AT&T Wireless is my service provider. The phone I use is a Nokia 6160.
My phone works just about anywhere in the country. I would like to
upgrade my phone and/or service to something better if it exists. I
need to keep nationwide coverage.  If possible a service that would
allow me to get on the internet by connecting the phone to my MAC G4
laptop from anywhere in the country and to have a fast broadband
connection. I am wondering what my options are. Sincerely, Tom Lewis.

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 13 Aug 2003 12:26 PDT

Hello -

Can you define what you mean by "better?" What are some things you
want to improve over your current AT&T service?

Thanks,

jbf777

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Clarification of Question by tomdavid-ga on 13 Aug 2003 12:51 PDT

Good question. I was not clear. The cellular service I have now from
AT&T is fine. I am looking for a  mobil phone service that also allows
me to connect my laptop to the phone so I can work anywhere in the
country  with a fast reliable internet connection. In addition,  I
would like to know if the newer phones are in any way superior.  My
6160 Nokia is  starting to fall apart so I thought it time to look for
a new one. The 6160 is a great phone but it came out several years
ago.  Possibly  a more recently designed  phone would have some
advantages.I don't need games or a camera etc. Just an intelligent
design for easy, reliable use.   Sincerely, Tom lewis

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 13 Aug 2003 16:05 PDT

I'm actually interested in this myself.  As far as I can tell from
searching the net, wireless broadband nationwide coverage does not yet
exist.  I confirmed this with a rep from Navini, a provider of
wireless internet products, as well as Wireless Week magazine.  There
are Wi-Fi hotspots, which are spotty at best, but I think you're
pretty much relegated to less-than-dial-up speeds for cell-phone-based
Internet access as of now.

Looks like it's in the works, though:

Intel, IBM Team With AT&T To Push Nationwide Wi-Fi
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/1553001

Please let me know how I can be of further assistance.

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Clarification of Question by tomdavid-ga on 13 Aug 2003 19:10 PDT

Are you saying that the services that exit today, where you can
connect your mobil phone to your laptop and surf the net are all
slower or at best equal to dial up? If so I appreciate the answer and
we can close. Thank you, Sincerely,Tom Lewis.

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 13 Aug 2003 20:49 PDT

Yes, according to my own searching, along with two representatives
from those noted sources.  You won't be charged with information,
since it's not the answer you were originally looking for.

Thanks,

jbf777-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 13 Aug 2003 20:50 PDT

That should read: "You won't be charged for this information..."

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Clarification of Question by tomdavid-ga on 13 Aug 2003 22:01 PDT

You tried and I appreciate the effort. I have no problem with sticking
to our agreement to pay you. Your answer will prevent me from wasting
time trying to find what is not there.  Surely that has value.
Sincerely, Tom Lewis

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 14 Aug 2003 05:21 PDT

Tom -

Don't feel totally right about posting it at $20.  If you decrease the
price to $10, I'll post it as answer.

Thanks,

jbf777

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 14 Aug 2003 05:22 PDT

That should read: "as an answer..."

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Clarification of Question by tomdavid-ga on 14 Aug 2003 06:55 PDT

You have a deal. Thanks again. Tom

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 14 Aug 2003 07:49 PDT

Sounds good... just simply click on the "edit question parameters"
button [I believe that's what it's called], and you can change the
price.

Thanks,

jbf777

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 14 Aug 2003 07:53 PDT

...I'll wait until you actually change the price before I post the
answer, because there's no way to change the price after the answer is
posted.  Thanks again.

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Clarification of Question by tomdavid-ga on 14 Aug 2003 08:49 PDT

Done. Tom

Tom -

This answer is not finished until you're satisfied with it.  If you
choose to rate this answer, please ask for any necessary clarification
or information before doing so.  Thanks for your understanding.

Reiteration of what I said in the clarification dialogue:

As far as I can tell from searching the net, wireless broadband
nationwide coverage does not yet exist.  I confirmed this with a rep
from Navini, a provider of wireless internet products, as well as
Wireless Week magazine.  There are Wi-Fi hotspots, which are spotty at
best, but I think you're
pretty much relegated to less-than-dial-up speeds for cell-phone-based
Internet access as of now.
 
Looks like it's in the works, though: 
 
Intel, IBM Team With AT&T To Push Nationwide Wi-Fi 
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/1553001 


Thanks!

jbf

Very straight forward and honest. This is a good answer person.