Registered: Mar 2001
Location:
Posts: 44

VPhone & Vstream/Datastream - What's the deal?

While reading the thread about the $49 price on the VisorPhone, I saw several comments (and another thread) indicating that you don't need Voicestream's Datastream service to do wireless data. I called Voicestream and asked, but the rep was pretty clueless. I dropped the service, after which I gog a bunch of SMS messages updating my smart card. Now I can't connect at all. I've tried several numbers for my ISP, as well as my corporate Shiva dial-in facility. In every case, I get the message 0x1102: No carrier. It sure looks like I needed that Datastream service. Does anyone know the real deal?

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Talldog

Registered: Jun 2001
Location:
Posts: 5

Re: VPhone & Vstream/Datastream - What's the deal?

You don't need DataStream. It sounds like what happened when
you dropped DataStream is that they also dropped "Data" from
your account. They're not supposed to do that. You have the
right to "Data" for free, with or without DataStream. If
you have trouble, I can forward you an email direct from
VoiceStream data tech support which confirms this. Call them
up and ask them to add "Data" back to your account -- there
shouldn't be any charge for that.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 406

I was getting worried. I forget who it was who said that you did, indeed, need data stream. That was $29 a month I was completely unwilling to pay. Thank you for the official word.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

Re: Re: VPhone & Vstream/Datastream - What's the deal?

quote:

---

Originally posted by John Diamant
You don't need DataStream. ... You have the
right to "Data" for free, with or without DataStream. If
you have trouble, I can forward you an email direct from
VoiceStream data tech support which confirms this. Call them
up and ask them to add "Data" back to your account -- there
shouldn't be any charge for that.

---

__________________
Jeff

Registered: Jun 2001
Location:
Posts: 5

In addition to the below quote, note that I am successfully
connecting to my ISP without DataStream.

As requested, here's the relevant parts of the message I got direct
from VoiceStream data services tech support:

-------

DataStream is a feature which uses the DATA feature to allow you to send and receive files, surf the Internet, and send and receive e-mail.

DataStream contains two separate components: DATA and FAX. The DATA component is necessary and is already added to every customer account whether the customer uses it or not. The FAX feature is optional and only needs to be added if the customer wants to receive faxes while using the DATA feature. Having this service allows customers to use their computers to hook into data networks even when there is no landline connection available, such as when the customer is driving, at an airport or convention center, or outdoors.

Up to 9600 bits per second transmission speed (baud rate) at time [sic] you will be able to connect at 14,400 but at this time we can only guarantee 9600.

VoiceStream only provides the ability to connect to another system. If you are trying to access the Internet or email, then you need to have a valid account with the Internet Service Provider, or a valid account with the email host.

A copy of WinFax Lite is provided to allow you to fax. Other software may also be used. DataStream provides NO storage. All information sent and received is done in "real time". The computer and handset must be available to receive incoming information. Storage is then provided on the computer, via whatever software is appropriate.

Monthly Price for DataStream: $29.99 Includes: DATA, FAX, 1500 minutes of airtime for DATA/FAX transmissions. Every customer has Data capabilities on their account for no charge.
Example: If you are on a $39.99 rate plan for 600 minutes and
you don't subscribe to the DataStream feature then when you connect you will use the 600 minutes that you pay for a month when using your Data service, but with DataStream you will only use the 1500 minutes instead of your 600 that you pay for a month for airtime.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 242

Re: Re: VPhone & Vstream/Datastream - What's the deal?

quote:

---

Originally posted by John Diamant
You don't need DataStream. It sounds like what happened when
you dropped DataStream is that they also dropped "Data" from
your account. They're not supposed to do that. You have the
right to "Data" for free, with or without DataStream. If
you have trouble, I can forward you an email direct from
VoiceStream data tech support which confirms this. Call them
up and ask them to add "Data" back to your account -- there
shouldn't be any charge for that.

---

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Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 406

Mark, if I've learned anything from phone reps, is that they don't know ANYTHING at all about REAL problems (eg- not just "my phone ain't workin"). Unless they've changed their policy on datastream, all you need to do is ask them to 'turn on Data'. I've read dozens of people posting saying that it works for them, they all can't be lying.

Also, the email you're asking for is right above your post.

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 242

I tend to agree...but I can't seem to break through their bureaucracy. I've spoken now to 2 CSRs and a tech and have basically gotten "What, me worry?"

Plus, it worked just fine for awhile.

I did see the email, but I would like to get the tech's email ADDRESS since he seems to know something and might help.

__________________
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Registered: Jun 2001
Location:
Posts: 5

Try the phone numbers in the below URL. It sounds more likely
that these folks could help and would know how to fix the
problem. If that doesn't work, I'm willing to email you the
writers email address, but I don't believe it's appropriate
to post an email address without permission.

http://www.visorvillage.com/boards/...ssages/740.html

I believe someone on either of these two bboards posted the
location of VoiceStream's internal instructions that describe
DATA services. I don't recall where that posting is, however.