We have become spoiled by our use of modems over local dial-up connections that are charged a flat rate, so that first cellular telephone bill may have been a shock. But you quickly learned how to use cellphones judiciously. Similarly, wireless data services can be expensive if used indiscriminately, but reasonable if used carefully. Usually pay for amount of traffic. Rates vary between about 3 cents and 30 cents per kilobyte.
Some networks charge on a flat-rate basis.
Analyze your application for the amount of time or the amount of data you expect to communicate. Coverage Most wireless networks provide broad coverage areas, but no service extends everywhere yet. You need to evaluate where you need coverage and choose a wireless network accordingly. Some networks are available only in certain cities. Metricom's Ricochet network is available in less than half a dozen cities in the United States.