mmendo1
Member
Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 125 |
If Verizon says a one year contract is required, I seriously doubt they are going to make an exception for you (if you want to find out for sure, just call and ask). Also, note that when using Verizon as a service provider, when you are not using their network but on some other provider's network (AT&T, the only other one), you are charged a roaming fee per kb of data you download. This wouldn't be so bad except there are numerous places where Verizon doesn't cover and only AT&T does so if you want to use your modem in that area, you have no choice but to roam. Add to that that there is no type of alert on the modem or visor to let you know when you are roaming and the charges can start to add up. The only way to avoid the roaming charges is for you to call up Verizon and AT&T and find out exactly who covers the area you'll be using it in. Finally, a provider like OmniSky (OS) will let you do a month to month deal but its $40/month. If you sign up for a year with them and prepay that in advance, it comes out to around $30/month and you don't have to worry about who's network you are on. If you download a browser such as Avantgo or Blazer that supports color, they will work just fine (in color) on your Prism with the OS service. The OS service supports color, just not the software which is mainly web-clipping apps. A color version of the software is due out in late summer/early fall as well. I use a Prism and Minstrel S modem and I very much enjoy the OS service (in color). Finally, I am not sure Verizon supports a modem that already has preprogrammed software from another provider (the modems on Ebay are likely from former OS or YadaYada subscribers). If they don't, the modem may be useless to you. BTW, do you specifically know if the Verizon software supports color for the Minstrel S/Prism??
Marty
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