Verizon working on VZAccess for Mac OS X

EVDOrumors · EVDO Newbie Joined: 24 May 2005 Posts: 1

Verizon is currently working on VZAccess for Mac OS X.

First, they will support the PC 5220 card in the first release.

The second release will support Sierra AirCard 580, Novatel V620, Kyocera KPC650 (or possibly others).

Not sure about the release schedule, but they are having a closer relationship with Apple these days.

[b]If you currently have a Mac, the PC 5220 card is supported in Mac OS X 10.3.5 - 10.4.x. NO drivers to install. Just insert and use. If you need a PC 5220, they are still available. More info on Mac use here:

http://www.EVDOinfo.com/Downloads/Drivers/Mac_OS_X_Verizon_Drivers_2005021554/

sebastian · EVDO Newbie Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 1

mikev · Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:19 pm Post subject:

If it turns out to be the same as its Windows counterpart, it will also allow SMS/TXT messaging. I don't know what kinds of hooks into the Airport hardware Apple has or makes available, so I don't know if it will offer the ability to connect to WiFi networks as the Windows version does, or if they'll leave the WiFi stuff up to the OS.

- Mike

daveinolywa · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 18

a Mac version would be good. just adding some diags would help a lot.

i got the PC 5220 card and the install went exactly as outlined here and its not working. comes up with authentication error.

obviously something is wrong. have gone over everything and still cant find the problem although im sure i messed up the network connection settings somehow.

i will try to reload tiger and try again.

[Admin, this post is not related to this topic. Here is a page that helps].

Michael

There are some rumors floating around in Verizon, that starting August 15, there will be a software release for Mac OS X for the Kyocera KPC650 data card. At this point it is a rumor - but IF TRUE, it is good news.
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daveinolywa · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 18

just to let everyone know. exhausted all my options and call verizon and turns out that they had not activated my account at the switch level. after that was done, everything worked like a charm. i had posted the results on another link but had forgotten that i had started this one.

just to let ya know, this service ROCKS!! downloaded a 380 MB file in about 41 mins while traveling down I-5 at 65 mph. i will no longer whine about being stuck in traffic again!

jcc · Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:47 am Post subject:

VZManager for Mac does exist. I have seen it with my own eyes. It is still in beta and was supposed to be released this week. I also heard the 8/15 date but do not know if it actually was released.

The program offers a menu that allows the user to select access to the National Broadband or the Quick 2 Net Networks, a Stats area that shows graphical data xmit/rec and how fast each is occuring, a log of usage times and data quantity info per session. The VZM I saw was running on a PB G4 15" running tiger utilizing a KCP650 modem card. The VZM for Mac will activate the modem card and keep the roaming info current w/o the help of a Windows based PC.

It is great that Verizon has decided to officially support the Mac with its wireless i/net service. Now the only question is when can we get our hands on it?

Michael · Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:59 am Post subject: Mac Choices Coming Very Soon!

As of today (8/19/05), VZAccess Mac has not yet been released.

We also know that it exists and it is very close to being released. We are working with contacts at Verizon to try to get an early copy VZAccess for Mac, so that we can test it with our KPC650 and document it at our web sites.

This will be very good news for Mac EVDO Users.

We also know that Apple will be supporting other EVDO cards (for both Verizon and Sprint) in a future update of Mac OS X. Most of the work is completed for both Verizon and Sprint. Apple is working on compatibility with an overseas carrier before releasing. We basically check each OS X update, to see if new card support has been added. The way that Apple added PC5220 support in 10.3.5 - 10.4.x was simple/brilliant and just plain worked great.

Having more options for Mac / PowerBook users will be a great thing
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daveinolywa · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 18

very happy to hear that the Mac will now officially be supported. however, i dont have vzw mac manager software and can get the all the info that you have mentioned by whats already in Tiger. as fas as "selecting" national access or
EVDO, why choose a lower speed. the system will automatically connect to the fastest system available and drop to national access if need be.

in some areas, i bounce between the two several times automatically.

jcc · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:35 am Post subject:

It is my understanding that the 5220 card has to be initially activated on a Windows based PC and then it can be used on a Mac. The roaming parameters also cannot be maintained standalone on a Mac, if my understanding of this is also correct. VZAccess Manager will alow the Mac to completely standalone with the Verizon EZAccess service. My understanding is that Verizon is very aggressively adding service areas to their wireless National Broadband service, so keeping the roaming parameters up to date is important to get the most out of the service if one travels extensively.

I'm no expert here. I'm merely sharing what I've been told by a Verizon tech with whom I worked personally to get my Mac up running on the VZAccess service. I believe him to be credible. If there is any knowledge to the contrary, please amend away.

Feature-wise there isn't much difference in the VZAccess Mac features in comparison to Internet Connect in Tiger. The usage log for each session is nice, and w/b essential in helping to avoid overage charges if a subscriber does not have unlimited usage capability. The usage log indentifies how much data was sent and rec'd. each session.

Michael · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 9:31 am Post subject:

daveinolywa · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 18

have to agree with Michael.

the card is immediately detected and installed. activation is a snap. if it doesnt work immediately, call verizon and verify that the account has been initiated at the switch level.

my install went smooth with my PC 5220 card and after a call to verizon tech support where i finally reached a tech who didnt care what kind of computer i had (only took three tries) my account was turned on, the problem was resolved

Michael · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 3:14 pm Post subject:

We see about 2 "Verizon Data Entry Errors" a week and even setup a page just to cover this:

Problems Activating your EVDO Data Card
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Michael · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:36 pm Post subject:

Looks like Kyocera Released the KPC650 VZ Access software for the Mac,

We have a full review at (contains screenshots and lots of info):

VZAccess for Mac for KPC650 Review
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gproffit · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:03 pm Post subject:

As per Michaels linked URL, I downloaded and installed VZAccess for Mac (with Kyocera PC650) today and it works like it should. Looks like a pretty straightforward port of the Windows UI. It prompts for placement of it's icon in the dock and it creates a new location/profile in your Network settings.

Good on 'em for supporting Mac OS!

I'm using a 15" PowerBook G4 (aluminum) running OS X 10.3.9