What is the Aircard Phone Upgrade?
IMPORTANT! To use the phone option you must have a Vantage with serial number 2500VT or higher or a Vanguard with serial number 2100VG or higher. You must have software version 4.0 or higher loaded into your Vantage/Vanguard.
The phone is a Vantage/Vanguard accessory. When you install an Aircard and a SIM card into your device, your device can be used as a cell phone. This gives you the independence to move freely while still being able to talk on the phone with others. IMPORTANT NOTE! To make and receive calls through your device, you must have a regular cell phone and a service contract with either A T & T or T-Mobile.
You can use the phone option in two different ways:
Text messaging only:
You must have an AirCard and an antenna.
No audio is available with this option.
Making and receiving phone calls as well as text messaging:
You must have an Air Card, antenna and small cable. Audio is included in this option.
You must have a cell phone and a service contract for it with Cingular or T-Mobile. You will transfer the SIM card from your cell phone to your Vantage/Vanguard. This will enable the Aircard in your device so that you can make and receive calls, but it will make your regular cell phone inoperative.
You can purchase the Aircard, antenna and/or cable from PRC. Installation instructions come in the package.
NOTE: If you have an older Vantage or Vanguard, you may be able to send it in for a hardware update to accommodate the phone card and cable. Check with the PRC Sales Department by calling 1-800-292-1933.
Important! New Aircard Policy
Our Aircard Performance Policy: Before selecting a wireless carrier and specifying or purchasing an Aircard, we recommend that you contact PRC Service first at 800-262-1990 to discuss compatible networks. Recently we have seen that many wireless networks are dropping their support for this option or are delivering less than reliable performance. To determine your best options, we recommend that you contact PRC Service to discuss the available coverage for your area. In addition, even though these network issues are out of our control, our policy is that if you obtain an Aircard and you are not happy with the performance in any way, you can return the Aircard to PRC and we will promptly refund your purchase.