Comments on: BlackBerry & smartphone users: say goodbye to Boingo & hotel internet fees http://www.practicalhacks.com/2010/02/08/blackberry-smartphone-users-say-goodbye-to-boingo-hotel-internet-fees/ Gadgets, gear, and greatness for people on the go Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:48:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Bill http://www.practicalhacks.com/2010/02/08/blackberry-smartphone-users-say-goodbye-to-boingo-hotel-internet-fees/comment-page-1/#comment-3281 Bill Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:56:01 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=9461#comment-3281 I believe with Verizon here in the States you also need a tethering plan update (only $15 a month). There is also no limit, where the USB sticks will hit you after 5GB. Be careful and watch the plan fees... I read an article where the recent decline in unlimited call plan prices will likely be offset by some "sneaky" data plan requirements, even on just plain "multi-media" phones. Bill I believe with Verizon here in the States you also need a tethering plan update (only $15 a month). There is also no limit, where the USB sticks will hit you after 5GB.

Be careful and watch the plan fees… I read an article where the recent decline in unlimited call plan prices will likely be offset by some “sneaky” data plan requirements, even on just plain “multi-media” phones.

Bill

]]> By: Steve http://www.practicalhacks.com/2010/02/08/blackberry-smartphone-users-say-goodbye-to-boingo-hotel-internet-fees/comment-page-1/#comment-3254 Steve Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:57:33 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=9461#comment-3254 I prefer to carry a data card. But that's because I use it a lot and I use a fair amount of data. Plus I often need to be online and on my phone at the same time. But if somebody doesn't have those same requirements, then I think phone tethering is pretty cool. Cheaper too. I prefer to carry a data card. But that’s because I use it a lot and I use a fair amount of data. Plus I often need to be online and on my phone at the same time.

But if somebody doesn’t have those same requirements, then I think phone tethering is pretty cool. Cheaper too.

]]> By: Michael W. http://www.practicalhacks.com/2010/02/08/blackberry-smartphone-users-say-goodbye-to-boingo-hotel-internet-fees/comment-page-1/#comment-3253 Michael W. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:17:04 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=9461#comment-3253 One incredible aspect about the current iPad specs has nothing to do with the iPad itself and everything to do with AT&T's data plan - unlimited data for $30 per month. The savings on heavy data usage could be viewed as paying for the iPad.... One incredible aspect about the current iPad specs has nothing to do with the iPad itself and everything to do with AT&T’s data plan – unlimited data for $30 per month. The savings on heavy data usage could be viewed as paying for the iPad….

]]> By: Bruce http://www.practicalhacks.com/2010/02/08/blackberry-smartphone-users-say-goodbye-to-boingo-hotel-internet-fees/comment-page-1/#comment-3252 Bruce Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:41:26 +0000 http://www.practicalhacks.com/?p=9461#comment-3252 Greetings, Yes, this configuration will work in Europe. There are two things to be aware of when traveling in Europe. First, while there are many cell provider's, there are fewer data providers. If your phone auto-connects to the first available cell service, you may not have access to data. I am on Sprint, and each new country I enter, Sprint somehow always manages to send me a text message telling me the preferred (probably most favorable to Sprint) data connection. However, regardless of where my phone originally connects, I can always go into my GSM mode and point to a new provider which also has data. Second, $$$. You are now in data roaming mode, and every byte will cost you money. Check your plan and be aware as you travel. We have seen folks in our office come back with thousands of dollars of charges while data roaming as their phone auto-downloads weather, stock updates, etc. Connect your phone to the computer, and this number is easily multiplied. You may wish to check out a pre-paid GSM card in Italy to help reduce this cost. Bon voyage! Greetings,

Yes, this configuration will work in Europe. There are two things to be aware of when traveling in Europe.

First, while there are many cell provider’s, there are fewer data providers. If your phone auto-connects to the first available cell service, you may not have access to data. I am on Sprint, and each new country I enter, Sprint somehow always manages to send me a text message telling me the preferred (probably most favorable to Sprint) data connection. However, regardless of where my phone originally connects, I can always go into my GSM mode and point to a new provider which also has data.

Second, $$$. You are now in data roaming mode, and every byte will cost you money. Check your plan and be aware as you travel. We have seen folks in our office come back with thousands of dollars of charges while data roaming as their phone auto-downloads weather, stock updates, etc. Connect your phone to the computer, and this number is easily multiplied. You may wish to check out a pre-paid GSM card in Italy to help reduce this cost.

Bon voyage!

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