LJ>> (1) If I had a laptop with one of those cellular modems, would I get
 LJ>> really fast connections because it's connected to a digital network?
 MP>  Nope.  It's been tested, and it's actually a lot faster if you use the
 MP>  analogue phone network.  I don't know why it is, but the digital network
 MP> is really slow.  I heard something about it being slower than 9600 on
 MP> digital.

The GSM network is limited to 9600bps data at this time. The analog network
can theoretically support V.34 data (very theoretically). However, from
experience playing with these toys, I can tell you that connection
stability is vastly superior on the GSM net. Unless you already have a
cell-capable PCMCIA modem, and a data-capable AMPS phone, and your only
cost is the cable to connect the two, for serious mobile comms, GSM is a
better bet. It does represent a substantial dollar investment (!) but
considering the cost of the calls themselves...

I also wouldn't recommend anyone to invest heavily in EXPENSIVE analog
mobile comms equipment now because of the 2000 switchoff. A phone handset
is cheap. Mobile comms gear is definitely NOT cheap !

There is a French company which makes a range of cables (fiendishly
expensive, about AUD$130 for a goddamn CABLE !) to connect V.32b/V.FC/V.34
standard PSTN PCMCIA modems to GSM handsets, but I've tried them out with a
Nokia 2110 (using Vodafone's net), and the results were
"disappointing". Large numbers of failed connects, low connect
speeds, poor transfer rates... not a recommended course. The codecs used in
the GSM audio path appear to be voice-optimized. I have a feeling that the
special modems such as the Nokia DTP-2, which go with the GSM phones,
communicate with some special digital protocol which is translated back to
analog audio by the switching center on the ground, thereby bypassing the
ADC section of the handset.

-- Lewin A.R.W. Edwards [Team OS/2]  Tel 0419320415 * 0412809805 * 0414927056

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