Bold/3G - Voice and Data at the same time?

[unmasked]

Here is my story.

I currently have an older blackberry model from AT&T and plan on upgrading once AT&T releases the Bold, which I hope is soon. I tether my Blackberry to use it as a wireless modem for my computer and it works fine. However, it's slow and I can't talk on the phone while connected. Therefore I've been contemplating buying a USB wireless 3G card which would be free plus $50 plus taxes per month with a 2 year commitment.

My company had phone vendor day today and I spoke to the AT&T reps about the Bold ("we have no information thank you") and their broadband connect devices. I asked if a tethered 3G device (e.g. the Bold) could be used as a phone while also being used as a modem and was given a flat no.

I also called Laptop Connect support for another question and asked the same thing and was given the opposite answer. I generally trust tech guys over sales guys and this guy was very knowledgeable and helpful so I'm assuming he is right.

Now here is my dilemma.

If he is right then the data card is basically worthless once the Bold is released which would be throwing away over $1,200. If I could get a refurbed model free with a month to month plan instead of the 2 year plan I would but can't see the option. I don't deal with temptation that well (thankfully gadgets and poker are my only vices) so can anyone confirm or deny that a 3G device being tethered can be used as a modem and a phone simultaneously? Any additional advice would also be welcomed. Thanks!

[iGuitar]

Ask Kevin. He could try with his Bold. But then again his is a pre production device

[Duvi]

I believe it should... The is one of the good selling points for UMTS over EV-DO.

[sniffs]

I have a Moto q9h on ATT and it's 3g.. If this 3g is anything like the Bold's 3g, voice and data at the same time is possible..

I have been on many long conference calls and hear the "ding!" from a new email come in while im on the call..

[JasonBourne]

my impression is that all 3G phones do that.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[SLVR6]

I believe the answer is yes for 3G GSM phones because they use different antenae and chips for the 3G and the voice. Now when you are on a WCDMA network using voice (Japan or Korea) that may not be the case, but that is a bit different.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[CrackBlack]

Definitely yes on Voice and Data at the same time, as per Kevin's testing of his Bold.
Here are the reviews ...http://forums.crackberry.com/f83/bla...-review-33837/

[unmasked]

Thanks alot for all the feedback!

[Duvi]

Originally Posted by SLVR6

I believe the answer is yes for 3G GSM phones because they use different antenae and chips for the 3G and the voice. Now when you are on a WCDMA network using voice (Japan or Korea) that may not be the case, but that is a bit different.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

WCDMA = UMTS ... Japan & Korea are just on 2100mhz, while AT&T is on 850/1900mhz.

[slashTom]

Yeah. 3g allows you to be on data while on voice. Wether they will allow you to tether or not may be up to att

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[midibite]

Thanks Jayden. Wiki gives you the breakdown in the differences between the two.

I just hope that the 3G works good to avoid buying the Wireless USB in avoiding the additional $50 fee per month (although you have to pay for the access via 3g) but it's still cheaper.

Holding out on a new phone purchase until the Bold comes out.

[unmasked]

Originally Posted by midibite

I just hope that the 3G works good to avoid buying the Wireless USB in avoiding the additional $50 fee per month (although you have to pay for the access via 3g) but it's still cheaper.

Holding out on a new phone purchase until the Bold comes out.

That's exactly where I am as well. It doesn't have to work great, it just has to work (but with all the data fees it I'd have to pay it really should work great).