USB modems for internet service in rural areas

[txdon]

I made some interesting discoveries today in this almost dead zone.

1. AT&T cell phones work out here and Verizon cell phones do not.
2. Verizon USB internet modems (aircard) are twice as fast as the AT&T USB modem.


I would have thought the AT&T would be faster, has anyone else experienced the same or opposite?

(Connected at an acceptable speed at last!)

 

[Groo]

not surprizing. I'm pretty sure the data nets are on a different part of the spectrum than the phones now.

 

[Skyco]

I made some interesting discoveries today in this almost dead zone.

1. AT&T cell phones work out here and Verizon cell phones do not.
2. Verizon USB internet modems (aircard) are twice as fast as the AT&T USB modem.


I would have thought the AT&T would be faster, has anyone else experienced the same or opposite?

(Connected at an acceptable speed at last!)

Are you saying voice cell phones do not work on Verizon at your location but data does?

 

[riptides]

Totally depends on what protocols you are connecting with.

I didn't think Verizon -or- AT&T offered cell phones that connect with the same protocol as their USB/AirCard offerings.

Also, depending on how close you are to a cell tower, with the USB/AirCard device, you may get dumbed down to the older protocol, which is MUCH slower.

All the major carriers are engaged in "upgrade" battles over coverage areas and the higher speed protocols.

I think Verizon though has the plans to offer yet another faster protocol for their "data" services.

I actually run both carriers, on multiple devices, they are both OK in speed and coverage, but nothing like cable or fiber services.

 

[440roadrunner]

I made some interesting discoveries today in this almost dead zone.

1. AT&T cell phones work out here and Verizon cell phones do not.
2. Verizon USB internet modems (aircard) are twice as fast as the AT&T USB modem.


I would have thought the AT&T would be faster, has anyone else experienced the same or opposite?

(Connected at an acceptable speed at last!)

Until you know where and what the infrastructure is for the two, and the amount of connected/ in use customers, these observations are mostly meaningless. AND it may apply to only a few spotty areas. It may be that in your area, Verizon is behind the ball on buildup of data structure, and is underusded, customer wise, and so that (if you) being in a spot where there IS coverage, the lack of customers (I'm just guessing) may be causing a false indication of better speed.

I'm jus pulling this out of the air as an example, but again, until you have a good analysis of hardware, sites, and customer base, it's just a fluke observation. "Your buddy" on the OTHER side of the mountain may be seeing the oppposite

 

[txdon]

Are you saying voice cell phones do not work on Verizon at your location but data does?

Yes!!

 

[ronjhall]

I have AT&T cellphone and air card. It depends on the area where you are. At my home there is 3G service. Very fast compared to being hooked up on the service near your place in TX.
When we visited jinman last spring we did a comparison with his Verizon service and my AT&T. Getting on TBN seemed to be very close to the same. AT&T in his area is EDGE like your area. Should have downloaded a large file to compare how fast each is.
Does this mean you are switching to Verizon air card?

 

[weldingisfun]

OK. you have aroused my interest. Please point me to a source of information for this USB modem?
I have a DSL hookup through EMBARQ that about one month ago dropped it's speed by half. Of course, the technical assist says EMBARQ is still operating properly.
I know it is not my computer since I spoke to two other folks with the same problem.
Thanks in advance.

 

[MarkV]

OK. you have aroused my interest. Please point me to a source of information for this USB modem?
I have a DSL hookup through EMBARQ that about one month ago dropped it's speed by half. Of course, the technical assist says EMBARQ is still operating properly.
I know it is not my computer since I spoke to two other folks with the same problem.
Thanks in advance.

Both companies offer the USB modems and information is available through their retail outlets or the internet. They are going to cost about $60 per month with a two year contract. We use Verizon, it isn't DSL but it is way better than dial up was.

MarkV

 

[jinman]

. . . "Your buddy" on the OTHER side of the mountain may be seeing the oppposite

Mountain? In Lee County, Texas? Are you kiddin'.

Sorry. . . That just struck me as very funny.