a phone, which is charged
by the KB. Yes they state very clearly that the unlimited Vision is for
on phone use only.


Kovie wrote:
> The point is that he has an unlimited Vision plan where kb charges should
> not apply. He was asking whether Sprint now charges per kb for non-phone
> internet access even for people with such plans. And if so, do they state
> this anywhere.
>

On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 17:40:13 GMT, "Bob Smith"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
>> >
>> >I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>> >and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>> >billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
>> >for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
>> >hour total online time for the entire month.
>> >
>> >SPCS CS took off the charges the first time they billed it.
>> >The second time they only reduced the charges.
>> >
>> >So I am very confused about who and how are able to use their laptops
>> >tethered through the phone without incurring big charges. I think that
>> >given the plan I have it should allow for a megabyte of data per month -
>> >I just haven't had the strength to follow through with anyone at SPCS.
>> >
>> For what it's worth,
>> From posted info garnered from this and some other postings,
>> plus my own usages experiences, the "secret" of getting away
>> with using SPCS Vision, that is, ONLY being charged for
>> minutes-usage is possibly this:
>>
>> 1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
>> $5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)
>>
>> 2) DO NOT use a laptop wireless data card.
>>
>> 3) INSTEAD, use your Vison-capable cell phone as a wireless
>> interface "modem" cabled to your laptop with suitable driver
>> software.
>>
>> 4) Dial up the #777 and your Vision-capable phone will
>> display those parallel up/down arrows.
>>
>> 5) ABSOLUTELY, do not abuse this by doing "excessive" data
>> downloads and uploads, & some lucky and logical guessing as
>> to actually very limiting your online time and sessions per
>> month.
>>
>> For example, in my own case, when occasionally traveling or
>> if at home with the A.C. power knocked out for several days
>> due to hurricanes, I use my LG-5350 with a USB cable, &
>> laptop with Win2k Pro.
>>
>> Dialing #777, the Vision connection up/down arrows appear on
>> the phone's screen. (This has been observed as being
>> noticeably faster than regular ultra pokey Wireless Web.)
>>
>> On the laptop, with booted-up e-mail client, portfolio
>> updater, and a browser, I then download the e-mail, download
>> investment portfolio updates, & observe a couple of online
>> banking statements,
>>
>> Then, I disconnect, read the e-mail, input any replies,
>> compose any new e-mails.
>>
>> I then reconnect briefly to upload any new outgoing
>> e-mails.
>>
>> I.E., when doing these online Vision sessions, there are no
>> long sessions of casual Web browsing, nor Kazaa downloads
>> for example.
>> ---Juan
>
>Juan, are you saying that your 2G phone can access Vision's 3G protocol and
>get higher than 14.4K speeds?
>
>Bob
>
Bob,
Yes, the LG-5350 is a 3G phone; both the manual and the
nearby Sprint PCS Store state that fact.
Perhaps you were thinking of the slightly older LG-5150 and
5250 models that were only 2G capable.

There is also, or used to be available, an optional small LG
plug-in camera module for it. (I never obtained that camera
module.) Hope that helps. ---Juan

I guess I'm not understanding something here. Sprint specifically states in
their TOS that you can't use a phone to connect a computer to the internet
via a cable. Although this is technically still possible, and was for a time
even allowed, Sprint no longer allows this, and reserves the right to take
action against anyone who tries to do this, although in practice they only
do this for serious abusers. In any case, though, it's forbidden to do this,
so how could they charge for it if it's not allowed? Or has Sprint recently
changed its policy yet again, once again allowing non-phone Vision use, but
charging per kb, regardless of whether the plan includes Vision?

--
Kovie
[email protected]zen


"Jerome Zelinske" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> The unlimited Vision is for data on the phone. What I think he was asking
> about, was for data on a laptop through a phone, which is charged by the
> KB. Yes they state very clearly that the unlimited Vision is for on phone
> use only.
>
>
> Kovie wrote:
>> The point is that he has an unlimited Vision plan where kb charges should
>> not apply. He was asking whether Sprint now charges per kb for non-phone
>> internet access even for people with such plans. And if so, do they state
>> this anywhere.
>>

"Juan Pablo" <jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

<snipped>
> Bob,
> Yes, the LG-5350 is a 3G phone; both the manual and the
> nearby Sprint PCS Store state that fact.
> Perhaps you were thinking of the slightly older LG-5150 and
> 5250 models that were only 2G capable.
>
> There is also, or used to be available, an optional small LG
> plug-in camera module for it. (I never obtained that camera
> module.) Hope that helps. ---Juan

Thanks for the clarification then. This brings up another point. If you have
Wireless Web on your 3G phone, then it sounds like a mistake with SPCS's
coding. I'm guessing you started off with SPCS with a prior 2G phone, had
the WW option on your phone, then bought your LG and did an ESN change?

Bob

In article <[email protected]>, jpsmail2(DELETE THIS SECTION)@earthlink.net wrote:
>On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 21:19:00 GMT,
>>
>>I have a $100/mo vision plan with "unlimited vision" on both handsets -
>>and obviously two numbers on the plan. After a couple of months I get
>>billed for EVERY kb that goes through the cable - and we onyl used it
>>for checking in with email during travelling - probably less than an
>>hour total online time for the entire month.

>1) DO NOT actually sign up for SPCS Vision. (I do have the
>$5/mo Wireless Web option on my Fair & Flex America plan)

Perhaps what is going on here is that you have a 3G phone but WW on your
plan rather than Vision. If you then use WW (maybe even Vision), you may
be charged $0.39/min EVEN if you think you should be covered under WW.
This is a known Sprint billing flaw that will never be fixed. You should
remove WW from your plan.

It also sounds like you should sign up for Vision, but if you're willing to
live with the $0.01/kb rate then fine.