Nortel & Seirra Test VOIP over EVDO Rev A

xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2004

With more info solidifying that Rev A is coming soon, I wonder if it makes sense to buy laptops with embedded EVDO Rev 0?

Buying Rev0 phones now is also a tough call if you plan to use phone-as-modem or want VoIP. I have a separate EVDO card for laptop so decided to go ahead and get a Rev0 phone (upcoming Treo 700p) as I would also have a RevA card on laptop. Rev0 will be adequate for the small screen in most cases but RevA phones will of course be necessary for VoIP.

The wait game for upcoming technology can be frustrating. You can wait or get the latest, but will typically be out of date in 6-12 months no matter what you do. Wink

Michael · Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 10:36 am Post subject:

I agree about the embedded EVDO - but for different reasons. It doesn't give the consumer a choice. In some locations Verizon is the way to go, in others, Sprint is. Also, there are certain companies that have contracts with Verizon or Sprint and a whole line of laptops may not be on the "approved" list because it is tied to the wrong carrier.

Perhaps at the CTIA show in a few weeks, we will get a better idea on EVDO Rev A and timing. Even if it was going to start in 6 - 12 months, it will take longer to have it deployed (just look at the Rev0 deployment). So, waiting may not be the smartest, since you will lose being able to gain the benefits of using it now.

The options include:

- Signing up for 1 year vs. 2 year contract (if possible or cost effective. To get the $59.99 rates on either, you have to do a 2 year contract. However, you save $20/month X 12 = $240/year)

- when new equipment/RevA coverage becomes a reality, purchase a new EVDO RevA card and activate it on your existing account (retail price could be $300 - $400 to do this)

- At some point, if RevA is better on "the other carrier" (or not yours), bail out, pay the early penalty and switch.
_________________
EVDO :: EVDO News :: EVDO Antennas :: Buy Verizon :: Buy Sprint :: EVDO Amplifier

xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2004

Another related article...
http://news.tmcnet.com/news/2006/03/24/1486962.htm

visortgw · Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 2:00 pm Post subject:

rickster · EVDO Junkie Joined: 27 Aug 2005 Posts: 216

Am I off that Rev 0 could be around for some time offered at roughly today's rates and Rev A could be considered an premium service that will run you let's say twice as much? I don't follow this as close as some of you but nothing that I've seen so far says that's not a possiblity.