SPRINT INTERNET BY CELL PHONE TUTORIAL (v3.12.05)

FOREWORD
First off, the Sprint's official name is SprintPCS; however, here it will simply be "Sprint."

If you have a goal of using a Sprint phone with their "Vision" plan to connect to the Internet at "high speed" (usually similar to or better than a 56k modem), you need to know that this is something not really sanctioned or approved of by Sprint. In fact, the small print in Sprint's contract carries these words: "Unlimited Vision plans/options may not be used with Sprint PCS phones or smart phones being used as a modem in connection with other equipment (e.g., computers, etc.) through use of connection kits . . . We may terminate services without notice for any misuse."

Don't get too uptight about this because using your Sprint phone and Vision for the Internet only bypasses their rules and doesn't violate any federal or state laws. Sprint Vision users who connect to the Internet are doing what could be termed, "an unintended backdoor access." There's a lot of scuttlebutt out there about this; some say that Sprint isn't really set up to monitor data usage of a #777 dial-up. Contrasting this are reports that Sprint Customer Service reps have told some Sprint users that as long as usage is under 150-200MB/month, Sprint won't bother them. The popular opinion is that Sprint may "gun" for those who frequently use a lot of bandwidth in very large downloads, file-sharing, playing online games, hosting a server, etc. Probably the best advice is to use Sprint Vision to go online as much as you need to, but refrain from doing batches of big downloads or uploads.

SPRINT PROS AND CONS
The pros and cons here will be limited to Sprint and Verizon since these two large cellular companies probably have the widest coverage throughout the US, although Cingular is also emerging as a service to be considered.

You should also be aware of the term, "2.5G," used to describe the roughly two year-old higher speed digital data service in the cell phone industry. It stands for an interim step between 2nd and 3rd Generation Digital cell phones. 2G refers to the older digital phones that allowed users a 14.4 kbps connection to the Internet, while 1G harkens back to the days of analog phones. Both 2G and 2.5G digital phones use the phone as a modem; however, 2.5G phones transmit data roughly 4 - 8 times faster than 2G phones, a service known as 1xRTT, and commonly referred to as "high-speed." True 3G phones, likely be another 4-8 times faster, have recently been introduced by Verizon and will be available later this year from Sprint.

Sprint's Vision "add-on" service includes a 1xRTT type connection. It costs $15/mo, and may be added to any Sprint plan costing $35/mo or more, giving the Sprint Vision user unlimited high speed Internet access 24/7 that does not use plan minutes. You can be online whenever you want-an advantage for those who like to use the Internet daily for information and not just e-mail. This can be a significant advantage over Verizon's service, which counts Internet time as minutes of use (MOU) from their plan minutes.

Also, based on the experience of this writer, you normally will be able to receive voice calls while connected with Sprint Vision unless you have a pinging program running (see #4 under "TROUBLESHOOTING IN XP/2000). Depending on your phone and the situation, you may also be able to make calls while connected.

COVERAGE IN THE U.S.
With continuing coverage area updates, and sometimes less than desirable coverage maps provided by both Sprint and Verizon, comparing coverage is a difficult proposition; however, localized coverage maps available from both services are much better. Concerning maps, Verizon's national coverage maps available online are fairly good quality, though seemingly drawn with a rather broad brush. Sprint's online national coverage maps are horrible, and essentially unusable; however, some Sprint brochures at Sprint stores have fairly good maps. A good Sprint Nationwide PCS Network map is available in our forum's Files section as an Acrobat (.pdf) file.

It is important to know that an Internet connection with Sprint Vision can be made only in the areas defined as "Sprint Nationwide PCS Network." Sprint Vision (Internet) is not available in areas defined as "Additional SprintPCS Service."

MAKING A CHOICE THAT'S BEST FOR ME
It's the opinion of this writer (with over three years using both Sprint and Verizon service) that the most important factors in choosing your cell phone company are 1) where you live, 2) and where you travel. The first consideration in picking a cellular provider should be the one that provides you with the best service where you live or home-base. Assuming that you'll also use your phone for voice calls, you may wish to set a goal of finding the provider with a regularly reliable signal in your house or RV - and this may be a company other than Verizon or Sprint. Unfortunately, this provider choice may conflict with your goal of having a reliable cell phone for accessing the Internet when you travel, and drive you to consider the possibility of having a second cell phone with a different provider.

If you're in this predicament, take a look at your travel patterns, if you tend to have them, and study the national coverage maps of Sprint and Verizon to see which might serve you the best. BTW, you also wish to take a look at Cingular, and at T-Mobile, which has a GPRS data service for Internet connection.

A plus for Verizon is the fact that it has two "native Verizon" data networks, the 2.5G (1x) high speed, and the 2G (14.4) low speed technology. The Verizon 2.5G service (National Access) covers many broad areas of the country, while their slower 2G service may be available in parts of the country where a Verizon digital signal is available. Sprint Vision uses only 2.5G "1x" technology for its Vision high speed Internet connection.

Another feature of Verizon is the included and proprietary "Venturi" accelerator software, which through compression speeds up web surfing typically by 20-30% over Sprint. However, it's a different matter with data download speeds, which tend to be generally similar. The Internet provides many sites that allow you to do bandwidth speed tests; however, some sites (like the popular " bandwidthplace.com ") do not always test a cell phone connection accurately, giving false readings that are often 4 - 8 times faster than the expected 60 -140 kBits/sec, which is around 6 - 16 kBytes/sec.

Sprint also has a 2G (14.4) low speed service available, at $5/mo extra, called Wireless Web. By calling Sprint, you can add Wireless Web if you have any Sprint Digital phone and you're not a Vision user. To use this service you need to configure a dialer with #2932 as the phone number and " web " as both the user name and password. Wireless Web uses plan minutes the same as a voice call, and is available anywhere a Sprint digital signal shows on your phone. (Note: Vision users, in "Sprint Off-Network" digital roaming areas where Vision isn't available, may be able to connect using this 2G 14.4kBps service, but you'll be charged $.39/minute plus roaming and possibly long distance charges.)

PICKING A SPRINT PLAN
It's wise to have a handle on Sprint calling plans before you go shopping. Remember the requirement is that you need to have a Sprint calling plan that costs at least $35/month in order to add Vision.

You can check out plans by going to their web site, http://www.sprintpcs.com/ . Under "Shopping," put in your ZIP code and press Go. Note: You must provide a Zip code that covers an area where Sprint cellular service exists, and that ZIP code must also be from your billing address. Currently, SprintPCS offers two nation-wide programs, Fair & Flexible and Free & Clear, and also an area-wide plan under Free & Clear.

You also need to know that a contract is required to establish service. A two-year contract may get you a bigger rebate on a phone than a one-year contract. After you've picked your calling plan, you need to sign up for the Vision add-on. Currently, the first two months are free, and after that, it's $15/month.

CHOOSING AND BUYING A SPRINT VISION PHONE
If you'd like to accumulate some knowledge about Sprint Phones before you shop for one, go to the Sprint web site: http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/PhonesAccessories/AllPhones.jsp . You can also buy your phone directly from Sprint at this web site, and later activate it by phone. If you want really complete information on a specific phone, or want to compare phones, visit: http://www.phonescoop.com/ . Enter the phone's manufacturer & model number in the search box. You should also know that phone prices might vary, sometimes substantially, between different phone sellers.

You'll usually find the most knowledgeable sales people at Sprint stores. If you've done some homework though, you need not fear buying at Radio Shack, Best Buy, Costco, etc. Knowledgeable first time buyers may find the best bargains online; however, be aware that some web sellers repackage Sprint calling plans and optional features to make them look like bigger bargains than they really are. Caveat emptor!

Phones typically have high price tags, which are reduced or eliminated by the rebates mentioned above. You can choose any phone so long as it is a "Vision-capable" phone. Nearly all Sprint phones now are Vision-capable, and some Vision-capable phones are also camera phones.

Another requirement is that a "USB Data Cable" be available for the phone you choose. As of several years ago when Sprint did a 180 flip on supporting use of phones for Internet data, they no longer sell cables and you must buy yours from another vendor. More on cables later.

Another consideration for those of you who travel into areas where cell tower signals are weak (and this is everyone who travels!), is having an antenna jack on the phone they choose. Most phones now have an antenna jack, and external antennas will be covered later.

SPRINT VISION PHONES CURRENTLY OFFERED
The listing below includes only those phones for which USB data cables are available. You must have a USB port on your computer and buy a USB data cable. Vision will not work with a serial cable. Also, if the phone has an antenna jack and if Wilson makes an adapter, it will show AA (Antenna Adapter) and the Wilson part #.

Audiovox PM-8920 (AA not available due to inherent weakness of port) Audiovox PM-8912 (AA not available due to inherent weakness of port).

Samsung A600 (AA #359909) - Discontinued by Sprint, but may be available in some stores
Samsung VGA1000 (AA #359909) - Discontinued by Sprint, but may be available in some stores
Samsung SPH-a660/VI660 (AA #359909)
Samsung PM-A740 (AA #359909)
Samsung RL-A760 (AA #359909)
Samsung MM-A700 (AA #359909)
Samsung SD-i500 (AA #359909)
Samsung VM-A680 (AA #359909) - Discontinued by Sprint, but may be available in some stores
Sanyo PM-8200 (AA #356505)
Sanyo RL-4920 (no AA due to antenna port problems)
Sanyo RL-7300 (AA #356503)
Sanyo VM4500 (AA #356507)
Sanyo RL-2500 (AA #356506)
Sanyo MM-5600 (AA in development)
Sanyo MM-7400 (AA in development)
LG PM-325 [Bluetooth capable] (No antenna port)
Nokia PM-6225 (no antenna port)
Toshiba VM4050 (no antenna port)
[NOTE: There are several other "Smart Device" phones and one "International" phone offered, but be sure to check on Data Cable is availability.]

BUYING A USB DATA CABLE (DC)
First, you need to remember that a USB DC is worthless unless the driver for the cable has been installed. In the event you buy a DC without driver software, you may be able to download the driver from FutureDial http://www.futuredial.com/support/download/USB_Drivers.htm , or from MobileNet Solutions, http://123usb.net/charging_usb.htm .

In the past year a special type of USB DC called a "Charging Data Cable" has become available. This type of cable charges your phone's battery from the computer's USB port while it's being used as a data cable. A good source for Charging DCs seems to be MobileNet Solutions, ( http://123usb.net/charging_usb.htm ) (650-804-1385) in CA. They sell both regular Charging DCs (currently $8.99, incl. shipping), as well as well as a "Retractable" Charging DC so compact that it will fit in a coin purse (currently $12.99, incl. shipping). This writer has one of each; both work great and easily keep my phone at full charge. MobileNet sells DCs for Samsung, Sanyo and Nokia phones, and plans to have cables for LG phones soon.

Traditional DCs and Charging DCs may be purchased from a variety of online sources including ebay. FutureDial ( http://www.futuredial.com/ ) (408-541-9042) is a leader in the Traditional DC field, manufacturing high quality DCs for virtually every cell phone. Radio Shack is a source for some FutureDial DCs, and if you can't find one there, you can order online or by phone. Be sure that when you buy your DC, it's listed for use with your specific brand and model phone. FutureDial cables include software and retail for $29.99, and around 20% less at Radio Shack (when available).

BUYING AN EXTERNAL ANTENNA & ANTENNA ADAPTOR
A highly respected company in Utah called Wilson Electronics ( http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/ ) (866-294-6996) literally owns the cell phone external antenna business. All cell phone antennas in Wilson's line are terminated with a female FME connector. Consequently, an "Antenna Adapter" is needed that has a male FME connector on one end, and a plug on the other that fits into your phone's antenna jack. Wilson Electronics provides a line of adaptors. The really good news is that Wilson's engineers analyze and field-test every phone on the market that has an antenna jack, and will not recommend or manufacture an antenna adapter for a phone unless the phone with adaptor passes their rigorous tests. If you have questions, feel free to call Wilson Tech Service at 866-294-1660.

A Wilson antenna and antenna adaptor is not quite as easy to come by, but a Google search should help. Wilson does not sell directly, and many report they have been pleased in dealings with Alf Enterprises for buying Wilson products ( http://www.alfenterprises.com/ ) (877-391-0009). Also, some Flying J's carry cell phone antennas and adapters.

SOFTWARE FOR YOUR PHONE
Many experienced users connecting to the Internet with Sprint Vision agree that it's easier and less trouble to not bother with connectivity software such as FutureDial's SnapDialer, but to rather use Windows Dial-Up Networking or Connection Wizard and manually set up a dialer. Yet, others are adamant that SnapDialer works great for them.

This writer tried both but stayed with the Windows dialer due to some conflict problems involving SnapDialer. In all fairness, FutureDial's excellent Tech Service could probably have resolved the conflict problems.

Also, FutureDial offers "SnapSync," a special "sync" software that allows users to build their cell phone's "phone book" (data-base of names and phone numbers) on their computer and then transmit ("sync") it to their cell phone in a few seconds using the USB data cable. Once the computer database has been built, it can easily be modified as changes occur, and these changes can then be sent by cable to the phone, overwriting its phone book as needed. SnapSync, can be purchased as a stand-alone, or in a combo package with SnapDialer. For more info, go to http://www.futuredial.com/home.asp . For good prices, check at http://www.discountcell.com/ (800-422-1814).

CREATING A DIAL-UP CONNECTION IN WINDOWS
[IMPORTANT SUGGESTION: When plugging the USB Data Cable (or your charging cable) into your cell phone, be very gentle and don't force. Both the male and female connectors are delicate.]

A - Installing The USB Driver for your Data Cable -- IMPORTANT! The USB driver for your cable needs to be installed BEFORE creating your cell phone dial-up connection, and, the phone must not be connected to your computer when the driver is being installed. [See the previous section, "BUYING A USB DATA CABLE (DC)."] Follow the installation instructions, and when you have completed installing the driver, turn on the phone and connect the USB cable to the phone & computer. This should bring up the "Found New Hardware Wizard." Proceed with section B or C below, depending upon your OS.

B - Creating A Dialer in Win XP/2000 for Hi-Speed Internet (Proceed after the driver has been installed and the phone is connected by cable to the computer.)

1 - Click "Start" / "Settings" /"Network Connections." In the sidebar at left, click on "Create a New Connection." This brings up the "New Connections Wizard."

2 - Click "Next" on "New Connections Wizard."

3 - Select "Connect to the Internet." Click "Next."

4 - Select "Set up my connection manually." Click "Next."

5 - Select "Connect using a dial up modem." Click "Next."

If you have installed the USB cable driver, this brings up a list of the modems installed on your computer, and indicates the COM port each is using.

6 - Put a check in the box of your cell phone's modem, and uncheck any other box(es). Click "Next."

7 - The "Connection Name" window appears. Give your phone a name like "Sprint 2.5G" or "Sprint Hi-Speed."

8 - This brings up the "Phone Number to Dial" window. Type in #777 and "Click "Next."

9 - The "Internet Account Information" window appears. Leave the User Name and Password boxes blank. Leave the three boxes unchecked unless you have knowledge and reason to do otherwise. Click "Next."

10 - The "Completing the New Connection Wizard box will appear. If you want to add a shortcut dialer icon on your desktop, check the box. Click "Finish."

11 - The dialer window that you will now use for your Internet by Sprint Phone connection appears. Click "Dial" to connect.

12 - To disconnect from the Internet, click on the twin computers the taskbar at lower right, and click on "Disconnect."

Please be aware that if you haven't added the Sprint PCS Vision plan, Sprint will charge by the kbytes of usage, and it will get very expensive in short order.

C - Creating A Dialer in Win 98SE for Hi-Speed Internet. (Proceed after the driver has been installed and the phone is connected by cable to the computer.)

1 - Click on "My Computer. " Then click on "Dial-Up Networking."

2 - In "Dial-up Networking," click on "Make a New Connection."

3 - In the "Connection Name" window, give your phone a name like "Sprint 2.5G" or "Sprint Hi-Speed." Under "Select a Device," select the modem you have just installed. Click "Next."

4 - Leave "Area Code" blank. Type in #777 as the telephone number. Click "Next."

5 - The next window should tell you that "You have successfully created a new Dial-Up Networking connection . . . Click "Finish."

6 - You will arrive back at "Dial-Up Networking," and an icon will show your new connection.

7 - You need to set and reset some dialing protocols, so R click on the new icon to bring up a menu, and then L click on "Properties." In the "General" tab, make sure that #777 is the phone number, and UNcheck "Use Area Code and Dialing Properties." In the "Server Types" tab, there are eight check boxes. Check the top two and the last three boxes; leave the others unchecked. Click OK

8 - If you wish to have this icon on your desktop, do the following: If your present window is full screen, click in the upper R corner to reduce window size. Hold down the CTRL key, and drag a copy of the icon to your desktop. Close the "Dial-Up Networking" window.

9 - You are now ready to use your cell phone to connect to the Internet. Click on the dialer icon you have just created. User name should say "Default," and the Password box should be empty. Put a check next to "Save Password." Be sure that the Phone number is #777, and click "Connect" (and say a short prayer.) If all has gone well, you'll shortly be connected. If not, go back and check your steps.

10 - To disconnect from the Internet, click on the twin computers the taskbar at lower right, and click on "Disconnect."

TROUBLESHOOTING IN XP/2000

1. From the time the cable is connected, it may take 30-60 seconds before your computer recognizes the phone's modem when using the dialer loaded from the icon on your desktop. This writer has found a shortcut for that problem (in XP) by going to Start/Connect To, and then double-clicking on the name of your Sprint dialer. This will virtually always connect you to the Internet immediately.

2. If your dialer does not complete the connection or gets an error message, click on "Properties," either in the Dialer or Network Connection windows.

a. Under the "General" tab, the modem named by your USB cable driver should be showing, and should be the only modem with a check mark. If this is not the case, make the necessary changes.

b. Directly under the modem list, to the right of a check box it says, "All devices call the same numbers". Leave this box unchecked. Below this is the name of your modem again, and a box that should contain your #777 phone number. If not, re-enter it, and click OK.

c. In the Dialer window, click on "Properties" again. Under the "General" tab, and under modems list, click on "Configure." Put a check mark in each box except "Show Terminal Window." (Normally, you will not have to deal with any other settings in "Properties.")

3. If your Vision phone offers you a menu option to Enable or Disable the phone's Vision Web feature, the Disable option is recommended, and may provide fewer problems connecting. Choosing this menu option does not affect the Vision service that allows you to connect to the Internet, but if you wish to use the phone by itself for Vision Web services, you must have Vision enabled on the phone. You must also have previously set up a username and password online at http://www.sprintpcs.com/ .

4. If you have a problem with your Vision connection becoming dormant or unresponsive, you may wish to set up a simple "continuous ping" program to run after you are online. Go to Start/Run and type or paste the following line into the "Open" window: ping www.symantec.com -n 500000 . Click OK, and then minimize the new pinging window. A more difficult to set up, but much easier to use, "continuous ping" program can be found in the Files section of our forum at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/InternetByCellPhone/ .

TROUBLESHOOTING IN WIN98SE
One user reports that dial-up reliability was improved by inserting a space directly before " #777 " when configuring the dialer. (Please forward other troubleshooting suggestions to deweykloos@earthlink.net )

SO YOU'RE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET - NOW WHAT?
That pair of tiny blinking computers should now be showing on the taskbar at the bottom right. If not, go back into Network Connections (or Dial-Up Networking) and L click on your dialer's icon. Select "Properties," and check a box that says something like, "Show icon . . . when connected."

The connection you have achieved presents a gateway or portal to the Internet. To actually go onto the Internet you need a browser like Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, Opera, etc.

DOING E-MAIL
E-MAIL may or may not present a challenge. On the assumption that you already have an e-mail program and address: 1) getting your e-mail is likely not a problem - just bring up your e-mail program and it should work; 2) sending e-mail will either work as well, or may not work at all.

If it works, great! If it doesn't work the likely reason is that your email is not set up for, or your e-mail service does not provide, what is called an "authenticated server." If your e-mail provider does provide an authenticated server, all you need to do is check your e-mail program's settings for Outgoing Server (SMTP) or Outgoing E-mail. For example, if you're an Earthlink user, the setting probably reads, "smtp.earthlink.net ." Write your setting down in case you have to restore it. Then change it by adding "auth" after "smtp" (no quote marks at any time), so it reads like "smtpauth.earthlink.net ." If this helps you to send e-mail, great! If not, read on.

OPTIONS FOR SENDING E-MAIL
1. Some ISPs have an often-unpublicized option to continue use of their e-mail service with reduced or eliminated dial-up and/or DSL connection capability, at a greatly reduced charge. Earthlink at $5.95/mo. is an example.

2. See if your e-mail provider has web-based mail that you can access by going to your provider's web site. If not, ask provider if any other options are available.

3. Or, you may want to find a new e-mail provider. Free e-mail services are a good option for Sprint Vision users because e-mail may be retrieved, written and/or sent without serious regard to time spent online, since the Vision plan doesn't use plan minutes. Among the best are, http://www.yahoo.com and http://www.netscape.com (type " free email " in Search window). Yahoo! Mail, BTW, has an excellent spam separator called "Bulk Mail."

Google now has available free POP 3 "G Mail" accounts known as Gmail. For more information on Gmail, see https://gmail.google.com . At this writing, Gmail accounts are by invitation only; however, posting a request for one on the InternetByCellPhone forum likely will yield an invitation. Gmail may turn out to be the best option for many since it allows one to configure POP access for use with a variety of email clients. For additional info, go to http://gmail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=12103 .

4. Another option is the low-priced (currently $19.99/year) POP3 authenticated server mail offered by Yahoo! called "Yahoo! Mail Plus." It includes virus protection form Norton Anti-virus, spam filtering and no graphic ads. For more information, go to: http://mailplus.mail.yahoo.com/ .

BUYING ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR NEW PHONE
Your phone comes with a charger and maybe a belt clip, but you want accessories like a car charger, spare battery, case, etc. You can get these at a Sprint store, but they're usually quite pricey. Or you could get them at Radio Shack, or other stores, but they're often generic and you (like this writer), may feel it's better to have an accessory that's made by your phone's manufacturer. There are some online sellers that do sell manufacturer's branded accessories, but you have to be vigilant and insistent on getting what you want. Two online sellers who do carry some manufacturer's accessories are: http://www.alternativewireless.com/ (888-399-4932) http://www.discountcell.com/ (800-422-1814)

MISCELLEANOUS INFORMATION
1. If you want to learn more about SprintPCS and their phones, you can join this forum: http://www.sprintusers.com/ . Internet connectivity is just one of their subjects, and while it seems that some of their forum members lack the information we have, other members often provide interesting and valuable insights.

2. You'll recall that Sprint Vision works only on the SprintPCS Digital Network and doesn't work in Sprint roaming areas. Some Sprint users (depending upon their plan) will incur roaming and long distance charges when "connecting" and making or receiving calls outside the Sprint network. To avoid such charges, the user may re-set the phone's ROAMING option from the default "Automatic" setting (both Analog and SprintPCS), to "SprintPCS," and the phone will no longer recognize towers NOT on the SprintPCS system. It's easy to change the setting back if you need to.

3. PRL (Preferred Roaming List) updates are periodically available from Sprint. These updates are beneficial because they program your phone to have maximum access to SprintPCS Network, and Off-Network Roaming, towers. You may be notified that your phone needs a PRL update; if not, do it on your own once every couple of months. To accomplish this update, press *2, and follow the prompts.

4. It's a good idea to set up your Sprint account online so that you can check your account, especially plan minute usage, at any time. Go to http://www.sprintpcs.com/ , and set up your account under "My PCS." You'll use your Sprint phone number and have to pick a password that you can remember.

5. If you have QUESTIONS on anything related to using Sprint to access the Internet, please post these on the forum with the name Sprint in the subject line. Concerning this Tutorial, if you have SUGGESTIONS or CORRECTIONS, please send an e-mail to deweykloos@yahoo.com .

Good Luck,

The Sprint Tutorial Team
DuWayne "Dewey" Kloos, writer