BKBROIL: Connecting to Verizon's 1xRTT network for FREE!

bkbroil · #1 08-19-2004, 01:14 AM

After a couple of questions -- I felt that this should be renamed to "Connecting to Verizon's 1xRTT network for FREE"

Yes! I have my latest -- latest gadget! I just purchased a new Motorola v710 from Verizon because it is their first CDMA phone with Bluetooth. Up until today I have always been saying "What is the big deal about Bluetooth?" So I wanted to find out for myself. Is bluetooth just a convenient way to get rid of cables or can I find an everyday use for this technology?

I purchased the Socket Bluetooth SD connection card with the Get Connected software and spent the night with my v710, e805 and Vaio to figure this out.
I installed the Get connected software and started on the Get Connected wizard that is now installed on my PPC. The wizard is very intuitive and to tell you the truth, I really wasn't reading the screens except for the "Next" button at the bottom.

I reached the screen where it began to search for a bluetooth phone nearby and I quickly.....

Set my v710 to discoverable. Discoverable mode allows my phone to send out a signal that tells other bluetooth devices that are searching that "Hey, I'm over here!"

This whole process took all of about 3 - 5 seconds before the software found the phone and asked me to enter a passkey on my v710 and then I had to match the same passkey on my PPC. This will give you some security that anyone around you is not "BlueJacking" your phone.

Now here's the tricky part. Now that the two devices have found each other.... what do I do? I didn't have the slightest clue. Which made me think, I knew this technology wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

But before I threw away all my new software and Bluetooth card, I spent a couple of hours on HowardForums reading their Temporary v710 thread. People are doing some amazing things with their new phones that I've never even thought of. Suddenly I felt like I was on the wave or forefront of something new....It's that "early adopter" euphoria that I am addicted to.

I sifted through numerous threads and Viola! Someone found a way to connect to Verizon's highspeed 1xRTT network.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with 1xRTT, 1XRTT reaches a peak speed of 144 kbps compared to 115 kbps for GPRS. However, both standards are expected to offer consumers an average of between 40 and 60 kbps.

Woh! So a light bulb just went off in my head!

I can connect to the internet with my Toshiba ANYWHERE, ANYTIME without having to hook up any cables....in fact, my phone can be anywhere within 30 feet of me. Now I see the benefits of this Bluetooth technology. Okay, how about the cost of using their 1xRTT network? Well apparently all it uses is minutes off of your plan...and if you're like me....usually nights and weekends are unlimited...

So on to setting this all up!
On my Toshiba, go into Settings -> Connections (TAB) -> Connections ... Then, under My ISP hit "Add a new modem connection".
Step 1 -
Name: Verizon Wireless
Modem: Bluetooth Dialup Modem
Step 2 -
Number: #777
Step 3 -
Username: YOURNUMBER@vzw3g.com (replace YOURNUMBER with your actual wireless number)
Password: vzw
Hit the Advanced button -
Baud rate 115200
"Wait for dial tone" unchecked
Hit OK, then Finish.
I'm already paired with my phone so I just try getting online by going to Netfront and browsing to a web page. A connection dialog pops up on my PPC saying that it's dialing #777....hmmm...(I wonder if this is going to work) :? ...
Bingo! CNN's home page popped right up! Okay, I don't believe my eyes, maybe that page was cached or something because it was extremely fast, so I try a couple of other pages and they pop up just as fast. I am truly impressed and excited!
I can't believe it, I'm connected to the 1xRTT highspeed network with my v710 and e805 and it's so easy.. This technology will definetly be getting some use from me!

CNNs Home page looks so nice on a VGA screen (using SE_VGA to give me true VGA)

I am continuing to read the v710 forums because apparently there is a way to dial your phone through Pocket Informant's contacts. I'd love to be able to have my Jabra Bluetooth headset in my ear and just tap a contact on my e805 and have it dial for me.

Do you currently use Bluetooth for anything? Give me your latest gadget story or tell me what you think of this one.

knelson · #2 08-19-2004, 01:39 AM

BK moves well ahead on the toys count... damn I need to buy something and post about it...

Addic · #3 08-19-2004, 10:58 AM

I regularly use my Ipaq 3970 and Nokia 6310i connected via bluetooth to download my e-mails and do my e-bay bidding when I'm not at home or the office.
I also use SmartGSM from SmartSoftWorks this lovely little app helps me to backup all the contacts on my phone and sim card (including my text messages).
I can also dial and text direct from my Ipaq.
I've had a look around but I couldn't find any that specifically state they support CDMA/Motorola, but you may want to check out those listed below to see if there is a compatible app for your Motorola phone:
SMS Mailer Version 3.0
Simple Phonebook
WebToGo Phone for Pocket PC
Running Voice GSM
Free Bluetooth Dialer
Pocket PhoneTools
Connect2Phone
Thanks for the note Jkendrick!

jkendrick · #4 08-19-2004, 11:28 AM

Nice writeup bk. Now you need to try the Motorola 810 BT headset with your v710. Best headset I've ever used and it's WIRELESS!

I'm curious about the Motorola Handsfree car kit that hooks on your sun visor. I saw it in Best Buy where I got the headset and was very tempted but thought two BT accessories at once would be harder to hide from my spouse.

jkendrick · #5 08-19-2004, 11:30 AM

Addic, the problem with the v710 (and Verizon) is they are CDMA and not GSM. Most s/w is for GSM which is always a problem for us Verizon customers. But in tradeoff we get the Express Network which as bk mentioned is pretty fast for a wireless connection.

jkendrick · #6 08-19-2004, 11:32 AM

bk, have you found a setting for force the outside LCD to stay on all the time, even if without backlight? I hate the fact that glancing at the phone not only won't show you if you missed a call but you even can't tell if the phone is on!

bkbroil · #7 08-19-2004, 12:20 PM

Quote:

have you found a setting for force the outside LCD to stay on all the time

No.......I hate that too....

knelson · #8 08-19-2004, 12:31 PM

btw, I use the Sprint Vision card. The Sprint network used to be the fastest, not sure if that is still a true statement.

bkbroil · #9 08-19-2004, 11:59 PM

I used to have a Verizon Merlin Card for CDPD access....I would only use it on trips....It was terrible! I think it was worse than 14.4 ....I finally dropped the service...it was more hassle than it was worth....but this 1xRTT network beats the pants off of it.....and it doesn't cost anything but minutes....
But.....I never got the official word that I'm allowed to be logging on to this network....I'm kind of thinking that someone figured out how to get around Verizon and log onto their network.....I guess I'll find out soon enough...

bkbroil · #10 08-21-2004, 01:56 AM

After a couple of questions -- I felt that this should be renamed to "Connecting to Verizon's 1xRTT network for FREE"

mickey2005 · #11 06-12-2005, 01:31 PM

Does Verizon charge the data usage time? Do I have to pay extra for this service?

bkbroil · #12 06-12-2005, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Does Verizon charge the data usage time? Do I have to pay extra for this service?

To tell you the truth...it was free a year ago when I posted this....but I don't know anymore....I know I only get charged for airtime...I wish I could give you a better answer...but it's been a year since I've reviewed this topic...