Re: [gentoo-user] Re: Cell phone as modem

[Mick]

On Tuesday 04 December 2007, Grant wrote:
> > > I was looking for a relatively easy way to get online in most places
> > > around the world, but maybe GSM isn't it.  I swore off WIFI hunting
> > > after visiting the Greek island of Corfu, and from jiwire.com it looks
> > > like there is still nothing there.  Check this out though:
> > >
> > > http://www.geofone.net/bgan-sale.htm
> > >
> > > These are lightweight, plenty fast, USB, Bluetooth, ethernet, and the
> > > page even mentions Linux.  $20/day and $7.95/MB doesn't sound so bad.
> > > How can I figure out how much data I send/receive right now during
> > > minimal operation?
> >
> > Don't know how long you intend staying connected each day, or how much
> > data you need to up/download, but $20 a day doesn't exactly hit me as a
> > deal . . .
> >
> > That's well more than what I would expect to have to pay a month, even
> > when I am on international roaming charges away from home.
>
> From what I can tell, there just isn't a good solution for staying
> connected while traveling around the world yet.  I think a
> lightweight, fast satellite connection like the ones in that link
> would be perfect, but they are a bit expensive.  Not as expensive as
> the last time I looked though.

That's right, they are along with satellite cell phones slowly reducing in 
price.

> Connecting via GSM sounds like a cheaper solution but I wonder how it
> would end up after phone rental charges,

There may be no need to rent, unless you're off to Costa Rica.  A lot of PAYG 
deals throw in a phone for free over here.

> SIM cards,

SIM cards are usually free (again I am only speaking for the UK market - 
YMMV), or cost no more than $20 and you get some free calls for that.

> international voice charges,

OK, this can be a sting in the tail, some providers were charging too much for 
roaming abroad.  The telecoms regulator has brought this under control lately 
by capping the charges.  When I roam around Europe I can still ring my ISP's 
UK dialup number for a reasonable cost.

> however they charge you for local data, local dial-up
> charges, getting ripped by the fine print because you're likely
> dealing with a different company every time, gas and time spent
> looking for a good signal and power outlet, etc.

I know what you're saying, but WiFi coverage is increasing, even in rural 
areas.  OK, Corfu may still be an exception although the Starbux monopoly is 
spreading its wings across the globe.  Sometimes the local council may 
compete for WiFi provision.  I saw tens of kids with laptops hanging around 
and browsing obsessively in a central square in Athens, Greece, a couple of 
months ago.  I was told that this is a free WiFi hotspot offered by the Mayor 
to promote new technologies.  You could also find that a lot of hotel lobbies 
(my favourite option) offer peace & quite, a drink and a few hours of 
uninterrupted Internet usage.  Some of the hotels may charge for WiFi usage, 
but many more do not.

> With a satellite
> connection it's straightforward.  You always deal with the same
> company and it works right from your hacienda on the beach.  In my
> experience, staying connected on the road is really hard.  A satellite
> system would make it really easy, but somewhat expensive.

Sure, but satellite reception and bandwidth is not always as good as it 
sounds.  I remember seeing a comparison between different Internet access 
media and the satellite Internet access did not exactly come on top.  
Reception was patchy (can't recall where they were trying it out) and at 
times throughput was no higher than a fixed line dialup connection.  
Depending where you are you may have to wait for Uncle Sam's sat to fly above 
before you can hook up.

Notwithstanding the above your needs do no doubt vary from mine and a 
satellite may well be the best solution. for you  Getting your company to pay 
for it may be the best option.  Trying it out from a retail place, or the 
next local electronics show could give you a taster under optimum conditions.

Good luck.
-- 
Regards,
Mick