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PocketSurfer
Chapter 4: Network Connectivity Settings
Overview
The PocketSurfer allows great flexibility to work across many different types of networks and
connectivity environments. Most common networks in deployment are referred to as 2G (or
Digital or PCS), these networks use a circuit switched data (CSD) connection and the wireless
carriers charge for data on such networks by minutes of use. Faster next-generation networks
being deployed are referred to as 2.5G and 3G. These next generation networks are generally
2X to 3X faster than the older 2G networks, but may have less coverage. The 2.5G/3G
networks work in packet-data mode (compared to CSD), and the carriers accordingly charge by
the number of Megabytes (MB) that are consumed.
The advantage of being charged by MB is that you can spend time reading an article, or
composing an E-mail, but not get charged for the time, instead only have to pay when data is
transferred. The advantage of being charged by time is that if you have unused or rollover
minutes in your monthly plan, or have evenings and weekends free, then you can use those
time frames without having to pay an airtime fee. Phones that operate on next generation
2.5G/3G packet networks generally also allow operation on the 2G CSD networks. This gives
you the advantage of choosing the appropriate network at the time of day, which is most cost
effective for use.
Please check with your carrier for their current rates, to make the most economical decision
based on your usage patterns.
The PocketSurfer uses your cell phone as a wireless-modem. To use the service, you need to
pay a monthly ISP fee upon registering on the device, and you also need to have your cell
phone enabled for wireless data from your wireless carrier.
