Current Cellular Communication

Rapid advancements in cellular communications technology coupled with the number of wireless carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, Nextel) may make it a bit overwhelming when attempting to set up cellular service for remote control of your SILENT MESSENGER portable changeable message signs. 

Currently there are two cellular networks available in the
United States:

  • CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), which transfers data at 144kbs, and
  • GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), which transfers data at 9.6 Kbs.

These cellular networks use different types of technology, although to you the consumer, the difference is primarily the coverage area and the speed at which data is transferred.

Current Carriers Offering CDMA
Verizon Sprint
Alltel U.S. and Canada Nextel
Bell Mobility U.S. and Canada Rogers Canada
* Quick Fact: CDMA is a military technology first used during World War II by English allies to foil German attempts at jamming transmissions. The allies decided to transmit over several frequencies, instead of one, making it difficult for the Germans to pick up the complete signal (according to webopedia.com).

Current Carriers Offering GSM
Cingular (formerly AT&T)
T–Mobile
GSM International
* Quick Fact: GSM is the international standard and over 1.8 billion people use the GSM service across more than 210 countries.

Additionally there are several available cellular communications carriers or companies.  Each carrier uses one of the two networks.  Carriers are constantly updating their system infrastructure to handle more data at faster speeds and improve their coverage areas.

Upcoming technologies that are important to data transmission include GPRS, which stands for General Packet Radio Service and EDGE, which stands for Enhanced Data GSM. GPRS has a data transfer rate of 40Kb to 60Kb and is intended for sending and receiving small bursts of data, such as e-mail. EDGE has a data transfer speed of 384Kb and is based on GSM, but faster.

Often it is difficult to get the correct service for remote control set up simply because many cellular carrier’s technical teams are only familiar with voice services and not data. Some customers have been told the data service necessary is not available, or has been discontinued, when in fact, cellular carriers are mandated by the FCC to support data accounts.  Sometimes adequate cellular coverage is simply not available in the area where the equipment needs to operate, although a cell phone (voice) may work. This is because every byte of data must be transmitted uncorrupted, while voice transmission can tolerate some level of corruption.

Solar Technology currently has OEM relationships with Verizon and T-Mobile. This allows us to set-up and activate new accounts at the factory prior to shipping.  Because accounts need to be set up with parameters particular to data modems, we strongly recommend you allow us to set-up and test your modems. If you choose to activate your own modems, ensure you set the account up with CSD (Circuit Switched Data), True data only capability with voice mail and text messaging disabled.

Account Setup Requirements:

  1. Circuit Switched Data
  2. True Data only capability
  3. Voice mail and text messaging disabled