Newbie: Need info/help on service

Krileon · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: Newbie: Need info/help on service

I just called alltel today and I asked about the wireless broadband. They informed me I am in the "Great" or highest speed (2.4mbs) area. I also confirmed this with their coverage map.

I checked all the other EVDO providers and alltel is the only one that covers my area significantly and nearly exclusively.

I did an antennasearch using antennasearch.com, but I have no idea how to tell which antenna is alltels.

None of them directly say they are owned by alltel.. so how do I know?

This was the results:
Search Radius at max - 4.0 miles.
6 Tower Structures Detected!
1 New Tower Applications Detected as of 03/05/08!
30 Antenna Locations Found!

Is this a good thing? The closest tower is 0.5 miles from my house and the closets antenna is 0.5 miles as well, but I don't know if they're alltels or not.

(Removed links of tower and antenna info as it gave me a spam error)

My zip is 65619

(Removed link of alltel coverage in my area as it gave me a spam error)

I live basically directly next to Springfield in Brookline Station. To be exact it's between Springfield and Republic. Directly in a max connection area.

So can anyone help me please? I don't know if I should order it or not. I'm so sick of this pile of crap satellite. HughesNet has stuffed me on an over crowded gateway for the last stinkin' time and I can't take it anymore. 60 bucks a month for dial-up speeds just isn't acceptable to me (they oversold their bandwith).

If anyone lives near here and has the service.. please let me know how well it works. I could see the towers from my house if there wasn't some trees in the way, but would that mess it up any? If it counts for anything the towers are well above my house as the towers are all on huge hills.

Thank you.

*Edit*
Sorry I forgot to mention there is absolutely no hills between me and the towers other then the hill the towers are on. The only thing between us is a few houses and some trees.

*Edit*
Reading more into it I have found that providing this information of my home might help. The computer it'll most likely be located on is in the basement. There is no extra siding or metal siding. It's just a layer of brick, insulation, then drywall. Nothing more then that. The floor for upstairs is just wood and nothing more. There is no ceiling downstairs nor is their ceiling insulation for downstairs.

*Edit*
I currently have a linksys Wireless-N Broadband Router WRT300N. I am looking to get the Alltel UTStarcom UM150. Would this require me to getting a new router?

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

Yes, you'd need a new router. EVDO devices are specific to EVDO routers. As for the service. Alltel gives you 15 days to see if it works for you. If it does NOT then return the device and you will be refunded the cost of the device. All you would then have to pay is the activation fee and the prorated monthly rate for the days you actually have the service. There's really no other way to know unless you or someone you know has an Alltel cell phone that's EVDO capable and you could then see if they get a signal at your home.

As for the location of the pc in your basement remember the device (UM150) you referred to is a USB device. It will not be in the best spot for picking up a signal if it's connected to you desktop in the basement. Not to say it wouldn't work but you'd assuredly be able to find a better signal in other locations in your house. This is another reason for the router. The Cradlepoint routers work great with the UM150 and can be placed anywhere in your house that gets the best signal.

You will be VERY happy with this solution I'm quite certain. Go ahead and give it a shot and let us know how it goes! Of course as always, buy the router from 3GStore, the sponsors of this forum. they are simply the best folks to deal with and they know EVDO.

Also, on the off hand chance it doesn't work for you, it's best to purchase the UM150 in person at an Alltel store. That way, if you have to return it you can take it back to the store and it gets cleared up quicker and easier as opposed to have it shipped to you and then having to ship it back, yada yada yada. Hopefully soon 3GStore will be selling Alltel devices and service and then we'll be able to deal with them all the way but until then . . . . .

Krileon · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:21 am Post subject:

I just checked online for a UM150 from Alltel. It seams it's not available to my area, but I can apparently buy the KPC680 ExpressCard. Is there a difference between the 2 other then one is USB and one is ExpressCard? I need the USB one sense I'm using a desktop. I don't want to sink another 50 bucks for a converter. It says it comes with a USB adapter. So does that mean it'll work for me?

I will most likely just go directly to a store like you said. That for sure is the best thing to do.

My parents and brother had alltel cell phones like 3yrs ago and could never get a signal. I'm going to assume that they added towers/antennas sense then, which is why I'm in a good signal area.

I was really hoping to not have to buy a new router as they are very pricey and I just can't afford it ATM, but hopefully it'll work in my basement fairly well. My parents have cingular as their cellphone carrier and get perfect signals in the basement so hopefully alltels antenna/tower being half a mile away will be ok.

If I have to I'll just buy an antenna and hook it up outside for 80 bucks. Then router the internet through my computer to the router instead of buying a new router. I'll buy one, but just not atm as I don't have the money, but for now that'd work.

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

The adapter that comes with the KPC680 is for plugging it into a type 2 PCMCIA slot in a laptop. Definitely go with the UM150 and when you go to the store they can order one for you if they don't have one in stock. If it doesn't work out for you you can still do the return in the store that way.

As far as differences between the 2 cards go, there's no difference performance wise. Just the form factor.

***This message posted wirelessly via PPC6800***

Krileon · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:44 am Post subject:

Ok, thank you.

I'll just have to go to a store and find out I suppose. I keep reading that Alltel isn't Rev A.. Does that mean I'll be on a slower connection?

I do a lot of gaming and people on other forums are saying Alltel is only Rev0, which has significantly slower upload speeds.

I get a good 400kbps+ with hughesnet and that's shared between 4 systems. If my upload rate is only 100kbps+ shared between 4 systems then my gaming is going to be little to none. How bad will this effect me? or is it even true?

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

It's true that Alltel is only Rev 0 at this time. They will supposedly move to Rev A this year. We're all waiting to see.

Personally, not being a gamer, I can't answer the gaming questions but yes, there is a huge difference in the uploads. Rev 0 is capped at 144kbps so . . . . while Rev A theoretically goes as fast as 1.8mbps (if my memory serves me correctly) though I've never heard of anyone getting more than 800kbps-ish but from all I understand it's the latency that causes gamers problems as much, if not more so, than the actual upload speeds. Latency is typically better with Rev A.

Can you get Sprint where you are? If so that would be the best option since they're Rev A and offer more than one USB device - and you can deal straight with the 3GStore for the device and the service (The 3GStoe is a Master Agent for Sprint - anything you can do at a Sprint store you can do through them as I understand it.) and then you'd be able to get world class customer service if and/or when you need it. Just not having to call any carrier's CS is enough reason to go with anything 3GStore sells IMHO!

EDIT: Just looked up your zip at Sprintpcs.com and as I'm sure you know they aren't available in your area. Sorry.

Krileon · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:10 pm Post subject:

I was afraid of that.

I guess all I can do is try it and see how it goes. I am hoping I can get better latencys then 800ms. As this lag is REALLY annoying. I can't play any FPS or any RTS games with this crappy satellite. I haven't even enjoyed the pleasure of The Orange Box and I miss TeamFortress with a passion. So I really hope Rev0 will at least allow me to play it.

I checked all other wireless carriers and only Alltel services this area for EVDO. Everyone else is just nationwide coverage.

I guess if I do get it.. then I can simply start using RevA when they make the change this year. If Rev0 will work fine for me for now then that'd be great, but I'm really afraid of what might happen if I get to much outbound during gameplay and it ends up being a bottleneck for me. Latency is the primary factor, but upload rate is a big issue as well if to much outbound data is being sent.. I'll bottleneck, but for the most part I think 100kbps+ should work.

*Edit*
Just for the hell of it what is an affordable outdoor antenna? If I can't get a good signal in my house. I have an antenna mount outside on a lightpole that's like 5 ft from my house. If I can run the cable and such indoors to the modem then I can get the best possible signal strength. I just can't afford spending a boat load of money on all this. Satellite internet a year ago kill off my internet funds (nearly 1k total.. ouch).

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

Well, good luck. Keep us posted.

Krileon · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:41 pm Post subject:

Sorry to ask more questions, but what would be my ideal latency on Rev0? Like 100-200ms? Also if anyone knows.. is that acceptable for an FPS game ya think? I hear about DSL/Cable and their 50ms or faster stuff and it just seams like I'm totally screwed when it comes to internet lol.

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

Yeah, many report latency in the low 100's with optimal conditions. Lots of gamers happily playing away via EVDO. Of course they're happier when they have Rev A but . . . . . many play with Rev 0 as well. Maybe some of them could chime in here when they can.

Of course, due to the nature of wireless technology, we'll never see EVDO latency as low as the wired solutions. (DSL/cable) At least not in our lifetime . . . . .

Krileon · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:19 pm Post subject:

Ok thanks a ton.. you've been a huge help.

I also wonder if this would hold true:
400kbps with a 1000ms delay
vs
150kbps with a 100ms delay

Now the upload rate maybe lower, but the delay is significantly less. In theory you can do 10 uploads in a row with the 100ms delay in a quicker time then the 1000ms delay.

So lets say I did do this. In the time you are waiting for the upload signal to begin. You'd have already sent 1500kbs of uploads before the 400kbs even begins.

So in theory.. the lower upload rate with the much lower delay is far superior.

I really haven't a clue as to what I'm talking about, but I'm just saying if it works like that then it should be no biggy.

I'm calling the Alltel store down the street now to see if they have a UM150 I can buy.. if not I'll have them order me one.

Thank you so much for all the help. I'll just have to try it and see how it works. If I need to buy an antenna due to the trees.. that's far more affordable then satellite equipment and my dad has offered to pay for an antenna+booster if we need it. I'll just carry his laptop around checking for best signal spots around the house and checking the 3 mount locations outside to see if an antenna would be best.

I'll report back my findings. In the mean time.. if anyone else has anymore they con contribute. Please do. I'm all ears.

Krileon · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject:

Well they have a UM150 reserved for me, but here's the problem when I went in.

I have no credit history. Never have. Refuse to use a credit card. So thus I have no credit history.

They freaken wanted me to put 300 damn dollars down for something that's gonna cost me 50 bucks.

I told 'em. You can either just sell it to me or I can come back with my mom and put it under her name then pay with my credit card. You'd be selling it to the same person, but just doing a different credit check.

So all in all.. I came home empty handed and will be going back later today with my mother... bummer.

steveinms · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 15 Location: ms

I just want to thank the people at 3g store. I discovered evdo by going to this site. I then went to alltel and bought the um150. 1 for me and 1 for my son. He will be going off to college in a few months. I want to get the MBR1000 router. What would be the best way to do it. I have a desktop that I work on most of the time in my office. My younger son has a desktop. My older son has his own UM150 with a desktop. Can I use only one of the cards in the MBR1000 and get everyone up and running? Will the router slow down my speeds at all. Thank you so much for this service. I had dialup before I found your site. Now I'm going to have my very own hotspot when I order my router. I just need to know the best way. TIA Steve
_________________
alltelevdo

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

Welcome to the world of evdo!

You can get all your pc's in your house running via the MBR1000 assuming they all are either wifi capable or you can run cat5 cable from the router to them. You also only need the one UM150. Might even consider returning the one for your son (saving the $60 per mth) till time for jr to head off to college.

Good luck and happy surfing!

***Posted wirelessly via PPC6800***

Alex · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:27 pm Post subject:

steve, thanks for the kind words for 3gstore.

i'm a little confused about what you hope to accomplish, and think it may be best you call in and talk to the fine experts in sales who will help you make the right router choices. 1-866-3GSTORE -- 1-866-347-8673

thanks for choosing 3gstore.com! Wink