I'm going to be at a Trade Show later this month, and wireless internet connections at the site are about $1,200 for the duration of the show (4 days).
I remember last show one of my customers came to my booth & he was able to access his home office PC with some wireless card that he had connected to his laptop. He said it was somehow connected to his cellphone plan.
How does that work? I think I would like to order the same thing if it's cheaper than the Trade Show option.
What do I need to get? Or does my cell phone company give me that little card he had? What speeds can I accomplish with such a thing? (no need to be technical there, if anyone knows, just say DSL or DIALUP speed and I will understand that!)
TIA!

Wireless Broadband is available through many of the wireless carriers. What company do you have?

Typically they give you (or you buy) a PC card that connects to your laptop. Connect with a username and password and you're online. Speeds vary greatly and will change with signal strength.

Verizon has Broadband Access and National Access.
Broadband Access: average download speeds of 400 - 700 Kbps
National Access: download speeds of 60-80 Kbps and burst up to 144 Kbps

For Verizon plans start at $60/m if you already have voice plan or if you have corporate account.
Keep in mind that you have to pay early termination fee if you cancel earlier than 2 or 1 year commitment.
You could always take advantage of return policy, get a service, then cancel after the trade show, so you owe only the $36 activation fee plus prorated monthly charge.

400 - 700 Kbps is roughly 7x-12x faster than dialup.
60-80 Kbps is just a bit faster than dialup, which is 56 Kbps.

I have nextel. So what should I ask for? I mean is it like an add on to my regular phone plan?
Another question, does it mean that while I'm using that card on my computer I cannot use my cell phone?

Ask for Wireless Broadband.....and you can be on the phone and online at the same time. It's a separate service you pay for.

Thank you, Alan, I will try that... do I have to sign a separate contract for that?

Probably.