EV-DO or EVDO stands for Evolution Data Only or Evolution Data Optimized. Evolved from what? Actually, evolved from a more established standard called 1xRTT or single carrier Radio Transmission Technology. Both are in a family of wireless data services for cellular phone systems called CDMA 2000. CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access, a cellular technology that is popular in the United States.
The idea behind CDMA 2000 is that a cell phone service that is already digital can also deliver Internet data packets using the same transmitters and cell towers. That enables Internet services for cell phones but also stand-alone wireless Internet service for laptop computers. That's right. Your computer can get lower or higher speed broadband Internet service through a cell phone service without using the voice aspect of cellular.
1xRTT and 1xEV-DO are always-on Internet services. To access them on your computer, you'll need a plug-in adaptor like the Audiovox PC5220 Air Card or the Novatel V620 EV-DO PC Air Card. You plug it into a Type II PCMCIA slot on the side of your computer and flip up the little antenna (on the Audiovox).
The 1xRTT is also known as NationalAccess because it is widely available on both the Sprint and Verizon cellular networks. Maximum speed is 144 Kbps and with typical speeds of 70 to 80 Kbps. That's easily two to three times what you'll get with dial-up Internet access. It'll probably be just what you need for email and simple web usage and it's available just about anywhere your cell phone works.
1xEV-DO is the "evolution" or upgraded service for CDMA cellular networks. It uses all of a single 1.25 MHz cellular channel for data service. EV-DO runs at a maximum download speed of 2.4 Mbps and typically 400 to 800 Kbps. That's as good as you'll get from many DSL and Cable Internet services with the extra advantage of mobility. Verizon is the primary provider of EV-DO with service in 32 cities including:
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Baltimore, MD
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Cincinnati, OH
Columbus, OH
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Dayton, OH
Hartford, CT
Houston, TX
Jacksonville, FL
Kansas City, MO
Las Vegas, NV
Los Angeles, CA
Madison, WI
Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL
Milwaukee, WI
New Haven, CT
New Orleans, LA
New York, NY
Newark, NJ
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Providence, RI
San Diego, CA
St. Petersburg/West Palm Beach, FL
Tampa, FL
Washington, DC
EV-DO is perfect for road warriors who travel to these major US cities or for anyone living in those service areas who wants a wireless high speed Internet service.
You can also view all of the cellular phone and cellular data offers we have available by visiting Cell Phone Plans Finder and browsing through the services and available phones. Please note that these offers are subject to change at any time. If you want one of these special offers, order now.
