Registered: Sep 2000
Location:
Posts: 6

Do you think we will eventually see an unlimited-use wireless Internet service (such as YY and OmniSky) together with a digital cell phone (either with per-minute charges or unlimited use) in one unit/one provider?

My understanding is that the CDPD technology that Minstrel is using is actually a voice network (that's what the YY press release said). I think when the two converge, such an offering, at an affordable price, would be much more compelling to me. For now, i need my cell phone, but a wireless service is only a "nice to have".

Ideally, i want unlimited Internet access and 500 minutes of cell phone use, all in one SpringBoard module. If that were available for under $75/month, i'd buy it right now. Any ideas when we can expect this? I believe VisorPhone can be used for Internet access, but with per-minute billing and the high price for the unit, i will hold off for a while.

A related question: what is the percentage of Visor business users vs. individual consumers? Basically, when your company is paying for your hardware and access costs, it becomes more affordable. Consumer price points are different. I wonder if i'm alone out here, and shouldn't expect prices to come down any time soon...

Registered: Jan 2000
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1683

In the US, there is still too many different providers of both Cellphone service and wireless data that are out there competing.

Once the market either starts forcing people out, or the companies start merging into bigger conglomerates (which is already happening) then things may start to pan out and a standard either developed an accepted, or forced into existence from the consumers.

Unfortunately, all of these phone companies think that the next big thing is wireless internet on your phone. So they aren't paying much attention to anything else at this time.

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Registered: Nov 1999
Location: bright side of the moon.
Posts: 996

Have you seen this?

http://www2.pdabuzz.com/Discussion/...TML/001027.html

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