Step by Step Pantech PX500 install with Vista

Thanks Tristan McGowan for finding this easy to follow step by step install!

If you run across the rare occasion where you have a customer that has Windows Vista but dose not have an express slot and dose not want to spend the extra money on the U720, You can use the Pantec PX-500 with Windows Vista, Here's How



1A) Install the CD that comes with the PX-500 the same as you would if it was a Windows XP computer.

2A) Use the Sprint Connection Manager to program the MDN and MSID like you normally would.

3A) After doing this you will get an error saying the Connection Card WAS NOT ACTIVATED.

4A) Close out of the Sprint Connection Manager and Restart it.

5A) Hit "GO" and it should say "updating user profile" when that is done you will get another error.

6A) Close out of the Sprint Connection Manager and Delete its shortcut off of the desktop.

AFTER DOING THAT FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW

1B) In the Network and Sharing Center (which you can open from the Control Panels window or by right-clicking the network icon in the Windows Tray), select "Set up a connection or network."

2B) The next dialog presents a list of types of connections that can be created. You want to select * Connect to the Internet

3B) Vista may already have a connection to the Internet. Creating a new connection will not disable the existing connection. Choose "Set up a new connection anyway."

4B) Even though the Sprint service is wireless, the connection to select is Dial-up.

5B) Select Pantech PC Card.

6B) This step is much simpler than it appears. Because the EV-DO card is activated and ready to negotiate the connection with the network, all you need to do here is enter the dial-up phone number #777, leaving the User name and Password fields blank as they are.

Check the Remember this password box and name the connection. Also change the Connection name to "Sprint Mobile Broadband"

After that is done Test the connection by clicking "Connect"

Select the network type as "Home"

7B) In the Network and Sharing Center (which you can open from the Control Panels window or by right-clicking the network icon in the Windows Tray), select "Manage network connections."

8B) Right Click on "Sprint Mobile Broadband" and Select "Create Shortcut"

Now the connection can be accessed from the desktop for easy use!

Sprint Download Page

I talked to sprint today and they have a page that will show you all air cards that will work on vista with the driver downloads on the page. Go to Sprint Download Page . They say that any of the Novatel Cards will work like the U720, S720, and the S620 all are compatible with Windows Vista.



amanda h.

mount vernon

Thanks Amanda!

Apple Aircard Support!!!

Thanks Mike Kendall!

NOTE:This works only for the newer Intel based Macs. MacBook & MacBook Pro. It will not work with iBook and Powerbook. Please use drivers already listed for those.

Aircard Support Update

Written by Christopher Price

Monday, 19 February 2007

Apple today issued an update the expanded its built-in support for WWAN/Aircard units. The update adds support for USB aircards, as well as newer ExpressCard models. Apple's release notes detail the new cards supported:

Available on the Cingular network:
• Novatel Merlin XU870 ExpressCard (HSDPA)

Available on the Sprint network:
• Novatel Wireless Merlin EX720 Express Card (EVDO Rev. A)
• Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 USB Modem (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A)

Available on the Verizon network:
• Novatel XV620 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. 0)
• Novatel V740 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. A)
• Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A)

The update can be installed by running Apple Software Update from the Apple menu. It requires an Intel-based Macintosh. Despite the fact that PowerPC-based systems could also take advantage of the USB WWAN cards on Sprint or Verizon, Apple has not made clear if a PowerPC variant of the update will be released.

Apple Download Link

Sales Tips: Verizon "no so unlimited" Unlimited Data Plan

For the past 6 months or so, Verizon has been shutting off the accounts of users with "unlimited" data plans.

Great sales pitch for all them Verizon card hoo-hahs.

Verizon Wireless Also Pretends Customers Don't Know What Unlimited Means

Verizon Shuts Off Unlimited AirCard Plans

Windows Vista & AirCards

Most new laptops are now shipping with Windows Vista. I have heard of truckers looking high and low for XP computers, and not finding them. So, like it or not, the latest evil Microsoft product is something we are just going to have to get used to dealing with more and more. Why evil? Windows Vista has the ability to "turn off" anything it pleases, and it pleases Windows Vista to turn off products from manufacturers that have not paid Microsoft a hefty licensing fee... This includes many of our AirCards.

For now, the safe bet is to sell the U720 or S720 to those customers. It is the easiest one to deal with as far install with Vista goes. Also, if they scoff at the higher price, point out that when they get spoiled having SUPER fast internet in the truck, they don't have to go without at home. They just plug it into their desktop, or anyother computer (including a Mac), sit back, and relax.

Here is Sierra's list of Vista supported AirCards:

Windows Vista Support Available AirCard 595, AirCard 850, AirCard 860, AirCard 875
Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 580/PC5220, AirCard 775
No Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 550, AirCard 555, PC 3300, AirCard 710, AirCard 750, and all other legacy AirCard PC Card modems.

It will also work with the Pantech PX500. Here is how:

The Pantech PX-500 card works flawlessly with Vista (Build 5600). Needs to first be activated under XP.

Install the Sprint software in Vista - this may hang during or towards the end of installation. If it hangs, cancel or reboot. The drivers are loaded which is what you're looking for. A Pantech dial up connection will be created in Network Connections or you will need to manually create a dial up connection using the Pantech card as the modem.

When I get a chance to research more, I will add more info on AirCards and Vista.

New York, Bloomberg and the Cell Phone

The Institute for the Future quotes Mayor Bloomberg's plan to allow 911 and other city services to accept video and pictures taken and sent via cell phone:

This year, we'll begin a revolutionary innovation in crime-fighting: Equipping "911" call centers to receive digital images and videos New Yorkers send from cell phones and computers something no other city in the world is doing.

If you see a crime in progress or a dangerous building condition you'll be able to transmit images to 911, or online to NYC.GOV. And we'll start extending the same technology to 311 to allow New Yorkers to step forward and document non-emergency quality of life concerns holding City agencies accountable for correcting them quickly and efficiently.

So, next time you are being mugged the Big Apple, don't forget to strike a pose.

NYC Launches Mass "Sousveillance"

Cancel Verizon Contract with out Early Termination Fee

Guess this is making the rounds of all carriers. Now it's Verizon's turn to up their text messaging from 10 to 15 cents.

Here is the link to the goods and the script for cancellation without an early termination fee.

Compliments of the Consumerist

u720 flies on Mac

I am writing this to you using the U720 on my iBook. You can use this method on any Mac G3 and up. I put the package here Ovation U720 Mac Driver.

Once you activate and update the U720 on a Windows computer, click the dmg file to uncompress it on the Mac. There is a Read Me file. Read it! It will explain how to set up everything else.

Here is a low down:

Wait a moment, the go to the Apple icon in the top left bar. Click System Preferences. Go to Network.

Under PPP put in the provider, put #777 into the phone number. Leave the rest blank. Click Apply Now.

Click the Modem button. Choose Sprint PCS Vision from the drop down menu of modems. Uncheck "Enable Error Correction". Uncheck "Wait for Dial Tone". Check "Show Modem Status." Click Apply Now.

You will see a little phone modem on the top bar near a piece of pie that indicates the Airport connection. Choose "Connect". If it does not connect, make sure to click it again and choose the Sprint U720 from the menu.

Guess what? You are up and running!

One quirky thing: I had to plug in both USB connectors. This usually only has to be done when there is not enough power. My light was on, but it wasn't "juicing". If the Mac has trouble recognizing the modem, you might try plugging both in.

Enjoy!

New Meaning to Shanghaied

When someone was kidnapped, back in the day it was called "Shanghaied". Today, we worry more about our kids than we did even 30 years ago. Now a cell phone keeps our kids safer (as long as the phones aren't dumped along the way).

From Shanghai Daily News:

Shanghai Telecom, the city's largest fixed-network operator, has teamed with the Shanghai Education Commission to launch a handset for children to allow parents to check their child's location by global positioning system, Shanghai Daily reported.

The company sent 2,000 free "Little Smart" handsets to primary and middle school students in the city yesterday.

The phones have only five pre-set numbers instead of a normal keypad, with GPS built in. Parents can track their child's location by visiting Shanghai Telecom's Website, making a phone call or sending an SMS.

Future Now Blog

CIngular and Apple - Leggo My Eggo

What happens when two innovative companies release news of an excellent revolution? Well, good on Cingular for landing the iPhone exclusive until 2009. Good on Apple for stepping up to the plate and not releasing the iPhone before it was ready. Below is an article from Apple Insider. It's a little disappointing, however, that they plan to work together to stop "bad guys" (their words, not mine) from unlocking the iPhone for use with other carriers. I wonder if it will also be released in a different version in Europe, usually far ahead of the US in cell phones. I also wonder, if it can't be unlocked, then what happens when you want to travel to other GSM countries? It seems silly to lock a phone for use only with Cingular, incurring high international roaming rates, when this phone will appeal to many traveling execs. Just my humble opin.

A little hacker once told me, if someone wants in, they will get in. Years ago, Apple released a hacker challenge of a cool million to any hacker who could get into a certain Apple machine. No one won, touting Apple's high security ever since. Do I smell another challenge in the air?


Apple, Cingular claim victory over each other, say more iPhones in queue

By Aidan Malley
Published: 07:50 PM EST
Apple, Inc. and iPhone partner Cingular last week engaged in a brief war of words over which company forced the other to change its business model, but nevertheless have both promised to collaborate on many more Apple-branded cellphones in the future.



While creating an impression of harmony on the surface, Apple and Cingular executives fueled a minor spat following the launch of iPhone last Tuesday, hinting that at a power struggle ensued before the two came to terms on the project.

Igniting the controversy was Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, who told TIME editor Lev Grossman that he had earned "special treatment" from Cingular, forcing a change in the cellular service provider's voicemail system to allow for iPhone's random-access voice message interface. In the same interview, Apple's iPod division headman Tony Fadell added that Cingular "broke all [its] typical process rules" to implement Apple's requests.

Jobs also claimed to have ducked around the arrogance prevalent amongst carriers, which regularly include proprietary applications or force feature changes upon users in order to protect their services. "There's some hubris, where they think they know better," Jobs said. "They dictate what's on the phone. That just wouldn't work for us."

The comments from Jobs triggered a surprisingly sharp rebuttal from Cingular national distribution president Glenn Lurie, who flatly denied that any concessions were made and implied that Jobs' assertions were little more than posturing. "I'm not sure we gave anything," Lurie stated. "I think they bent a lot."

Lurie similarly drew attention to the necessarily exclusive multi-year contract Apple signed with the American cell service that gives iPhone customers the "luxury" of requiring a Cingular subscription. Apple, he added, also agreed to help stop the "bad guys" who would unofficially unlock the iPhone or its SIM card for use on competing networks.

In spite of the apparent rift between the two companies, the Cingular exec was quick to make amends and hinted that the depth of the Apple-Cingular partnership would become clear soon. Several new Apple-branded phones may be "coming out very quickly," he said.

That allusion may help address complaints that iPhone's current limitation to EDGE mobile broadband would curb its appeal in the face of much faster HSDPA (or 3G) access, which Cingular already offers in a few key cities and through rival smartphones such as Samsung's BlackJack.

Jobs himself was already pointing towards future models in his keynote speech at Macworld San Francisco. He mentioned in passing that the company's choice of GSM network support via EDGE would allow it to produce a 3G wireless phone and "many other amazing things" in the near future.

Cingular Exclusive Carrier for Apple's iPhone!

You have got to check out the keynote iPhone demo. It takes you step by step through this truly revolutionary phone!

Macworld Expo, San Francisco, January 9, 2007

Apple and Cingular announced that Cingular will be Apple's exclusive U.S. carrier partner for Apple's revolutionary iPhone unveiled today. As part of this multi-year partnership, Apple and Cingular are working together to provide innovative new features to mobile phone users, such as iPhone's pioneering and unique Visual Voice Mail, a first on any mobile phone in the world.

“Apple chose Cingular because they are the best and most popular carrier in the U.S.," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. “We are thrilled to be offering our revolutionary new iPhone exclusively with Cingular, and look forward to working together with them to create some wonderful new features for our customers."

"By partnering with Apple, we are continuing our commitment to raising the bar for customers," said Stan Sigman, Cingular's president and CEO. "We think the iPhone is one of the most innovative devices ever created, and we look forward to letting our customers be the first in the world to experience the future of mobile phones."

iPhone's unique Visual Voice Mail was co-developed by Apple and Cingular. Visual Voice Mail makes voicemail as fast and convenient as email by allowing users to go directly to any of their voice messages without listening to any of the prior messages.

iPhone will be available in the U.S. beginning in June 2007 in a 4GB model for $499 and an 8GB model for $599, and will work in combination with Apple's iTunes running on either a PC or Mac.

iPhone will be sold in the U.S. through Apple's retail and online stores (www.apple.com), and through Cingular's retail and online stores (www.cingular.com).

Apple's iPhone Unveiled

What's this I see on Apple's home page? FINALLY, news, officially from Apple, on the iPhone. And do I see a Cingular signal indicator? That would make sense, since talks with TMobile fell through and they both work on GSM.

The iPhone is sure to be spendy, but worth it. I am a Mac Geek at heart, and love the simplicity, the ease of use and the steadfast reliability that Apple offers in all their devices. Since this has gone back to the drawing board several times, there is no doubt that the iPhone will be held to a higher standard as well.

Revolutionary Phone

iPhone

Google Beat to the Punch by AT and T/Cingular?

Eric Schmidt of Google has been advocating a day when advertisement would make cell phone subscriptions free. It's natural with the popularity of Google's AdSense program, that the company should take over the lead. Endgadget: Google Chief Sez:"Your Mobile Phone Should be Free.

Every day on the Internet, we are bombarded by advertisement. Does that mean our Internet is free? Even NetZero, who used to be free, funding dial up on the backs of advertisers, charge for the privilege now.

Has AT and T beaten Google to the punch? Or is there another partnership in the works?

NEW YORK ( Reuters) - AT and T Inc. (T.N) plans to push new wireless services and make advertising a key revenue stream following its $86 billion acquisition of BellSouth Corp. (BLS.N), The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

The acquisition, which closed last week, gives AT and T control of mobile phone service provider Cingular Wireless. The companies previously ran Cingular in a joint venture.

``The biggest asset we bought here was Cingular,'' AT and T Chairman and Chief Executive Edward Whitacre said, according to the Journal. ``We're about to become a company with wireless at its heart.''

AT and T will begin selling wireless service under its own brand name to its pool of corporate phone and Internet customers, the Journal reported. Control of Cingular will allow it to offer discounts for bundles that were impossible when the wireless carrier was a separate entity, the paper reported.

Consumers will get the choice of signing up for a new package of mobile phone and Internet service rather than the traditional bundle of land-line phone and Internet service, the paper also reported.

AT&T has been testing cellphones that can run on Wi-Fi networks when at home, which could let consumers save money on their mobile phone bills and perhaps get better reception indoors, the paper said.

It also reported that AT and T will begin selling advertising on mobile phones, television and Internet access service this year.

Advertisers will be able to buy spots for TV and broadband beginning early this year, with wireless ads following later this year, the Journal said. The advertising business could generate several billion dollars in revenue per year in the next five years, the paper cited the company as saying.

NYC Cabs to Flesh Out Cell Phone Drop Zones

From Fox News:

NEW YORK — Ever wanted to stuff that "Can you hear me now?" guy into the trunk of your car and take him on a tour of those maddening spots where your cell phone won't work?

One telecommunications company has a plan to do the mechanical equivalent.

The Stockholm-based firm Ericsson recently got approval from New York's taxi commission to place mobile sensors in the trunks of at least 50 cabs in an attempt to better map dead zones in mobile phone networks.

The small devices, about the size of a computer modem, will automatically feed information about signal strength and clarity to engineers.

Because taxis in New York are on the road all day and all night, and ostensibly travel into every corner of the city, company executives said they are a cheap way of covering vast amounts of territory with limited effort.

Read the Full Story in Fox News: Technology

Interstate Connections in Forbes Magazine

Interstate Connections grows to 100 stores! Here is the Press Release as posted by Forbes Magazine:


Nationwide Wireless Retailer Now Has More Stores to Serve Professional Drivers AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Interstate Connections, Ltd., the leading retail provider of wireless solutions to the trucking industry, announced today the opening of its 100th location since launching August 1, 2001. Interstate Connections is commemorating the occasion with special promotions for its customers and employees throughout the month.

"We're proud to be 100 stores strong across 30 states," said Brandon Frye, CEO. "We now have Interstate Connections stores coast to coast and in the four corners of the U.S. to serve our customers -- from Portland, to LA, to Tampa, to New York, and all in between."

In 2006 IC has opened new stores in the areas of Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Denton, Texas; Ft. Wayne, Indiana; Hubbard, Ohio; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Prescott, Arkansas.

"We are proud to be teamed up with Petro Stopping Centers(R) and TravelCenters of America(R) and look forward to continued growth of store locations in both networks," said Frye. "We owe our success to our customers, the thousands of professional drivers who come to us for their communication needs, and we are dedicated to evolving our business to continue to improve their lives on the road."

About Interstate Connections

Interstate Connections is the leading retailer of wireless solutions to the interstate trucking industry. Interstate Connections operates store- within-a-store retail outlets in 100 interstate travel centers nationwide. A preferred dealer for such leading product and service vendors as Sprint, Cingular, RoadCom Wireless, Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio, NetSpend All-Access Prepaid Visa(R) and PreCash, Interstate Connections improves the productivity and quality of life for professional truckers by providing communication and financial solutions configured to their distinct needs. Based in Austin, Texas, Interstate Connections is privately held and has about 300 employees. For more information, visit http://www.interstate-connections.com .

Sprint to Boot Fair & Flexible Plans

This just in from Phonenews.com and submitted by Mike Kendall:

Sprint Pulls the Plug on Fair & Flexible
Written by Christopher Price
Thursday, 28 December 2006
In internal documents, sent from sources, Sprint appears to be ready to discontinue their highly-promoted Fair & Flexible plans. The "no huge overage" plans will be discontinued in the middle of next month. Read more for a complete list of changes to Sprint's plan lineup.

Also, Nextel data and messaging goes cheap. In Come the Power Packs

Sprint will replace Fair & Flexible next month with Sprint Power Packs. Power Packs, on both Individual and Family plans, are aimed at matching Cingular and Verizon's current offerings. Currently Fair & Flexible offers significant advantage in overages. However, next month, Sprint's only comparative advantage will be in Night & Weekend minutes starting at 7 PM instead of 9 PM. Sprint will offer 6 PM calling for $5/month additionally.

Sprint cites internally lack of market competition, as well as poor penetration of Fair & Flexible usage. Sprint justifies the move by saying that very few customers actually went over their minutes (less than 20%) in a given month. In addition, most customers were not significantly impacted by the savings from Fair & Flexible price tiers.

The plans do vary in terms of the exact overage rate (lower the higher the recurring monthly charge), and all plans continue to include free roaming and mobile-to-mobile calling.

Below are the plan price-points, as set by Sprint in internal documents. Power Packs will launch on January 13.

Individual
Note: 6 PM calling is $5/month as an add-on on individual plans, down from $10/month on Fair & Flexible.

$39.99: 450 Minutes, $.45/minute Overage
$59.99: 900 Minutes, $.40/minute Overage
$79.99: 1350 Minutes, $.35/minute Overage
$99.99: 2000 Minutes, $.25/minute Overage
$149.99: 4000 Minutes, $.25/minute Overage


Family Plans
Note: Prices include second line. Also, 6 PM Night & Weekend calling is reduced to $10/month on all plans above $59.99.

$59.99: 550 Minutes, $.45/minute Overage
$69.99: 700 Minutes, $.45/minute Overage
$89.99: 1400 Minutes, $.40/minute Overage
$109.99: 2100 Minutes, $.35/minute Overage
$149.99: 3000 Minutes, $.25/minute Overage



Grandfathering

Current customers on Fair & Flexible plans will keep their current plan and price tiers. Also, customers on Fair & Flexible shared line plans will continue to be allowed to add additional lines.

As a logistical option, Fair & Flexible plans will remain in the system for a little over two months post-1/13, however, Sprint will be training representatives to not offer these plans to customers. That means that if you want to get a Fair & Flexible plan, you have until January 13 to do so.

Other Changes

The industry has moved to get rid of the $29.99/month price point. From the industry's perspective, customers interested in $29.99 plans would be better served with prepaid or no-contract postpaid options. Cingular has moved the $29.99 price-point to GoPhone Pick Your Plan, and Verizon has followed suit with their EasyPay option.

Sprint however, lacks a prepaid unit as a part of their direct offering (Virgin Mobile remains their only CDMA prepaid provider that they own). Because of this, Sprint will offer the Sprint Basic 200 plan to both iDEN and CDMA customers. The Basic 200 plan will not be on rate plans and will not be promoted, however any customer can chose the plan.

The Sprint Basic 200 plan is bare-bones. Night & Weekend calling starts at 9 PM, and the overage rate will now be $.45/minute. 6 PM and add-on minute bundles are not compatible with this plan. If you want a Sprint plan at a $29.99 price-point, it is best to do so now.

Alternatively, the Sprint SERO promotion is expected to continue, with savings@sprint.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it as a login allowing all (informed) potential customers to have a much better plan.

For other changes, Free incoming Plans on CDMA will trade Ready Link PTT for Mobile to Mobile as a built-in offering, and Hybrid Network phones will have data services cut to $10/month. This is also going to be mirrored on iDEN plans, with the new PowerSource Data Pack.

The PowerSource Data Pack for Nextel will offer unlimited data, web access, and will also bundle 1000 SMS messages for $10/month. In addition, unlimited SMS will be offered as an add-on for $5/month. These data changes do not affect Vision or CDMA plans, they will remain unchanged.

Customer Support Numbers for Tech Companies

TechLore put together a pretty impressive list with web and phone numbers for Customer Service Support numbers of top electronics companies.

Phone manufacturers and Sling Media are on the list. A lot of computer builders too, just in case you can resolve an issue for a customer and score that AirCard sale.

TechLore List

Cingular - To Be Out of Contract? Or Not to Be?

Personally, I have Cingular and love the service, but, as we all know, there are times when getting out of a contract can be handy.

From Gizmodo:

Remember when we told you that you can get out of a Cingular contract thanks to their text message rate hike? Turns out Cingular doesn't quite want you to do that. The Consumerist has been documenting how much trouble Cingular's been giving callers who call in to cancel, saying that text messages are a subscribed service and not a part of the contract.

Read the full story.

Sprints EVDO Rev A Broadband Reaches Benchmark of 60 Million

Sprint released to the press today that it has added EVDO Rev A coverage to 10 more markets. This increases their high speed coverage to include 60 million customers. Plus, increasing PowerVision to include 20 markets.

Read the Press Release

This release comes on the heels of Verizon touting coverage to "blanket" the US by the year's end. Actually, if you read the Verizon releases, their coverage is far behind Sprint's. They had added in such states such a MA, ME & RI. Hardly a blanket you could use without your toes hanging out. And by my count, year's end means they only have 5 days to roll out the holes.

EVDO Coverage

U720 USB EVDO with Mac - Two Solutions

Here it is... The post you have been waiting for. How can we capitalize on the U720 for Mac users?

First, the biggest difference between the U720 and other AirCards is that it is faster (clocked at up to 3.1Mbs) and like it's card counter part, the S720, it has GPS built in.

Sprint does not offer OSX connection manager and Novatel does not have OSX drivers yet. Other cards were supported by OSX 10.4 and higher. So where can we go for a little bit of help until Apple adds in the support? To Verizon, of course!

We'll have to get a little help from their OS X VZAccess Manager. You will still have to initially activate it on a Windows machine and make sure the U720 runs the OTA updates.

Another option is that one user of EVDO Info forums has extracted the U720 drivers and packaged them into a handy installer app that can be downloaded via the forums. If you go this route, once you install the drivers, restart the Mac. (Don't forget to first activate the U720 on a Windows machine!) Here is a link to that post.

Once you are sure that the U720 is activated and ready to go, plug it into the USB port. Make sure the status light is shining green. That means it is getting enough power to work. If, by chance, it does not, use the included Y-adapter use two USB ports with modem. This should seal the deal!