I've heard a lot about high-speed wireless data services called EV-DO. What is that?

EV-DO stands for Evolution Data Optimized (or Data Only). It is a third-generation Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cellular data protocol that can offer broadband wireless connectivity with speeds up to 2M bit/sec.

Verizon, Sprint and some regional providers are offering EV-DO services in the U.S. for approximately $80 per month.

Using an EV-DO-capable phone or PC card and a laptop, users can connect to the Internet at reasonably high speeds from anywhere they can get a cell phone signal. When EV-DO service coverage is unavailable, the system falls back to the CDMA 1XRTT (Radio Transmission Technology), which features a maximum bandwidth capability of 144K bit/sec.

Even 1xRTT connections are often twice as fast as dial-up.

EV-DO connections deliver DSL speeds to mobile devices, and are available or becoming available in and around airports and business centers in most metropolitan areas.

Verizon started its rollout first, but Sprint is making a big push to expand coverage widely during the rest of this year. Both carriers say they plan to provision their entire network coverage areas for EV-DO.

The www.evdoinfo.com Web site is a good source for more EV-DO news and coverage maps.