Using a router with a 3g data card

QUESTION: I am contemplating buying a 3 gig card from my cell carrier Alltel to put into my laptop so I can access it anywhere.  I am now connected to Wildblue. I have a wireless router and the man at Alltel told me that I could use my wireless router to connect my two other computers and my Wii and I would not have to buy a special router to do this.  I want to know if it is possible or do a have to by a cell router. – Ellie

ANSWER: Hmmm. I think you mean a g3 card – as in third generation mobile data card – to connect your phone to your wireless carrier.
You didn’t say what router you now have but there are a number of routers on the market that will do this.
The Linksys Wireless-G Router for ATT&T/Cingular 3G/UMTS Broadband WRT54G3G
works with the Sprint EVDO 3g Network. So does the Kyocera KR1 Mobile Router.
For Verizon’s network, there is the Phoebus 3G/Wi-Fi Wireless Router (MB6000).
ALl work pretty much the same: You plug your data card into it when you are at home instead of the laptop and then all your PDAs, Wi-Fi Phones and laptops can connect to the Internet via Ethernet line or Wi-Fi.
All those devices – the Wii, Playstation and Xbox, as well – share one cellular network link. And you only need to pay one Al of these routers can be used at home and are also portable. They can be moved to any place you like, e.g. outdoors, car, RV, office, vacation home.

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