[evildead]

at the same time, no one would use a treo and not have both voice and data, but still...i don't see cingular budging on thier pda data plans anytime soon. people activate on them with a voice package all the time in my store when they buy treos.

how old are these plans? I can never seem to find them on cingular.com.

they are activating the $39.99 PDA data plan on a 600? What are the reasons for them to get that over the $19.99 plan? That's really not worth it in my mind, GPRS is too slow for 40 bucks.

[bcaslis]

That is true, but T-Mobile is supposed to roll out EDGE this year. It's possible but seems unlikely that they will double their prices when they do this. From a technical perspective I don't think there is any way allow a device only GPRS and not EDGE. UTMS is different since it's a different standard. EDGE is more like an add-on to GPRS.

please don't even compare unlimited GPRS prices to EDGE. They are not even the same thing from the customer side. To over exaggerate, that would be like me saying "Why is my cable model so much? I can get unlimeted dial up on NetZero for $9.95 a month" I don't think it is the same... Same will be true when UMTS comes along.

[bcaslis]

As you said the analog is "off-network". I think the analog is roaming with Verizon (though I could be wrong). Why does Sprint bill them themselves as the only "all digital national network" otherwise? I still don't think Sprint has any analog themselves. They only roam with Verizon and phone with dual digital/analog can use this (the Treo can't).

As for T-Mobile, the data plan isn't discounted. It's just extra if you don't have a voice plan also. Maybe a subtle difference, but there isn't a discount exactly.

pcs does both actually. sprint pcs network note the light green is off-network analog and is not capable of wireless data. now compare that to cingular's network: allover data coverage for gsm users. i agree with you when you say it doesn't matter if Bumblebeetuna, NY gets data coverage, but surely you didn't expect for such a service to pay for itself?

as for t-mobile's $20 unlimited data package, that's actually discounted when used in conjunction with a voice package. otherwise, if you go data only, then it's $30.00

at the same time, no one would use a treo and not have both voice and data, but still...i don't see cingular budging on thier pda data plans anytime soon. people activate on them with a voice package all the time in my store when they buy treos.

[helpermonkey]

From a technical perspective I don't think there is any way allow a device only GPRS and not EDGE.

I agree with that, I don't know of any way to do that.

UTMS is different since it's a different standard. EDGE is more like an add-on to GPRS.

UMTS is different on the network side, true, but from the consumer side it makes no difference. If you have a UMTS device it does UMTS, you need EDGE device to get EDGE, etc. You are right, EDGE is just an add on to GPRS though. I am talking about the user end, fast data is just faster data, no one really cares how in the end, just that it can do what they need.

[taylorh]

Data Plan Confusion.

I think part of the confusion here is that right now people are buying "Cingular Blue" aka AT&T Treo 650's. CIngular Blue (AT&T) has different data plans than old Cingular Orange (which isn't selling them yet.)
The $20 media works package (and other data plans for that matter, like the $40 PDA plan) are offered on Cingular Orange
AT&T Wireless has a unlimited PDA plan for $50 (which at one time in the past had a $10 discount per month if you had a qualified voice plan with it, but I wouldn't expect that now.)

Cingular (orange) still sells the $20 Meida Works. AT&T (Cingular Blue) doesn't have any clue what that is. Remember this, same company name, really still two totally different companies. So when people are calling and ordering the Treo 650s this week and getting all confused as to why they're selling the $50 data plan, this is probabally it.

This may be the root of the confusion on the data plans. 6 months ago I switched from AT&T to Cingular for the sole reason that AT&T's data plans were rediculous and I wanted Media Works for $20 (which I got.)

https://www.cingular.com/media/media_purchase

[MisterEd]

ATT has $25 "unlimited mMode" which was their equiv of $20 mediaworks. They still offer it on non-PDA handsets and never (technically) offered it on PDA's and Smartphones although with some "inside" help you could get it. You could also get it from reseller like Amazon for some strange reason on a PDA or MS phone.

Data Plan Confusion.

I think part of the confusion here is that right now people are buying "Cingular Blue" aka AT&T Treo 650's. CIngular Blue (AT&T) has different data plans than old Cingular Orange (which isn't selling them yet.)
The $20 media works package (and other data plans for that matter, like the $40 PDA plan) are offered on Cingular Orange
AT&T Wireless has a unlimited PDA plan for $50 (which at one time in the past had a $10 discount per month if you had a qualified voice plan with it, but I wouldn't expect that now.)

Cingular (orange) still sells the $20 Meida Works. AT&T (Cingular Blue) doesn't have any clue what that is. Remember this, same company name, really still two totally different companies. So when people are calling and ordering the Treo 650s this week and getting all confused as to why they're selling the $50 data plan, this is probabally it.

This may be the root of the confusion on the data plans. 6 months ago I switched from AT&T to Cingular for the sole reason that AT&T's data plans were rediculous and I wanted Media Works for $20 (which I got.)

https://www.cingular.com/media/media_purchase

[rkevwill]

Mr Ed....

Charge more because they give more? Business customers instead of casual customers? Not to argue the point, but the company I work for (Citigroup) uses Sprint FAR more than cingular or Tmobile. If we are talking business customers almost only, thats really Nextel. Anyway, Citi (which is the most profitable company in the world) uses Sprint BECAUSE of its coverage in the US, and its reliability. I believe they use TMobile for their Blackberry, although I opted for the Treo instead.

And what more do they give? Data is Data, and basically none of us is going to use the data mode on Treo as much as we would our broadband at home. Before I would spend $45 on data, I would buy a Tmobile plan for wifi at starbucks, and carry a PDA with wifi in my briefcase, and a SonyEricsson Phone.(that matches up with most cars bluetooth) Anyway, what got me started on this response is this. Those coverage maps you see also have fine print that says "Data not available in all coverage areas" (paraphrased). My guess is in a couple of years, we will be able to get data in all those areas, on both sprint and GSM anyway. Right now, I haven't been any halfway major area or city, where I don't get data on my Sprint Treo 600. Of course, I can't use it in St. Martin either, but thats another story.

[specimen38]

You missed Thunder. Can you believe GSM talk is about to hit 3000 post here. Everybody is strategizing. What is your acquisition plan for the "PRECIOUS."

wow...i have been gone for three days and now the 'precious' is out and i have read about ten pages of posts...amazing

[MisterEd]

Sprint's DATA COVERAGE is probably about 1/2 that of Cingular. Sprints data only works in their home area and not when roaming on Verizon's network as you do quite often with Sprint since their native coverage is limited (look at the maps, you can't argue that point). Sprint's VOICE coverage should be as good as anyones because they roam on Verizons network (for $5/month extra) but you can't use data when roaming. Data is data, but if you can't use it where you need to what good it? Of course data is not available in all areas but I beleive that you have at least GPRS coverage just about everywhere you have voice coverage on Cing (but not necessarily EDGE). It also says the same for voice coverage (not available everywhere). However I think if you look at where data IS available on Cing or Verizon vs Sprint or T-Mo you'd see the huge differences. The discussion here is about DATA and not VOICE. Of course it's available in major cities on Sprint ... but what happens when you're not in a major city? Everyone doesn't work in NY or LA or CHI ? I'm sure Citi looked carefully at what was best for THEM which is why there are options.

Besides (and off topic) I've read many times about a company IT or Comm guy not buying what was necessarily the "best" thing for their company in order to save a few bucks and regretting it later.

Mr Ed....

Charge more because they give more? Business customers instead of casual customers? Not to argue the point, but the company I work for (Citigroup) uses Sprint FAR more than cingular or Tmobile. If we are talking business customers almost only, thats really Nextel. Anyway, Citi (which is the most profitable company in the world) uses Sprint BECAUSE of its coverage in the US, and its reliability. I believe they use TMobile for their Blackberry, although I opted for the Treo instead.

And what more do they give? Data is Data, and basically none of us is going to use the data mode on Treo as much as we would our broadband at home. Before I would spend $45 on data, I would buy a Tmobile plan for wifi at starbucks, and carry a PDA with wifi in my briefcase, and a SonyEricsson Phone.(that matches up with most cars bluetooth) Anyway, what got me started on this response is this. Those coverage maps you see also have fine print that says "Data not available in all coverage areas" (paraphrased). My guess is in a couple of years, we will be able to get data in all those areas, on both sprint and GSM anyway. Right now, I haven't been any halfway major area or city, where I don't get data on my Sprint Treo 600. Of course, I can't use it in St. Martin either, but thats another story.

[Mtreosexual]

I am tempted to change my provider to cingular because of faster data,eventhough i have not had any problems with Tmo in last 2 years.
My plan is cheaper.My work place,(like all others) has a computer in every corner.I don't travel much.
I rarely check email on my treo.
Here is an important reason, i am with T-Mo.
http://www.t-mobile.com/company/2004....mc_t=OnsiteAd

[Mtreosexual]

Also they are not exclusive bout their phones either........
pop in a sim on any unlocked GSM phone .
They ( reps )will gladly unlock any T-mo phone for 2 bucks.

[MisterEd]

Here's an important reason I am NOT http://discussion.treocentral.com/im...es/biggrin.gif http://discussion.treocentral.com/im...es/biggrin.gif http://discussion.treocentral.com/im...es/biggrin.gif:


http://img192.exs.cx/img192/6452/tmo7fq.jpg

Here is an important reason, i am with T-Mo.
http://www.t-mobile.com/company/2004....mc_t=OnsiteAd

[Daddyof3]

Here is Cingular's for comparison.

http://www.naturalistheadquarters.com/cingular.gif

[Daddyof3]

I guess we are the only folks without a 650 now? ... This thread seems like it already died.

[cjdaniel]

So I suppose the big release was only for business customers and a few outlets on the eastcoast. Here in LA I suppose we have to wait a few more weeks?

No, it is available here, B2B Blue

[cjdaniel]

If this has been said already I am sorry, The reason for the big blue push is because they had contracted phones with various vendors, they are trying to deplete stock and then within the next year everything will be Blorange. Yes ATT phones, sims... will be supported for a very long time.

[outz]

I can't wait for Amazon to carry this phone. As of now, they have the Treo 600 for 150$ (or so) after contract/rebates. I hope they get the 650 this low, so I can make the switch to Cingular and switch off between my pda2k/650 depending on my mood.

[Vince Clorto]

You missed Thunder. Can you believe GSM talk is about to hit 3000 post here. Everybody is strategizing. What is your acquisition plan for the "PRECIOUS."

Just want to do my part to contribute to the big 3k posts

[evildead]

Outz, it's only that low cuz it's on it's way out, expect the amazon price to be around the same as the sprint version on the site. The 650 wont be that low until the 700 comes out

[thejoshuatree]

cglaguna...............B2B Blue is AT&T, right? I'm Cingular orange. I wonder when the T-650 will be available to me.