GL: AIR CARDS

[Ralph Yost]

Brent
This is one of the better tests I have read about that would provide
fair comparative results between the three services. Not many people
actually measure wireless broadband service properly as you did. Most
folks are going by their perception of the network and downloads. (Other
factors will effect performance, such as the performance condition of
the PC you are using, etc. Use an old clunky PC and you will see
significantly slower downloads for example)

I can tell you that based upon my own professional work and knowledge of
the technology recently being used by these companies, Verizon is
leading the pack in the advancement of a more capable (faster) network.
Their business plan (and currently being implemented) calls for the
upgrade and installation of a faster capable wireless network nationwide
than the other competitors. I'm not a corporate cheer leader for Verizon
but just stating some facts.

I really appreciated Jeff Siegel's last email about his comparison
between AT&T and Verizon broadband service. His suggestion to use a
messaging capable cell phone, coupled with a cell phone pre-amp/antenna
combo will greatly benefit trawler travelers with both voice cell phone
and broadband capabilities.

The Pungo-Alligator River area is dead as a door nail for cell phone
signal (it was June 2007). We got to that point on our new boat purchase
delivery trip when the 2nd tropical storm of the season moved directly
off the coast, forcing us to choose to anchor at Deep Point, mm 99.5
(start of the Alligator River and at the end of the Pungo-Alligator
Canal). I got off ONE cell phone to family to let them know we were
there but had to go to the fly bridge to do it. Never got another chance
for the next day and half.

Cell phone use (and broadband use of cell phone, commonly called AIR
CARD) depends on the providing company having sufficient towers located
near where you want to use the phone. The Alligator River area is just
not populated with enough people to warrant cell tower installation in
that area. The second performance dependency is the receiver (phone).
Not all receivers are equal in performance hence Jeff's pre-amp/antenna
solution would benefit a user with any cell phone.
R. 

-----Original Message-----


> Is there a consensus on the best air card service/cost.  ATT vs  
> Verizon?
> (endsnip)


We just did an "accidental road test" of the Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint
cards 
on our trip from Galveston Bay to Key West. Just happened to have 3 
computers, each with a different card.
Results, Verizon seems to be a little faster, but some times hard to
tell a 
difference. (We actually did a side by side test of the Verizon vs AT&T
of a 
down load that took about 5 minutes, and Verizon won by about 20
seconds) Service reception seemed pretty equal. Matter of fact, the only
time we lost 
connection was during the two crossings, when we were more than a few
miles 
offshore. Coming into Tampa area, and Key West, we were getting
connection 
at about 12 miles out. I was also sending email at 6 miles from
Apalachicola 
with AT&T.

I'd say whichever is best in you home area would work.

I'm sending this from the Mooring balls in Key West, AT&T air card, with
5 
bars!

Brent Hodges
_