Sim card and home high speed internet

1. You may need to install software, depending on the operator.  You may not have access or heavier charges may apply if you have not subscribed to a data plan.  Roaming charges can also be higher for data.

2. Yes.

Also, there is a slot on the computer (e.g., 1420) regardless whether you order the mobile broadband card/modem with your notebook.  If you ordered such a modem or that your computer has one, you should see the modem in the BIOS, otherwise, plugging in the SIM card has no effect.

I dont have a slot for a card just usb ports I paid extra to have a wireless card for travel installed.  I chose Cingular and that is the same card that was installed under the battery.  This Cingular card was already in the computer I am just waiting to get the new one from Cingular.  Is this how they operate or am I missing something?  Thanks much!

The slot is for the SIM, not for mobile broadband card - the latter is installed as a cost option, which you mentioned you had.  If you hadn't the slot is totally useless.

My initial mobile operator provided a separate SIM and dialler software.  I recently switched to another operator and they provided a USB Bluetooth dongle through which I connect my computer to my phone and use the latter as a Bluetooth mobile modem to the former.

You did tell Cingular you already have a compatible modem/card, right?  In which case they might provide just the SIM and instructions on how to get connected, but since I don't use Cingular, can't help with specifics.

What model Dell do you have?  If it is a notebook that supports WWAN cards then there is probably a SIM slot in the system in addition to the WWAN port as some, but not all, WWAN cards require a SIM in order to authenticate and connect to a cellular network (e.g., Cingular).

If you purchased the system with the WWAN card, and the service provider you selected requires a SIM, then the card should have come with a SIM already.

Did you ever activate the card you purchased with the computer?  That card (and/or the SIM card that comes with it, if a SIM is required for the service) must be activated with the provider before it will connect.  There should have been either a (paper) card dropped in the box with the system and/or a message on the computer that provides the phone number you would need to call in order to activate the WWAN card ...

Hi

It is a Inspirion 1420, when I bought it I asked to have a wireless card installed in it specifically cingular. 

There is a cingular sim card that is in the computer now.  I was told from Cingular that I need a new card that is active.

So I am waiting to receive that.  I think that is all I need since I dont have a slot for an external card.

Does this make sense?

Thanks again.

No I never did.  There was cingular information provided but it was destroyed.  Can dell send another?

What WWAN card did you get with the computer?  The information I have for the Dell 5520 (the Cingular option for the Inspiron 1525) shows you will need to call 1-800-228-6303 (M-F, 8am - 9pm) to activate the card.  You will need the computer and the SIM that came with it for the activation.  You should get the same information if you open the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility (Programs>Dell Wireless>Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility) while in an area covered by Cingular (after a 2 minute delay) or by opening the File > Activation menu option.

1. yes you would need to install software onto you computer unless it already came per-installed with the right software.

2. yest you can use it when you are traveling around the US where ever you get ATT signal. If you are traveling abroad you will be able to roam and you will get charged an arm and a leg for it. For this reason, I suggest that you get a local SIM card if you are abroad, For example is you travel to the UK you will be able to pick up a pre-pay sim card locally for free from any of these networks. Most network offer SIM card packages specifically for data useage have a look at one example here. It may come as a suprise but not all countries charge money for SIm cards.