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-- Voicestream 'DataStream'....why? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=15096)

Now that coverage is finally available in my area (via VoiceStream), I'm ready to spring for a VisorPhone.

But I'm perplexed as to why one might need the 'DataStream' option provided by Voicestream.(?) It's my understanding (I'm admittedly weak on this)that the V'Phone will act as a modem or phone. So, if I already have an ISP, I should be able to dial into the existing ISP and surf my heart away...regardless of whether or not I've opted for 'Datastream'.

Am I right in my thinking? If so, why would anyone opt for Datastream at an extra $30/month over the plan price?

Any thoughts on this much appreciated.

Russ

quote:

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Originally posted by SassKwatch
Now that coverage is finally available in my area (via VoiceStream), I'm ready to spring for a VisorPhone.

But I'm perplexed as to why one might need the 'DataStream' option provided by Voicestream.(?) It's my understanding (I'm admittedly weak on this)that the V'Phone will act as a modem or phone. So, if I already have an ISP, I should be able to dial into the existing ISP and surf my heart away...regardless of whether or not I've opted for 'Datastream'.

Am I right in my thinking? If so, why would anyone opt for Datastream at an extra $30/month over the plan price?

Any thoughts on this much appreciated.

Russ

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quote:

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Originally posted by smittyofdhs


datastream is probably the needed protocols to transfer data in addition to voice. just because you have a cell phone doesn't mean that it can be used to transfer data over it's connection, both the phone and the provider have to have the "data" portion capabilities.

That seems a little steep for the data portion ($30???)

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Also, consider Voicestream your wireless ISP. YOu have to pay extra to get hooked to the net. Theres a reason AOL charges $20+ a month. I'm angry to, becuase I thought that $30 would cover it.. now I'm not goign to be able to get the vphone for a logn time..

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-miradu

Don't worry about it. You don't need Datastream. I just got my Visorphone today and it works great for voice, e-mail and web browsing -- without Datastream!

Of course, you need your own ISP. Just call your dial-up phone number, and make sure you have all the correct settings on your Network and Modem preference panels (see some of the other threads here).

Watch those minutes fly by.......



seriuosly though...

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-miradu

Is it possible that when you use datastream that you don't need to "dial" to connect for web applications. For example for a PQA when you just need to fetch data quickly you avoid the dialing first?