Server Help

[BDwinsAlt]

I want to get some kind of wifi card that connects to cell phone towers and works on with Linux. I know I am connect my phone to my sister's desktop via USB and connect to the internet through that, but it uses Motorola Phone Tools (Windows). I want some kind of service that works on Linux so I can connect without having to worry about software. I want to be able to get directions and things while traveling or going to places without internet access.

Any ideas? Short: I need to connect to the internet with my phone (or a wifi card) through cellphone towers on Linux.

You're probably asking why I don't just use Windows. I deleted it, and I don't use it. All the stuff I do is on Linux, so I don't want to have to use Windows. I don't feel like installing it either.

Example: If I try to figure out how to do stuff on Linux, I'd have to restart and boot Windows, look it up, restart and go into Linux. Then I would have to hope I remember how to do something and see if it works. (VMWare...no)


Edit: Jose from verizon has informed me that they only support Windows 2k+ and Mac. Looking at AT&T's website they only support Windows. T-Mobile and Sprint are my next targets.

[Solo Ace]

Do you have some perverted fetish for Linux? I CBA to answer, simply because it's in the topic.

[BDwinsAlt]

cba? It's not a fetish or anything. I just have all my stuff on Linux and I don't want to drain my performance on VMWare.

The man from pakistan put me on hold and then trasnferred me to no where. It said something like "If you'd like to make a call..." I never found out about their services.

The lady from t-mobile was really nice and asked how my weekend was. T-mobile doesn't support Linux either.

Non-supporters:
Verizon
T-Mobile
Sprint/Nextel

Waiting to hear from:
AT&T

I may have to use just Windows for when I'm on the road, but I'd rather not waste disk space.

[Animate Dreams]

Lol... um, AT&T's "data" service is a joke around the office. Verizon and Sprint both use 3G Rev A, and AT&T is using 2G... anyway, support isn't decided by the service provider, it's the card. You use an aircard. If you can get drivers to use that card on Linux, you can use anyone's service that the card supports. I promise Verizon Wireless won't mind what OS you use, as long as you pay them.

By the way, Sprint has the best data network. The nature of PCS networks means that Sprint already has the infrastructure needed for a good data network. Since Verizon Wireless uses CDMA, they don't have as many towers and their data network isn't as good. Their speeds are comparable, but their footprint isn't as big. But I believe the goal is to have 100% evDO coverage by the end of 2007... but that might be 2008. I'm not good with numbers. =\ Now, 100% evDO coverage doesn't mean 100% of the nation, it means 100% of VZW towers. Meaning, if you can get cell service, you can also get evDO.

Summary: Sprint is better than VZW, but VZW is going to catch up before too long. So pick whichever one is cheaper for you.

Edit: Oh yeah. CBA = Can't be arsed

[BDwinsAlt]

I found a website about how to get the sierra card to work in Ubuntu Fiesty (which is what I have). I installed the drivers and everything else I needed. Now I just need the card.


Sierra Wireless AC875 PC Wireless Broadband Card ? Broadband Access Card Highlights

* Surf the Internet, Check Email, Connect via VPNs for Corporate Network and Email Connectivity
* Compatible With Both AT&T 3G High-speed Broadband Connect And Nationwide EDGE Data Networks
* AT&T 3G Broadband Connect Offers Download Speeds Between 400 and 700 Kbps, With Bursts To 2 MBps
* Compatible With Microsoft? Windows? 2000, XP, Vista (when commercially available)
* PC Card Type II
* Fixed Antenna
* Rugged External Housing
* No Remote Power Needed. Power Comes From the PC Card Slot

Looks like AT&T now has 3G also.

[Animate Dreams]

Lol... AT&T's data network has poor coverage, and even poorer service. I know it says it's compatible with AT&T's 3G network, but AT&T doesn't HAVE 3G network. They're still using 2G. On the bright side... you have a chance of that card working in Germany. Only if you buy service again over there, but a Sprint or Verizon card wouldn't work, period. Europe is 100% GMA if I remember right, and Sprint/Verizon use CDMA. But unless you plan on using it in Germany, I suggest you avoid AT&T's data service. You'll be lucky to get 250kbps.

[BDwinsAlt]

schitt has dsl that is slower than his cell phone's internet. I think he said he uses verizon. I really want to be able to get online while I am in Germany though. I know T-mobile uses GSM as well, and it normally works in Germany. Does T-Mobile use different towers than AT&T? I know closer in town they have a t-mobile hot spot wifi kinda thing. When you get on the t-mobile wifi it takes you to a login page.

In the tutorial it said gsm cards don't have to be activated on Windows first. CDMA do. I think I'll either go with T-Mobile or AT&T.

[Animate Dreams]

Um, T-Mobile probably co-locates on some of the same towers AT&T does, but unless they have roaming agreements, they won't be using the same antennas. Remember, if you want to use the internet in Germany, you'll have to pay for service in Germany. Even if T-Mobile has service in Germany, you won't be able to use your current plan... once you get to Germany, you'll have to sign up for service over there and pay for it again. I don't know anything about service plans so I don't know how easily you'll be able to get a plan that just lasts for the duration of your trip. Also, I don't know anything about T-Mobile's data network. I didn't know they even HAD one. We don't test it, so that probably means we don't consider them a competitor in that area. If you're looking for a reliable data network, don't go with T-Mobile. AT&T should at least be a bit more reliable, but their data network is not only slow, but much more spotty in coverage than Sprint or Verizon's. I know, I've tested. But looking at speed, AT&T will probably be fast enough to load webpages, youtube, and Continuum. Plus, even with their spotty coverage, they are one of the major voice service providers, and should have infrastructure up in all densely populated areas. As long as you don't plan on doing a lot of downloading you probably don't need the extra speed. Only problem is they charge about the same as Sprint and Verizon, and I don't think T-Mobile does.

Given the circumstances, T-Mobile is probably your best bet. It's GSM, they have a good reputation for international coverage(at least in phone and plan portability, you WON'T be able to use your American data plan to access the internet in Germany), and it's most likely going to work in urban or other highly populated areas. I personally hate GSM, and I could sit here listing all the advantages CDMA has and I could tell you about the superior networks of Sprint and Verizon, but it looks like T-Mobile is what's going to work for you. But I do think you should see if you can't test a T-Mobile data card where you live. You should also just ask the salesman at the T-Mobile store what coverage is like where you live. Sure, he's trying to make a sale, but it's incredibly doubtful he'll lie to you. T-Mobile has a reputation of honesty and good customer service, anyway.

[BD (sis pc)]

It gets 3-5 bars in my area. The thing is I don't really have that much money (or a place to put the card since my wifi card is build inside).

I just installed Windows and connected my phone with Motorola Phone Tools. I got about 230 kbps starting off. That is enough for Continuum. I just have to add unlimited internet to my plan so it doesn't cost me a fortune.

[BDwinsAlt]

I am using my cell phone to access the internet right now. I used AT&T because it was the cheapest. It is fast enough for me to just go into continuum and chat. I can surf a little, too. This will at least keep me connected to the cyber world when I'm going down the road.

[BDwinsAlt]

I got my cell phone working in linux under KPPP after findout using special AT commands and figuring out that /dev/ttyACM0 or something was my phone.

I no longer need Windows after I went through that trouble. Oh well.