Installation guide

Note: If you purchased the
AirCard from a GSM service
provider, you may already have
an account. Otherwise, your
retailer should be able to provide
you with the names of
companies that provide this
service.
Note: The fee for service is
usually higher when you are
“roaming” (connected to a
network other than the one
belonging to your service
provider).
Introducing the AirCard 800 Series Wireless Network Cards
The AirCard 850 and AirCard 860 support all of the 2G bands.
The AirCard 850 supports the WCDMA 2100 3G band (for use
outside of North America). The AirCard 860 supports the
WCDMA 850 and WCDMA 1900 bands (for North American
use).
Your account and coverage area
Companies that operate GSM networks and provide access to
those networks are called service providers. You must have an
account with a GSM service provider that offers HSDPA or
UMTS service to use the AirCard’s 3G capability. (The AirCard
is backward compatible to 2G service.)
When you obtain your account, you are given a SIM card, also
called a “smart card” or “smart chip”. (Depending on how you
purchased your AirCard, you may already have an account,
and your SIM card may have been included in your package.)
The SIM card contains account information and must be
inserted in the AirCard anytime you use it.
Before you can use the AirCard, you must install the AirCard
software and ensure that your AirCard is configured to use
your account. Instructions on completing these steps are
provided in the chapters that follow.
Once installed and configured, you can connect to the Internet
with the AirCard in any area in which you can obtain GPRS,
EDGE, UMTS, or HSDPA service. Your ability to obtain service
depends on these factors:
• Proximity to a GSM network—You must be within the
coverage area of a GSM network in order to use the
AirCard.
• Service provider—If you are within the coverage area of a
network that is not operated by your own service
provider, you can only obtain service if there is a roaming
agreement between your service provider and the network
operator.
• Account provisions—Your account may restrict your
usage to certain networks or limit the amount of time you
can use the network.
• Frequency band—You cannot connect to networks
operating in bands not supported by your AirCard,
regardless of roaming agreements or account provisions.
Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.
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