After three or four years of my T-Mobile cell card internet access, I've decided to try this service. I've been following it's growth since the company was started in early 2007...Autonet Mobile...hardware costs are $499 for the router, and monthly internet charges are $29.00/month w/three additional months free promotion for the "monthly basic plan", essentially a service contract for 15 months.
My concerns are the usual, connectivity and speed of service, I'll be posting my experiences on installing the unit and connectivity as I travel the East Coast. The $29.00/month fee is based on 1GB of data transfer/month, they have a more expensive plan with 5GB/month for $59.00/month, though not explained clearly (if at all) on their website or on their service agreement.
My T-Mobile cost is currently a $20 add on to my cell service account for unlimited access, and I was sharing it between two notebook PCs over an ad-hoc wireless network I create while traveling.
I'll keep you posted as my experiment/experience with this service unfolds.
* This post was
last
edited 08/27/08 05:48pm by GerryB54 *
View edit history
GIven the initial investment that works out to $57 a month for 1GB of data. Have you looked at a Verizon 3G Aircard plan? They pretty much give you the card and you get 5GB a month for $59 all at 3G speeds if you sign on for two years....
Test & System Engineer (Thermal Systems incl. towing, Detroit 3) 2003 Damon Challenger 348 Class A - F53 Triton V10
sch911 wrote: GIven the initial investment that works out to $57 a month for 1GB of data. Have you looked at a Verizon 3G Aircard plan? They pretty much give you the card and you get 5GB a month for $59 all at 3G speeds if you sign on for two years....
Do you really think he is only going to use it for a couple of years?
BTW, this unit is also a wi-fi set-up for multi computer use.
The agreement lists a "monthly basic" plan which I signed up for at $29/month plus $35 activation fee, and a "monthly plus" plan, and an "annual" plan, these other two have no prices listed and all three have no written description of the plan.
I'm a little concerned about the "1GB usage" issue...the agreement I've signed gives no limitation on usage, but discussing it with a company rep. yesterday, she said "we monitor your data transfer usage and if it continually runs over 1GB they will suggest you upgrade to their 5GB plan at $59/month"...I'm not sure how to read that comment...was a little concerned about it, but I know my usage and I don't think I'll be affected.
Ultimately, though I wasn't too thrilled at the comment in general...let me look over the agreement again... Damned small print...
On edit - nothing in the agreement language describes usage limitations. I've emailed them requesting a description of these three service plans.
One thing I found a little odd in the agreement is this statement...
AutoNet Mobile Service Agreement 9B wrote: To the extent it is within Customer's reasonable control, Customer agrees to leave the broadband access equipment powered on at all times during the term of this Agreement
* This post was
edited 08/20/08 02:33pm by GerryB54 *
One important issue is that it uses an "embedded" module to receive cellular signals and an early test unit showed speed test results that clearly indicated the embedded module was only a Sprint "Rev-0" device, incapable of uploads faster than 120kbps, even when operated in Rev-A coverage area.
Another problem with embedded device is that as newer technologies are available, you can't simply swap out the modem/module and continue to use the same autonet router. All attempts to have autonet explain any upgrade path have resulted in comments like "you'll never need to upgrade it, its the fastest that is available"... yeah, right. so Rev-A, Rev-B, LTE and WiMax are all inferior? sounds like BS to me.
So, buyer beware. If you get the autonet router you may not get latest radio technology and you may not be able to upgrade that radio with any newer/faster technology in the future.
cctv wrote: BTW, this unit is also a wi-fi set-up for multi computer use.
a comparable usb evdo modem and cellular router is all that would be needed to do the same thing, and would cost far less than the upfront charge for an autonet router.
From AutoNet Mobile FAQ Web page wrote: How fast is it?
High speed access ranges from 600Kbps-800Kbps.Upload speeds about 200Kbps.
We run over both 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, IxRTT) cellular Data networks giving you the most coverage nationwide.
We'll see, won't we...personally I'm not a fan of Verizon or AT&T.
I'm considering T-Mobile when I go mobile again.. Tell me, why are you moving away from them.. From what I've read (Their claims) IF I use a card & router I should get right about the same service I have now (DSL) perhaps better in most markets and all major markets (I live in a major market)
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
T-Mobile uses EDGE techology, not as fast as DSL ever, or most other cell providers. My speed tests give me about 150kbs at best, 26kbs at worst. Their current price of $30 if you have a cell phone plan is good, but the connection gives me problems in upstate NY, Maine, places like that.
I'm hoping for better speeds and coverage in remote areas, may not find it...not stopping my T-Mobile service till I see some real time connections in motion with AutoNet Mobile, and remote area connections...trip to upstate NH in October will be a good test.
My feeling is if I get close to their advertised speeds and good connections in places where T-Mobile has been weak, at $29/month I'll be pleased.
Offline
