Remember the third generation (G3) data network that Verizon just announced? Well, don’t get your hopes up, the Express Network has Macs relegated to the local lanes. Here’s the skinny:
Remember the third generation (G3) data network that Verizon just announced? Well, don’t get your hopes up, the Express Network has Macs relegated to the local lanes. Here’s the skinny:
The Express Network is a new, high-speed data network called 1XRTT (“1X”) which is also known as CDMA2000. It is rated to theoretical speeds of up to 144 kbps with average data rates expected to be between 40 and 60 kbps. The 1XRTT network is available now in the Northeast U.S. from Norfolk VA, to Portland ME, Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area and in Salt Lake City, site of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
The only hardware currently available for the service is the Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 (US$300) or the Kyocera 2235 mobile phone. The 2235 retails for US$80 but also requires a US$80 data cable kit and a new cellular contract with Verizon. More information on the Kyocera Phone Desktop software is in the user manual and Wireless Modem Setup Guide [PDF].
Sierra Wireless, Kyocera and Verizon all give varying answers when asked about Macintosh support, but most of the reps that I spoke to simply said no and blew me off. If you would purchase high-speed data services like the Express Network for your Mac get in touch with the vendors and let them know:
- Sierra Wireless – sales@sierrawireless.com, 604-232-1488.
- Kyocera – phone-help@kyocera-wireless.com, 800-349-4478, 888-236-2746.
- Verizon – 800-308-DATA, 800-922-0204.
What your experience been with Express? Would you give it a shot?
