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Wireless Web speed is being quadrupled
If you are a wireless-Web user, you already know that connecting to the Internet by wireless is about as tedious as watching a snail race — only slower. Most cellular networks can manage only 14.4 kilobits per second, the speed of modems circa 1994.
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But after many promises, delays and false starts, the speed of wireless technology is being quadrupled: Five of the top six U.S. carriers are rolling out high-speed networks that offer clearer calls and faster Internet downloads. Clear phone calls are only a marginal improvement, of course — and one you’ll pay handsomely for. The big benefits go to Web users. And with the Web, laptop users will get the biggest bang because of the increase in speed.
This next-generation wireless falls into two camps. Verizon Wireless’ Express Network and Sprint PCS’s new Vision service both use a standard with the catchy name 1xRTT. Cingular, AT&T Wireless’ mMode service and T-Mobile — formerly VoiceStream — use the GPRS standard.
As far as performance goes, you can count on both 1xRTT and GPRS to provide fast, reliable service. You can download data at about 40 to 60 kilobits per second, or roughly the same speed as a 56K modem on a PC.
The big difference between the 1xRTT and GPRS networks is geographic. In the United States, 1xRTT systems are in place in more than 200 of the largest cities. GPRS, on the other hand, is available only in about 50 cities.
If you’re using a PC card in your laptop for a wireless connection, you’ll pay about $50 a month for 15 to 20 megabytes of data. Fifteen megabytes is equal to about 2,250 e-mails or Web pages, or 3,375 instant messages. Unlimited downloads will cost you $100 or more a month.
Each of the five carriers has a service plan for both voice calls and data that starts at about $40 to $50 a month. This will generally get you 150 to 500 phone minutes and a megabyte or two of data. The price for unlimited voice and data usage can top $150 a month.
Although all five carriers offer plans for individuals, three are primarily courting businesses at this point. For now, Sprint PCS Vision and AT&T Wireless mMode lead the way with consumer products, offering more plan options and the most attractive pricing for individuals.
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