| ??? 02/20/09 16:29 Modified: 02/20/09 16:30 Read: times |
#162600 - GSM/3G wireless cellular modules - US Responding to: ???'s previous message |
Erik Malund said:
1) Do you get the modem from a cellular provider or e.g. digikey?. 2) If from the cellular provider, how do you get hold of a person that know what you are talking about?. 3) Any restrictions for use (FCC etc?). 4) This is a professional app, so "juryrig a cellphone" is NOT of interest. Hi Erik, I'm from Australia .... But OZ and US have similar concepts and procedures for GSM/3G wireless cellular modules. Erik Malund said:
1) Do you get the modem from a cellular provider or e.g. digikey?. I think you mean network (cellular) provider. They are usually in the business to sell air time on the network. Some network providers may sell cellular handsets to attract and lock in customers to their network... however GSM/3G wireless cellular modules don't have sales volume ... And the network providers are not interested in selling GSM/3G wireless cellular modules unless there is big volume sales (100k+). ("So me the number network activations (money) they say") Hence distributors sell the modules like digikey, Arrow (offer Telit) The 3 major GSM/3G wireless cellular module makers are Siemens, Seria Wireless and Telit. Erik Malund said:
2) If from the cellular provider, how do you get hold of a person that know what you are talking about?. Providers and not interested unless the sales volume >50k of network activations (SIM cards) and network plans. So the "buggers" don't generally want to talk to you. Erik Malund said:
3) Any restrictions for use (FCC etc?). Yes, some network providers require approved GSM/3G wireless cellular modules as they are concerned that rogue modules could cause havoc on the network. Often distributors or the module manufacturers will do the approvals on the GSM/3G wireless cellular modules. however... retesting of your final product is often required in case of any problems. At least you know the module has already been through the approval process and has a high confidence level. Data Connection =============== GSM/3G wireless cellular modules - typically have a UART(s) data connection - faster 3G modules may use USB [USB peripheral/device] on the module to connect to a USB host for speeds >300 kBps. Regards Joe |
