Cbeyond has done the homework for you. BeyondMobile Laptop Access delivers big business communication tools for small business:
The questions below are answered in the PDF Version of the FAQ.
Product & Service Information
What do I get when I purchase BeyondMobile Laptop Access from Cbeyond?
As a BEYONDMOBILE LAPTOP ACCESS CUSTOMER you receive the following:
- Novatel Wireless Ovation™ MCD3000 USB Modem or Merlin™ X720 Express Card Modem
- Getting Started Guide and Welcome Letter
- Installation CD containing User’s Manual
- Dedicated technical support
What does Cbeyond offer that is better than the other choices in the marketplace?
As with all Cbeyond services, BeyondMobile is built for small business:
- Unlimited data usage.*
- With BeyondMobile®, rate plans with massive overage charges are eliminated.
- Get customer service that follows you wherever you go.
What are the important features BeyondMobile Laptop Access?
BEYONDMOBILE LAPTOP ACCESS comes with the following features:
- Access email and download large attachments at broadband speeds
- Access corporate network using Cbeyond’s Remote User VPN
- Internet browsing
- High performance built-in antenna
- Supports EV-DO Rev A (estimated to be 6 times faster than Rev 0) but also backwards compatible with Rev 0
What services does my business need to subscribe to in order to add BeyondMobile services?
You must be a BeyondVoice subscriber to add BeyondMobile service to your account.
Once I order BeyondMobile Laptop Access, when will my Broadband modem card arrive?
Your Broadband Modem will arrive within 2-5 business days of your BeyondVoice service installation.
If you already are a BeyondVoice subscriber, your BeyondMobile devices will arrive 2-5 business days from when you authorize the purchase.
Product Information, Fees, Warranties and Returns
The Broadband Modem comes with a one year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Is there a money-back guaranty? If so, what are the terms?
If the Broadband Modem and all of the in-box accessories are returned in their original condition within 30 days of purchase, Cbeyond will refund the cost of the handheld and the data service1
What data speeds can I expect with the broadband modem?
Peak Data speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps downloading/receiving and up to 1.8 Mbps on the uploading/sending.
Users can expect average upload speeds of 300-400 Kbps and download speeds of 450-850 Kbps.
Why does the speed sometimes vary?
Speed is dependent on several variables including: distance from cell site, network availability, traffic, file size, and the application being used. The broadband modem is backwards compatible so if an EV-DO Rev A service is not available, the card will connect to the fastest service it can find.
What are the minimum system requirements for a PC broadband modem?
Operating System is one of the following:
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1 or later (Service Pack 4 is recommended)
- Windows XP (Home or Professional)
- Windows Vista
- Mac® OS X 10.4.8 or higher*
Notebook PC Hardware Technical Requirements:
- Two USB Ports (for Ovation MCD3000)
- ExpressCard 34/54 card slot (for Merlin X720)
- Internet Browser software
- Disk Drive: CD-ROM
- Memory: 32 MB
- Disk Space: 14 MB
*MobiLink works on the Windows platforms listed above. Support for MAC OS is provided through drivers downloadable from the Find-it-Fast Answer Center and searching on key words: Novatel Mac drivers.
How does my broadband modem impact battery life?
The broadband modem is designed to minimize battery power consumption. The same factors that influence speed also influence power consumption.
Can I use my broadband modem on a Mac or on Linux?
Yes. Mac computers running Mac OS X 10.4.8 or higher are compatible with both broadband modems Cbeyond offers.
Local, state and federal regulatory voice fees may apply, including federal and local taxes. E911, 411, Text Messaging (SMS) and other usage fees may also apply. See your service agreement for details.
Can I connect to a Wi-Fi connection at the same time I am connected using the broadband modem?
Your broadband modem is meant to be used when you have no other means of Internet connection. The broadband modem will automatically disconnect when it detects another connection. You can disable your Wi-Fi connection by right-clicking on your Wireless Connection icon in your task tray and then selecting Disable Radio.
If I decide to return my broadband modem within 30 days, what do I have to do?
If for any reason, within the first 30 days of service, you decide you do not want to keep your broadband modem you may cancel your service and receive a refund1. To receive a refund, you must contact Customer Support by phone (email notifications are not allowed) and cancel your service. Customer Support will provide you with an RMA number and instructions to return your equipment. Equipment received without an RMA number will not be accepted. Cbeyond will cancel your service and credit your account accordingly.
Please note that in order to receive a refund, you must return the entire Broadband Modem Kit within 30 days of canceling your service. The Broadband Modem Kit includes the original packaging for the broadband modem the broadband modem itself, the CD, instruction booklets, and/or any other materials included with the broadband modem in the original packaging. If you do not return your Broadband Modem Kit to Cbeyond within 30 days of canceling your service, you will be charged the full retail cost of the Broadband Modem Kit minus any amount that you originally paid to Cbeyond for the broadband modem.
130-day return policy does not cover activation charges, shipping, taxes or handling fees. If the handset device is not in its original condition, we may charge you to restore it to that original condition. Customer is responsible for shipping the device back at customer’s expense.
Availability
Can I add any broadband modem I want to BeyondMobile?
No. Due to the fact that the devices we sell need to be certified on our network and need to operate at a certain radio frequency, you can only add a device to your service that you purchase through Cbeyond.
Activating Service
Once my broadband modem arrives, is there any set-up required?
The manufacturer’s User Guide is enclosed in the installation CD-ROM. The User’s Guide is a helpful resource for self-troubleshooting and understanding the indicators of the EVDO Watcher software. Because Cbeyond has pre-activated the card, you can disregard the activation instructions consistent with the Getting Started Guide.
Support
How do I reach customer service and technical support?
Network Coverage
Which type of network does the broadband modem use?
The BeyondMobile Data network uses a national CDMA 2000® 1x , EV-DO Rev A and Rev 0 Network
Where is coverage available?
How can I tell I'm in coverage?
The Signal Strength indicator (displayed in the MobiLink window) uses bars to show the intensity of the radio signal. The number of bars increases as signal strength increases to a maximum of five bars.
When the bars are dimmed and the antenna icon is crossed out, this may be an indication that you are outside the CDMA network coverage area or your signal strength is too weak
What factors affect coverage?
Your broadband modem uses radio frequencies so coverage is affected by anything that could interfere with radio waves. Typically, you get better coverage outside of a building than inside. To connect, try again from another location.
International
Where does the broadband modem work internationally? Can I add international roaming to my BeyondMobile Laptop Access
There is no international roaming available with your BeyondMobile service.