I want to set up an mobile outdoor retail operation.  I have a
generator but I need to handle credit card transactions and want to
know if there is a device that would convert analog phone signals from
a "landline" piece of equipment (my card scanner) to a digital cell
phone for transmission/reception.

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Clarification of Question by lane-ga on 09 Apr 2005 19:09 PDT

Thanks for your questions.  I'm not committed to any models yet.  I
want to get cel phones for the salesmen at 6 locations--they'll
normally be in the Kansas City area so there are several digital data
providers available.  I'm looking at Wasp Barcode equipment for UPC
scanning and POS cash registers.  If I use their Mobile inventory
program, I'll need a PDA and a handheld scanner also.  I am just now
leasing 1 Nurit 8000 POS wireless scanner to try out
(http://www.lipmanusa.com/site/SITES/USA/homepage.asp).  It is
supposed to handle EBT (electronic benefit transfers for food stamp
recipients) as well as credit cards.  But I think I'll need a cash
register (instead of the money bags and hand invoices we're currently
using) to itemize purchases and track inventory electronically. 
That's why I thought conventional equipment (AC powered and landline
linked) would be cheaper if I could find a way to "convert" the analog
phone signal to cellular digital data.  But there may be some
complexities I'm not aware of.  (In fact, from past experience, I'm
certain there are!)
Thanks again,
Lane Seymour

Three questions:

1. What model of cell phone do you have?
2. What model card scanner do you have?
3. Do you have access to a laptop? (Or smallish somewhat portable desktop)

Thanks for your questions.  I'm not committed to any models yet.  I
want to get cel phones for the salesmen at 6 locations--they'll
normally be in the Kansas City area so there are several digital data
providers available.  I'm looking at Wasp Barcode equipment for UPC
scanning and POS cash registers.  If I use their Mobile inventory
program, I'll need a PDA and a handheld scanner also.  I am just now
leasing 1 Nurit 8000 POS wireless scanner to try out
(http://www.lipmanusa.com/site/SITES/USA/homepage.asp).  It is
supposed to handle EBT (electronic benefit transfers for food stamp
recipients) as well as credit cards.  But I think I'll need a cash
register (instead of the money bags and hand invoices we're currently
using) to itemize purchases and track inventory electronically. 
That's why I thought conventional equipment (AC powered and landline
linked) would be cheaper if I could find a way to "convert" the analog
phone signal to cellular digital data.  But there may be some
complexities I'm not aware of.  (In fact, from past experience, I'm
certain there are!)
Thanks again,
Lane Seymour