Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 40

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

Registered: Not Yet
Location:
Posts: N/A

quote:

---

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

---

Registered: Jan 2001
Location:
Posts: 40

quote:

---

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???)

---

Registered: May 2000
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1429

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..

__________________
-miradu

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 97

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).

Registered: May 2000
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1429

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



seriuosly though...

__________________
-miradu

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Here
Posts: 213

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?