Using EVDO Phones for First Responders

Ransom County · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 3

Our county Emergency Management office is looking at options for providing Internet service to our law enforcement and first responders. We are a rural county with very spotty cell phone service; however, with a cell card device for our laptops we've had success pulling in Internet service as long as we have an amplifier/booster. We are wondering if using an EVDO cell phone would make more sense than using a card? Does anyone have any input?

kaefer · EVDO User Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Posts: 65

You can also use external amps and antennas for cell phones. You could also use an in vehicle repeater that would wirelessly boost the signal for both cell phones and laptop connection cards.

Ransom County · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 3

What we tried out was using a laptop connection card for the computer and then using the amplifier. We found that we got improved service for both the laptop and the cell phone. What my boss is wondering is if it would make more sense to just use an EVDO cell phone (to connect to the computer for Internet service) rather than the laptop connection card?

Alex · Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 2:55 pm Post subject:

The problem i have with using a cell phone for data service is that you can't be making a voice call and using data service at the same time.

While that may not seem much of a compromise, it may be imperative that first responders be able to talk and be online at the same time... and i would think it would be just as important for others to be able to call first responders, even if they were online at the same time.

just my 2 cents.

Ransom County · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 3

Very good point. Thanks for the input.