long range wireless networks vs cell phones?

Question

i've seen info about long-range wireless networks. if computers can do it, why dont we have relatively cheap long-range cell phones? is it even possible?

i guess i wasnt as clear as i should have been. i know that they have technology out for long range wireless networks. im not quite sure what kind of signal it is, but i do know that they are advertising a pretty long range to connect via a laptop. i wanted to know if there was a similar technology available or will soon be available for cell phones, that would allow us to make a call from a much longer distance from the cell phone tower.

Answer 1

You are confused.

The "long range wireless for laptops" is actually a cellular internet service that is provided by ATT, Sprint, and Verizon. These are broadcast from cellular towers and have about the same range as voice cellular does. They do not have any appreciable longer range than cellular voice as you thought they did.

There are long range point - point wireless that can work up to 20 miles in a clear line of sight application (even 1 tree leaf will mess these up). That is a different technology altoghether but interestingly it has a range not a lot different than cellular despite much more focused sending and much more powerful receiving abilities.

Answer 2

I'm not complete sure what you are asking. I think you are wondering why we can't use our cell phones for long range internet access....and actually we can although its not that great you just have to buy a card from Sprint or ATT. Otherwise you are asking about having a long distance cordless phone and its possible as well but illegal in the US because of FCC regulations. I think the signals would interfere in the same way wifi interferes with cordless phones and vice versa. Basically everyone would interfere with everyone else.