[plug] CDMA 1x for broadband blackspots

[Steve Boak]

Hi you lucky ADSL users...

I had heard CDMA 1x suggested for rural areas where physical lines are not 
available or not up to a standard that wired broadband is a viable option. A 
a large part of my local area fits into that description. Wireless connection 
at 144Kb/sec wherever there is CDMA mobile coverage? Sounds great!

After a little research, it seems only if you have very deep pockets, and live 
in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane metropolitan areas :-)

From http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile/business/plans/cdma1x.htm

Usage 	Monthly data		Monthly fee	Charge/10KB	Speed
Low   	1MB				$10			10¢  		72 kbps
Medium  	4MB				$30			10¢			72 kbps
High   	15MB			$85			10¢			144 kbps

No, I didn't type the above charge wrongly - it does say $85 for 15MB, and 10c 
per additional 10KB! (but you can stay online for 24 hours for each 22c 
connection fee. If the connection doesn't drop out.) How does that look to 
those of you used to bumping up against GB limits?

Working out the cost of your average daily use at the above charges is left as 
an exercise for the interested reader :-)

Steve

P.S. Apologies if my tabs don't line up with yours...

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