What cell phone services work the best for chasing?

[Rockwell Schrock]

This might warrant its own thread, but as a follow-up: What cell phone services have people had good experiences with?

[PaulChambers]

I used Verizon this past year and had service where some others did not. I know AT&T was one, but since they merged with Cingular, I am not sure how there coverage improved.

[Jeff Snyder]

I've generally used ATTWS in the past and have been quite pleased with the service on the TDMA National OneRate plan. I did try Verizon for a bit, but, in my experience, coverage wasn't as good as it was with ATT. I have since switched over to Cingular, though that doesn't really matter that much I suppose since ATT is now Cingular anyways. I'm excited to have moved on from the Ositech+Nokia 6160+ATT data setup of years past and into the GPRS age with my Motorola MPx220. Though I'm pretty excited about this data solution, I realize that even GPRS data (~30-50 kbps) is two generations old now, behind EDGE (100-150 kbps)and the new UMTS high-speed networks (400-600 kbps) that Cingular is said to be building starting next year. Refer to http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1734176,00.asp for some info on UMTS by Cingular.

[Craig Maire II]

I purchased a TracFone in September and have found that no matter where I go I ALWAYS have excellent reception! I purchase my minutes as I go and have bought a 1 year Double Minutes card, which means when I purchase a 400 minute card I get 800 instead!! (for 80$) It may be a little pricier than most other cellphone companies but with my TracFone I don't have a monthly bill, contract, deposit, etc.!!

[David Draun]

I don't reccomend Sprint PCS. They kick out in nearly all rural areas. Nationwide network, my butt. Can you hear me now? Nope.

Also, welcome back Craig! :D

[Terry Kollmeyer]

I have been using Nextel. But, I'd advise against it. Main problem being is lack of service area. Granted, all cell companies have this problem, but Nextel seems to be at the top of the list.

Besides, the best advantage to using Nextel is the nation wide walkie-talkie feature. And unless you know other chasers or nowcasters with that, then you might as well look elsewhere.

[Scott Taylor]

Originally posted by Jeff Snyder
Though I'm pretty excited about this data solution, I realize that even GPRS data (~30-50 kbps) is two generations old now, behind EDGE (100-150 kbps)and the new UMTS high-speed networks (400-600 kbps) that Cingular is said to be building starting next year.

Did EDGE ever become readily available to the public?? I thought I remember seeing that it had started being rolled out by AT&T to their towers back in early-mid 2003, but can't find hardly anything on this now. Was it dropped in favor of the UMTS thing?

Thanks
Scott

[Tony Laubach]

Originally posted by David Draun
I don't reccomend Sprint PCS. They kick out in nearly all rural areas. Nationwide network, my butt. Can you hear me now? Nope.

Gotta agree with David.. in fact, I will likely be a Verizon subscriber come next season. With additional features such as the roaming option, I was able to maximize the service areas, but even then, had issues getting service in deep areas of nowhere. I've been with Sprint PCS for a while now, so I'm not in a hurry to say don't use it if you don't mind shoving out the extra few bucks monthly for the additional roaming plan. Guess I'm hoping Verizon's service area covers those areas where I'd normally be roaming!

[Rockwell Schrock]

I've read something about being able to access the Internet over ham radio... has anyone ever done this, and is it feasible as an alternative to cell-phone data options?

[Jeff Snyder]

Originally posted by Scott Taylor+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Scott Taylor)</div><!--QuoteBegin-Jeff Snyder
Though I'm pretty excited about this data solution, I realize that even GPRS data (~30-50 kbps) is two generations old now, behind EDGE (100-150 kbps)and the new UMTS high-speed networks (400-600 kbps) that Cingular is said to be building starting next year.

Did EDGE ever become readily available to the public?? I thought I remember seeing that it had started being rolled out by AT&T to their towers back in early-mid 2003, but can't find hardly anything on this now. Was it dropped in favor of the UMTS thing?

Thanks
Scott[/b]

I don't know about AT&T Wireless's EDGE network, but I know Cingular (which bought out ATTWS) has a pretty decent EDGE network, especially relative to the 'high speed' data systems of other providers. The problem is that wireless carriers are spending millions and millions of dollars on upgrading their systems every couple of years. And the sad part is that the "new" technology in the US actually tends to be "old" technology elsewhere across the world. For example, Japan has had 3G data services with realtime video teleconferencing capabilities for several years now, while U.S. carriers are JUST starting (or planning) to roll that out here. I'm not sure why some carriers didn't just jump technology generations, since most went from the older analog/digital/PCS technology to 2G (GSM/GRPS) to 2.5G (EDGE or similar) to now 3G (UMTS, EDVO I believe, etc) . I suppose it was all about competition and the sheer number of towers needed to cover the U.S., but it still seems interesting...

[Tony Laubach]

Originally posted by Tony Laubach
Gotta agree with David.. in fact, I will likely be a Verizon subscriber come next season.

Change that, I am NOW a Verizon customer! I opted to make the change last night when I finally decided to pull the trigger. Their coverage is much more broad in areas where I travel (especially in the Spring). My next mission is to dispute the inevitable 'early termination fee' with reasons such as not being able to communicate to others on business in the Plains! Wish me luck! :lol:

[Jeff Snyder]

Depending upon your state laws and the carrier, I know that in some states, the "early termination fee" is pro-rated through the length of the contract. In other words, if you are half-way through your contract, you only have to pay half the fee. I don't about about CO, but just thought I'd bring it up...

[Michael P. Morris]

I had to drop my Verizon coverage when I moved up here. Apparently that motherf***** on the commercials never visited Oklahoma.

[David Diehl]

I have had Verizon now for going on my third season. I have only had one problem with roaming, just south of the Kansas Oklahoma border. Other than that, I have been very pleased with my coverage. I have the nation wide plan, so That one roaming spot killed me :shock:
Other than that, I will continue to use verizon unless something better comes up.

[APritchard]

I have Cingular as my cell phone service, and am very pleased. While I've chased the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin...the only place I've had service problems was rural central Wisconsin. No one has any business chasing up there anyways...

[Adam Atkins]

Don't Get T-Mobile! My thoughts...

[George Flickinger]

Have had good coverage with Cingular in Texas and Oklahoma as I can also use my phone as a wireless modem for my laptop. Coverage though is not good in Kansas west of I-35.

[Skip Talbot]

I'm going to put my vote in for Cingular as well. Although its been mentioned in other threads, I think its worthy to note here that there is a loophole in the pricing of data. An unlimited laptop data package from Cingular costs $80. However, you can buy the MEdia Works package for $20 and get the same kinds of speed, connectivity, and unlimited data. The difference between the packages is that the latter was designed for use only on a cell phone browser, however, it can be configured quite easily to provide an internet connection to a laptop as well.

[DanHinch]

Originally posted by Skip Talbot
I'm going to put my vote in for Cingular as well. Although its been mentioned in other threads, I think its worthy to note here that there is a loophole in the pricing of data. An unlimited laptop data package from Cingular costs $80. However, you can buy the MEdia Works package for $20 and get the same kinds of speed, connectivity, and unlimited data. The difference between the packages is that the latter was designed for use only on a cell phone browser, however, it can be configured quite easily to provide an internet connection to a laptop as well.

I have tried to do that with my motorola V400, but was never sucesssful... I can only get it to connect with the WIX and not the Media Works... I use the data cable to connect to my phone, if you got this to work, I would be interested in hearing how you did it.

DH

[Skip Talbot]

I need to play with it some more to figure out exactly what is going on. Right now I'm connecting over the switched circuit network which uses up minutes, but next step is the GPRS packet network which doesn't use minutes and is faster.

Perhaps there are compatibility issues with the phone? I have a Sony Ericsson Z500 and it came with a USB cable and software for using the phone as a modem. I login into Cingular's data network with the login: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM and password: CINGULAR1 has to be all caps.

I'm a little confused by what you mean by WIX. That's the wireless internet express right, or do you man the laptop data access plans? I thought WIX was included in the MEdia Works package, but was meant for use only on a phone. Whereas the laptop data plans use basically the same thing but with a different log in name and software. My online bill isn't showing any extra data charges... yet.

[DanHinch]

The data only packages is what I was referring to as WIX or wireless internet express...that’s what we called it when I worked for Cingular but that has been over a year now and things may have changed... The data only packages don't have to be used with a data card, but can also be used with a phone. Many Cingular Reps don't understand that and it can take a while when you want to have it added to your account. I wouldn't want to use the switching because it uses min. and can't be faster than 9600, or 14400 that I am aware of. I love the GPRS and can't wait to use edge someday. If there was away to make the network "think" you are accessing the internet through the phone, rather than a PC connection...it would certainly be cheaper, but Cingular could drop you from that plan and move you to a data plan if they noticed that large amounts of data.

[Skip Talbot]

Ah ha, an insider! So I guess I am going to have be careful with how much bandwidth I eat up. Do you have any idea how many MBs before a flag gets raised over there? I remember back in the dorm we used to change our MAC addresses to avoid the 500 MB daily limit, but we still had to keep it under 2 GB or else the network admins would catch on. I assume with MEdia works though that the number is more like 20 MB.

[DanHinch]

Originally posted by Skip Talbot
Ah ha, an insider! So I guess I am going to have be careful with how much bandwidth I eat up. Do you have any idea how many MBs before a flag gets raised over there? I remember back in the dorm we used to change our MAC addresses to avoid the 500 MB daily limit, but we still had to keep it under 2 GB or else the network admins would catch on. I assume with MEdia works though that the number is more like 20 MB.

I am not really sure, I wish I knew.

DH

[Mike Johnson]

FYI: Cingular is beginning to block Internet access for those who have been using the Media Internet Express. This service was designed for the
phone browser only, but some have been able to toggle the phone
and computer to establish an open Internet connection. Cingular's normal unlimited Internet service (through a laptop - Bluetooth, USB) is $79.00 a month. The only problem is very limited reception in hot chase areas like western/central Kansas and E. CO - Northward. Not worth $79.00 in my opinion, although it can be added on a monthly basis.

I was able to use the Media Express until I recently changed phones from a Sony E. to the Mot. V551. When I called into third level tech support, I got a spanking! I don't think they can block the old phones, but the new ones can be blocked. It's my understanding that some NWS data can be received via the phone's WAP browser, ($20.00 a month for unlimted access) but I do not know if the good stuff (SPC outlooks and meso's) can be downloaded or if the text files are posted in a timely manner?

Mike

[Matthew Hatton]

Although I have been chasing for a few years now I have always had problems with the whole data access thing. I have tended to opt for wifi in hotel lobbys for now as this does offer high speed access and hotel owners are normally quite helpful.

I do want to get mobile though but last year the main problem was setting up an account being from the UK. Has anyone any solutions for someone not from the USA?

[Anthony Silver]

I've found that Nextel works really well in most places, and the direct connect feature comes in handy for relaying messages that you dont necessarily want going over the ham air.

[Jeff Snyder]

Originally posted by Mike Johnson
FYI: Cingular is beginning to block Internet access for those who have been using the Media Internet Express. This service was designed for the
phone browser only, but some have been able to toggle the phone
and computer to establish an open Internet connection. Cingular's normal unlimited Internet service (through a laptop - Bluetooth, USB) is $79.00 a month. The only problem is very limited reception in hot chase areas like western/central Kansas and E. CO - Northward. Not worth $79.00 in my opinion, although it can be added on a monthly basis.

I was able to use the Media Express until I recently changed phones from a Sony E. to the Mot. V551. When I called into third level tech support, I got a spanking! I don't think they can block the old phones, but the new ones can be blocked. It's my understanding that some NWS data can be received via the phone's WAP browser, ($20.00 a month for unlimted access) but I do not know if the good stuff (SPC outlooks and meso's) can be downloaded or if the text files are posted in a timely manner?

Mike

Hmm.... As far as I know, Cingular has not enacted port-blocking yet. I was able to tether with my laptop earlier this afternoon... I think there'd be some problems if they ever do, since my phone (Moto MPx220) has a full html browser (in addition to the WAP capabilities), so I can go to "real" websites like SPC, CoD, etc, all on my actual phone. Since Cingular doesn't know if the data request is coming from my phone or from my computer (via my phone), I don't think they'd be able to do html blocking without screwing everyone with phones that have HTML browsers. I don't know about FTP, SSH, etc., since I haven't tried those while tethering. But as far as html pages, it certainly works for me. I'm on the old MediaWorks plan: $19.99 for unlimited internet express, 1500 text messages, and more MMS than I'd ever use...

[Amos Magliocco]

Jeff is right; no port-blocking has been instituted by Cingular. However, the old MEdia Works package for $19.99 with unlimited internet has been discontinued. In it's place is a $24.99 package for unlimited data but without the text messaging or MMS features of the old plan. People who had the old plan are grandfathered in.

When it comes to data and tethering, you can't go by what you're told on the phone. Most reps know very little about the data plans or capabilities of the phones, and if they do, they are not going to tell you about tethering, or they'll tell you that it's impossible. Several weeks ago, Jeff posted the URL to HowardsForum, (http://www.howardforums.com/index.php?s=)where you can learn a great deal about your phone and your provider. You have to sift through good and bad information, but with some diligence, you'll learn more than any Cingular rep can tell you. They mean well, but they're badly trained and caught in a confusing merger. You have to fend for yourself with Cingular.

[Scott Roberts]

The majority of our station phones are on Verizon becuase of a corporate deal with them; but our rural-based people who don't have the option of Verizon for their primary service have found Alltel to be the preferred alternative. Two of my chasers carry a phone on each service...whenn their Verizon phone was in signal hell along US-160 last year, their Alltel phone usually worked. Of course, there is the total outage area near Udall, and a couple of problems south of the state line, but all-in-all, that's worked fairly well for us -- more reliable than any other service pairing.
(And just as reliable, if not more so, in comparison to satellite phones.)

It seems when you roam a Verizon phone onto Alltell, the system turns it down and gives Alltel customers priority. Its exallty backward of how things seemed to work with my Verizon phone on the east coast. One hint: if you power-cycle the phone, you'll usually get full strength, and if you can get a call placed before the system starts turning down your phone, it doesn't seem to turn it down as fast.

[Skip Talbot]

Looks like I slid in under the wire. I tried to add the Media Works package via the Cingular website but kept getting errors. I should have called them. The Media Works package shows up in my features now though so its all good.

If anyone is thinking about adding this feature before Cingular permantly closes the door, the website to add it is still active. Adding it under the My Features section kept giving me an error, but if you go to the Media Packages option under the Media tab, there is a form at the bottom to add it. That one worked for me.

[Jeff Snyder]

Originally posted by Skip Talbot
Looks like I slid in under the wire. I tried to add the Media Works package via the Cingular website but kept getting errors. I should have called them. The Media Works package shows up in my features now though so its all good.

If anyone is thinking about adding this feature before Cingular permantly closes the door, the website to add it is still active. Adding it under the My Features section kept giving me an error, but if you go to the Media Packages option under the Media tab, there is a form at the bottom to add it. That one worked for me.

Skip,
I would call Cingular to make sure. They are still selling the MEdiaWorks package, but it's just been revised. So, you will be able to add MEdiaWorks to your plan for the foreseable future, but it'll be the plan with 3MB of wireless internet express. If I were you, I'd call to make sure you got the "old" MediaWorks. IF you didn't, tell them that you tried to add it last week, but kept getting errors -- they'll probably give you the 'old' one if you push hard enough. On your acct manager, there is no difference between the old and new version, thus the reason why you must call. It's much easier to get this settled now than when you get a whopper of a bill. Even without much tethering (I only tethered to test the connection), I'll end up with about 20MB of data useage for this past billing period... At $0.01/kb overage charge, I'd be paying $170 in data charges if I didn't have the unlimited plan (3MB included in plan, 17mb overage).

[Mikel Shively]

So far, I have pretty good luck with ALLTEL, their coverage area is kind of limited, but I have the national plan so coverage is not really a worry! Of course, I dont have a laptop, so i dont have to worry about the data problem.