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Cellular Phones/internet connection

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Expert: - 6/12/2011


Question
We have basic T-Mobile prepaid cellphones, which work fine for us.  However, we usually go back to rural Virginia (no hotspot) to visit grandkids where we rent a cabin for several weeks to a month that doesn't have a landline/internet.   What would be the best way to get internet for just the one month.
Should we upgrade and buy a cellphone with internet (sort of like an i phone)that we could remain prepaid.   I understand that we can also use the cellphone as a modem and just take our laptop with us
thanks

Answer
I would first suggest that you verify that the cabin can access a cellular network in that area. If it can, then I would get a prepaid aircard for that one month. If T-Mobile has coverage, that's great, but they may not, so please check the carriers first. If you get the aircard with prepaid, then you will have internet access without issue. A cellphone typically doesn't have enough bandwidth and most carriers dont' allow cellphones to tether, only SmartPhones.  

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DebiN

Expertise

I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.

Experience

Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.

Organizations
I belong to several organizations

Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications

Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years

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