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Originally Posted by pacemkr
What 3G data package?
Cingular doesnt even have any 3G phones.
I am with cingular and their unlimited data package for a pda is $45/month!! And thats nowhere near the speed of 3G.
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Cingulars 3G network is launch right now in 16-17 major US cities with expected nationwide rollout within the next year in a half to two years. The service is the same aount as the current GPRS/EDGE MediaNet plans.
MediaNet - $19.99/month (entry level phones, feature phones, Windows Mobile Smartphone)
PDA Connect - $45.99/month w/o voice plan - $39.99 w/voice plan - (PDA/Pocket PC type devices)
You're paying the same amount for data no matter which type of data network you're on. Ton's of individual are already using the unlimited data plans for mobile web browsing, email checking, weather, news, streaming audio, streaming video, etc. This is just an added extra for the individuals that are fortunate enough to have UMTS/HSDPA. The reason that this is not offered on all devices is because the video is choppy and/or jumpy on EDGE and GPRS networks.
The main incentive for a customer to get a new 3G phone though would not be that they could use Cingular Video, it would be because these devices will be able to be teathered with your computer/data devices for high speed web access. Getting little 3-5 minute clips of movies/TV shows is just an added bonus. This wont be the only content either, eventually you'll be able to see interviews with cast and crew of upcoming movies or musicians. Music videos might not be to far off either.
Imagine watching a news clip of a late breaking news story without having to sit around and watch other news clips you aren't interested in. Live weather forcast. There is a lot of interesting things you'll be able to do in short video clips. Plus everyone seems to be forgeting that the service is free. You would be able to use it without a data package but you'll be paying the payper-use data rate of $0.03USD per KB and three to five minute long video clips start to add up after a while.