Your Account And Coverage Area - Sierra Wireless AirCard User Manual

AirCard Modem User Guide
Note: The fee for service is
usually higher when you are
roaming (connected to a network
other than the one belonging to
your service provider).
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• General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)—56 kbps
GPRS and EDGE are second generation (2G) data services.
UMTS, HSDPA/HSUPA, and HSPA+ are 3G data services.
When establishing a connection, your modem uses the fastest
available service. If, for example, you are using the modem in
an area that has EDGE service but not UMTS or HSDPA/
HSUPA service, the modem connects using EDGE service.
Once the connection is established, you have access to all
Internet services.

Your account and coverage area

If you purchased the modem from a GSM service provider,
you may already have an account and a SIM card. Otherwise,
your retailer should be able to give you the names of
companies that provide these items.
You must have an account with a GSM service provider to use
the modem. To use the modem's 3G capability, your account
must be with a service provider that offers HSDPA/HSUPA or
UMTS service. (The modem is backwards compatible with 2G
service.)
When you obtain your account, you are given a Subscriber
Identity Module (SIM) card containing account information.
Before you use the modem, you must insert the SIM card into
it. (Depending on your service provider, the SIM card may
already be inserted.)
Your ability to obtain service depends on these factors:
• Network coverage — You must be within the network
coverage area.
• Service provider — If you are within the coverage area of
a network that is not operated by your own service
provider, you can obtain service only if there is a roaming
agreement between your service provider and the network
operator.
• Account provisions — Your account may restrict your
usage to certain networks or limit the amount of time you
can use the network.
• Frequency band — You cannot connect to networks
operating in bands not supported by your modem,
regardless of roaming agreements or account provisions.
Most service providers have coverage maps on their Web sites.
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