I guess I could search, but

jpsage · Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:31 pm Post subject: I guess I could search, but

I am one of the lucky Verizon users that got kicked off because I downloaded two Linux distributions that netted +10Gigs. I am considering moving to Sprint. A couple of questions:

1) In Verizon when you cant get EVDO, you can roll back to 1x that is still about 3x dialiup. Is there something simular on Sprint?

2) Since I am locked into Verizon phones for another 14 months, I am trying to decide wether to tether or to get the data card.

3) Can I use my KPC650 with Sprint?

4) I have a Yagi and 2 band amplifier for my house on Whidbey Island Wa. Anyone have experience with the three towers shown on Whidbey Island? Are they EVDO? Not sure if I can get line of site to them or not.

Thanks. Feel free to post pointers of where to search. I am looking very closely before I buy again.
_________________
Retired Computer Engineer
Travel a lot. Need Wireless, since no DSL or cable at house on Whidbey Island.
Booted from Verizon EVDO for being bad boy!

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 3:45 pm Post subject:

Good question. Actually, by searching you would have found all of your answers. But, since I am nice enough, I will tell you.
First off, for Sprint, visit their website: http://www.sprint.com and type in your zip code.
This will tell you if you can even get any Sprint coverage at your location (I have no idea where Whdibey Island is.)

1.) Yes, all CDMA networks are the same in the sense if EVDO is not available, you will default back to 1xRTT, the slower service. (Hey, slow net is better then no net!)

2.) You can tether your phones, but be forewarned if you get another letter since you are using your phones for data. I dont know anything about tethering on VZW and what they have for their ToS on that subject.
Why would you get another data card if you were just disconnected?

3.) No! Cards are registered only to the network you purchased them from. You cannot use your KPC650 on any other network other then Verizon. Same goes with cell phones as well.

4.) As I said, I dont know anything about Whidbey Island, the maps at Sprint.com will tell you. Once you get to your location, you can drive around, figure out where the tower is, then point your yagi in the general direction of the tower. It is all about trial-and-error.

Hope that helps!
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xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2003

A couple other things...

Take a close look at the maps and make sure if you even get a Sprint voice signal where you live. Looking at the maps it seems to hit the E side of Whidbey Island, which is planned for future coverage.
http://www.sprint.com/business/products/products/map.jsp?map=Seattle_WA&mrkt=Seattle,%20Wa

Since you travel a lot, you'll be able to roam data on Alltel starting July 1, both 1xRTT and EVDO...
http://alltel.com/business/enhanced/mobilelink_coverage.html

You can tether EVDO phones (both Sprint/Verizon) but the performance does not peak as high as a laptop card (up to 1Mbps peaks on phone vs 2Mbps peaks for card). And you can't talk on phone at same time as using data with current models of phones. It is much more convenient to have a laptop card.