Q: I was given a laptop by my organization with built-in broadband that lets me access the Internet from anywhere. What is the difference between what I have and Wi-Fi access?
A: What you are referring to as built-in broadband sounds like an air card, an EV-DO (Evolution Data Only or Evolution Data Optimized) device. This is technology that enables connection to the Internet at broadband speeds via a cellular network. Wi-Fi, or 802.11x, allows connection wirelessly to a LAN or WAN. If you have an air card you can connect to the Internet anywhere there is a clear cell signal since you are connecting over a cellular network but Wi-Fi access is only available in Wi-Fi hot spots, areas that offer wireless access to a LAN or WAN. Additionally, although the network accessed via a hot spot often provides Internet, actual access will depend on the configuration of the LAN or WAN to which you are connecting. A private hot spot within a business location, for example, might only offer access to the enterprise’s own intranet.
Q: I have been trying to track down a copy of the tariff for my local service provider. I can’t find it on their website or on the one for the public utility commission in my state and my account manager doesn’t seem to know what I’m talking about. I contacted the PUC to see if they could send me a copy but I’d have to go to their office in the state capitol, 150 miles away, to get it. How can I obtain this document?
A: Depending on your location it can be fairly easy or quite difficult. If you can’t locate a copy online try contacting the provider’s regulatory group. Ask your account manager or call the toll-free customer service line for your account and ask to be put in contact with the group. Keep in mind that the actual name of the appropriate regulatory department within the provider’s organization may not be “regulatory group” so be prepared to explain what you need. The group should be able to give you a copy of the tariff and may also give you some insight into other places to access this information.
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