Get connected
To make the most of your mini-v, you should consider a connectivity package. Connectivity packages are available from Internet Service Providers, but also from Mobile operators, such as AT&T ,Verizon ,Sprint ect
To help you navigate the various options and offers, here is what you will need to know:
GPRS - Connect through a mobile phone (bluetooth/USB)
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a mobile data service available to users of GSM mobile phones. It is often described as "2.5G", that is, a technology between the second (2G) and third (3G) generations of mobile telephony. It provides moderate speed data transfer, by using unused TDMA channels in the GSM network. Originally there were plans to extend GPRS to cover other standards, but instead those networks are being converted to use the GSM standard so that is the only kind of network where GPRS is in use. GPRS is integrated into GSM standards releases starting with Release 97 and onwards.
EDGE - Enhanced download speeds
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution, or EDGE, is a digital mobile phone technology which acts as a bolt-on enhancement to 2G and 2.5G General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) networks. This technology works in GSM networks. EDGE (also known as EGPRS) is a superset to GPRS and can function on any network with GPRS deployed on it, provided the carrier implements the necessary upgrades.
CF cards are available from providers. Currently Sprint CF 2031, but new 3G supporting cards should be available by mid 2008. Such cards if 2.5G would offer a maximum throughput of 144 Kbps, about 10 times as fast as the 14.4-Kbps data transfer rate of 2G, the previous CDMA technology. According to providers of CDMA service, performance will most often be in the 40 to 60 Kbps range
EDGE provides Enhanced GPRS (EGPRS), which can be used for any packet switched applications such as an Internet connection. High-speed data applications such as video services and other multimedia benefit from EGPRS' increased data capacity. EDGE Circuit Switched is a possible future development.
HSDPA - Attach via a USB dongle(USA or Europe) or CF Card with antenna (Europe Only)
High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) is a new mobile telephony protocol and is sometimes referred to as a 3.5G (or "3½G") technology. HSDPA provides a smooth evolutionary path for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks allowing for higher data capacity (up to 14.4 Mbit/s in the downlink).
USB high speed adapter for comparison in the USA
Verizon quote their National Access service at peak 144kbps and average 60-80kbps. Sierra Wireless Aircard 595u
Sprint quote the Mobile Broadband service at peak speed of 1.4mbps and average of 350kbps -500kbps. Sprint Aircard 595U
AT&T wireless on the Broadband Connect network quote speeds of 400-700kbps download and 200-300kbps uploads. Sierra Wireless Aircard 875u
CF high speed adapter in the USA
Currently Sprint CF-2031 offering at peak 144kbps and average 60-80kbps.
EVDO Service
Also available is the EVDO service in some US cities.
"The broadband-speed 1xEVDO is currently available in most metropolitan U.S. cities (Verizon and Sprint are both continually upgrading their service areas to Revision A - the newest development in EVDO that provides dramatically increased upload speeds averaging 300-400kbps). "
Please refer to http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/37/61/ for details if coverage is provided in your area. A USB adapter is available from either Verizon or Sprint.
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