E-mail & Internet Options for Dashboarders

(Note: We know that much of the content on this page is now historical, but we keep it here because it still has value as a reference. It also shows how far we've come since 1996, when RoadTrip America first began publishing "on a roll.")

For up-to-the-minute discussions about mobile connectivity, please visit the Great American RoadTrip Forum.)

The chart below provides basic information about costs, types of equipment, and the advantages and drawbacks of each. Note that the wireless market is very complex because the companies change the names of the products frequently and new technologies are continually being introduced. The connection speeds quoted are reasonable expectations based on actual field experience, which means they are usually less than the "optimal burst" speeds quoted in advertising. Everything listed is "off-the-shelf" and currently available for purchase unless otherwise indicated.

A word about wireless networks: throughout the world, technology firms are attempting to create wireless networks that can deliver so-called "3-G" services. By definition, 3-G (third generation) is a high-speed data and voice network. It is supposed to be able to transmit wireless data at 144 Kbps for mobile users (traveling at highway speeds), 384 Kbps for pedestrians, and 2 Mbps through wirelines at fixed locations. 1-G was the analog system and 2-G generally refers to the digital cell phones in use since the early 90's. There are many types of technologies being employed by the major telecommunication companies to reach 3-G.

"Wireless Fidelity" or "Wi-Fi" was coined in 1999 and used to describe an international effort to standardize and certify the interoperability of wireless Local Area Network products based on the IEEE 802.11 radio frequency specification. Currently there are versions of this Wi-Fi specification ranging from "a" to "g" available to general consumers. 802.11(g)-equipped handheld devices are currently breaking all previous records for sales of new electronic products. In addition, beta versions of this radio specification are being developed up through "k".

In the simplest terms, Wi-Fi is radio technology that enables connections from a electronic device (like a laptop) to a broadband (wired) Internet connection point. These connection points are often referred to as "HotSpots, Gateways, or Access Points." The Wi-Fi Alliance maintains a free directory service for locating Hotspots throughout the world. Generally, Wi-Fi can enable connections within 500 feet of a Hotspot. By using antennas and repeaters, this access are can be extended up to two miles from a gateway. The thing to remember when companies quote "range" is to recall that this service is radio-based, so, just as you will start hearing static on your car radio when you get too far away from a station, the connection speed for a Wi-Fi enabled device will gradually degrade as you move away from a connection point. Virtually all of the carriers are incorporating Wi-Fi into their service offerings (although it may not be identified as "Wi-Fi" -- a variety of proprietary names are used).

In North America, there are two principal paths being employed by the major carriers to reach 3-G: CDMA (Sprint PCS and Verizon) and GSM/TDMA/GPRS (AT&T, Cingular Wireless & T-Mobile). In addition, there a number of other strategies employing satellites, fixed wireless, and non-voice data-only networks.

Pocket Mail (as of 8/8/04)

As recently as mid-2001 there were four manufacturers—Palm, Sharp, Audiovox and Oregon Scientific—producing devices for the Pocketmail service. The Pocketmail Composer is the sole remaining device. The Composer is a 512K PDA with a built-in acoustic coupler that can access e-mail through pay phones, analog and most digital cellular phones. It features a small keyboard and screen and allows download of mail from POP3, IMAG and AOL accounts. It can be synchronized with popular e-mail software like Outlook. Its small size and ease of operation has made it a favorite for many members of the RV community.

Service plans are based on usage in North America. Generally, the plans include unlimited toll-free dial-up access and free WAP service for WAP-enabled PCS phones. Click here for review.

AMPS(as of 8/8/04) (Note: Retailers will tell you this is not available, but IT DOES STILL EXIST.)

4.8 Kbps - 9.6 Kbps

No network towers in national parks and rural areas

Best coverage in the USA

Some providers do not support roaming agreements & provide service only with use of credit card

Analog— also called Advanced Mobile Telephone System (AMPS)— is a Circuit-Switched system that divides geographic areas into small areas called cells. A cellular tower is built within each cell site. Each tower's coverage is 1 mile to 20 miles in diameter. A central computer in the system provider's office monitors the weakness/strength of the radio signals that emanate from a cell phone and can switch the cell signal from tower to tower as needed. Also the system can switch the cell call into the public telephone system. Each cell user occupies an entire frequency (no "sharing"), and there are a limited number of users allowed per tower.Most providers assign an area near the subscriber's address as being "home" with a flat service rate. Any cellular calls placed or received outside this "home" area are subject to "Roaming Charges." The Motorola S1936D Cellular Connection is the infamous "Black Box" used in the Phoenix One.

As of 6/17/02, both AT&T and Verizon have succeeded in eliminating any marketing support for their existing analog services to consumers. Analog transceiver devices and service plans are still available to large business customers like utilities and oil companies. A number of excuses ranging from the size of batteries to lack of interest by consumers have been raised by the major carriers as the reason for phasing this service out. However, the primary reason that the carriers have sought to eliminate analog service for consumers is that analog is inefficient and expensive for carriers to support at the usage levels used by most consumers. Analog service requires two channels to carry messages (either voice or data). Only one such communication can occur at any one time. Carriers using the newer coding techniques found in 2.5 and 3.0 generation digital phones can run hundreds of conversations and data sessions at the same time in channels formerly used one at a time for analog services. For large companies, the usage levels of the analog bandwidth meets the economic requirements of the large network providers, and they also purchase and deploy connectivity devices not used by consumers. AT&T does provide (unofficial) analog service to consumers at the rates shown above. But if analog were utilized at the consumer rate to check e-mail daily (30 minute per day) the cost would easily exceed $400 per month.

Rental Equipment

RIM Pagers

CDPD
(as of 8/8/04) (Note: This technology is incorporated into other products -- it's hard to find "pure" CDPD.)

E-mail access wherever analog service towers exist

CDPD requires a portable computing device, (PDA, laptop, or PocketPC-type), specialized software known as IP Stack software, a wireless modem, (a variety of PCMCIA cards) and a special wireless account known as an NEI which provides the IP address. It features always-on connectivity and supports a variety of compression technologies. Pricing is usually based on types of usage according to three classifications: same location (like an utility tower); mobile but consistent as to areas traveled; and unlimited, where no consistency of use is anticipated.
Each of the major carriers have different names for the basic CDPD coverage. (For example, AT&T's version is "Wireless Data Services", Verizon is "Mobile Wireless IP Internet," etc.) The chart above compares the basic types and products.

CDMA
(updated 11/04/02)

50 Kbps to 70 Kbps with peaks to 144 Kbps

Basic plan is limited to 2Mb of data transfer per month

12 - 125 Kbps

Some of phones are dual or tri-mode - so voice will connect in areas where data will not.

Works in areas where CDMA service is available

Limited to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Salt Lake City, eastern Texas, Michigan, Florida, and Eastern Seaboard

One price for data & voice

Uses Fourelle's Venturi compression software for enhanced performance

TDMA(as of 6/17/02)

12-14 Kbps

Five lines of text, no attachments

Provides direct access to AOL & Yahoo e-mail accounts

Voice & data on one PCS handset

PocketNet was originally introduced as a data-only system using TDMA digital service for consumers. It has now been incorporated into the business market and includes voice service. There is some doubt as to whether or not it can be purchased by consumers who are not a part of a corporate enterprise. A PCS digital phone is required, along with a general service digital calling plan. Coverage areas are substantially more limited than those for voice service. In November 2000, AT&T adopted GSM as the network of choice for third generation services, making the future of TDMA service unclear.

GSM/GPRS (as of 7/1/02)

75 Kb up and 150Kb down are expected but not confirmed as of this date.

High latency problems will make file transfer seem slower than data rates suggest.

Ability to receive voice calls while sending/receiving data. E-mail, corporate applications, news & weather on enhanced web sites

"Always on"

$3 to $13/ mo for 50Kb to 2Mb + additional 1¢/Kb

2-way text messaging for about $5/month

iDEN (as of 6/17/02)

45-55 Kbps*
Available in only 190 metro areas

VPN is not supported

Phone, data, and "Direct Connect" 2-way radio service on one bill

No ISP required; no roam charges

Globalstar GSP-1600 (as of 6/17/02)

7.7 Kbps

Satellite will not work indoors or in deep canyons.Phone is larger than most handsets.

Car kit is prohibitively expensive.

As a tri-mode phone, can access analog (AMPS), digital (800 MHz CDMA) and satellite service.

Also supports text messaging (4 lines of 12 characters each)

Five service plans ranging from:$25/month for 5 minutes to $400/month for 500 minutes, plus $10/month for voice mail.

Orbcomm

Inmarsat Satellite System

WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS (WISPs)

Fixed Wireless Ricochet
(updated 8/8/04)

Rated at 176 Kbps with peaks to 400 Kbps (Actual is closer to 110 Kbps)

This "Fixed Wireless" network uses radio transceivers operating in the relatively secure 900 MHz band that are mounted on utility street poles and other towers in certain urban areas. It allows high-speed access to the Web from any PC or Mac device that is equipped with a Ricochet modem. A FAQ that compares this service with other connecting options like RIM, CDPD, DSL, CDPD, CDMA, etc. can be viewed here.

The original "Ricochet Network" was developed by Metricom, Inc. and in August, 2001 had partial service in 21 cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C The first use of this network was plagued by inconsistent access and high monthly service fees. After Metricom's bankruptcy on 08/08/01, much of the wireless radio transceivers in the various cities were acquired by other firms and the cities themselves.

Now owned by YDY Wireless (as of 6/30/04), the service is again available in the Denver and San Diego Metropolitan areas, with plans to reactivate the network in the cities listed above within the next year of so.