[clug-talk] Wireless Data

[TekBudda]

Neil Bower wrote:
> I'm looking for feedback as far as reliability, usage, and/or problems
> with Telus, Bell or Rogers when connecting to their wireless data
> networks using a USB stick or connect card and Gnu/Linux.

What areas will you be in & in what percentage?

My experience is that in major centre's it really doesn't matter that 
much because of the concentration of coverage.

Typically, anywhere you can get a cell signal you can get an AirCard 
signal with the same sorts of results.  The same sorts of barriers apply 
as well...metal buildinsg, etc.

I can tell you that the Telus AirCards (Sierra WIreless 580/595) we have 
deployed with our mobile staff (stretching from North to South Alberta) 
have been pretty bulletproof and they are running on Screw-us...I mean 
Telus.

The advantage that Rogers has is that they are GSM...even in the USB 
sticks so you can swap out your SIM anywhere n the world.  Bell I only 
have experience with the cell phones, but except for some obvious dead 
spots (i.e. deep in the bush/mountains) the signal strength has always 
been pretty good even for an EVDO signal.

 From the research I have done, all of the USB stick that have come out 
that I have looked at on the 3 providers have Linux support as well...al 
be it, not directly out of the box.  I personally like the Sierra 
Wireless & Novatel Wireless products.