Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
(OP)
I am going to be manufacturing a new product that will need to be able to communicate via the cell tower network as a secondary function. I am trying to determine what the cost would be to install the components necessary to send data only. I have talked to some people who suggested that the most simple design would cost $60 per unit simply for the ability to do this. Am I missing something? I imgined that the hardware for this would be much cheaper as I can buy a cheap cell-phone for $20. Any thoughts or ideas?





RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
Peter
RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
Are you going to buy millions of the phone that does what YOU want?
TTFN
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RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
On the subject of $60 vice $20, how come I can buy a chair (made in China) for $40, but if I want to send the chair back to China it would cost me at least $200 in shipping fees?
RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
2) More complete units are made. These usually have a serial interface, and an antenna connector, and come provided with an antenna. Give it AT commands, and it sends data. Costs are between $200 and $500. Device in this group are made by Multi-Tech, Airdesk, etc, etc.
Cell phone costs are pushed-down by the cellular companies. Their business is based on selling the cellular services and options - even if they sell the hardware at a loss. Whereas, the data-only business of 1) and 2) above must make their profit on the hardware.
Another big issue on the hardware is the approvals on a cellular device. There is currently some lawsuits and congressional pressure on the cellular carriers and phone manufacturers. To 'control' the market, you have to meet their standards to have a phone on their network. There is some question as to whether they use this control as a method of restricting the market. Even a biggie like Apple with their IPhone had to run the gauntlet to get carrier approvals which delayed the introduction of the IPhone by several months. Cellular devices can be approved for an individual carrier by meeting their testing. GSM Cellular devices must meet PTCRB standards. CDMA device must pay Qualcomm several dollars royalty per phone to use IP.
Even if you use a pre-tested/certified module of 1), you must still repeat the certification testing for your application, costing from $20,000 to $45,000, or half this to get approval for a single carrier. Devices of 2) come with the certification, but if you so much as even use a different antenna, you are required to re-certify! Now, if you want to buy the cellular chips, and roll-your-own, expect costs of $200,000 to $500,000 for development and certification.
I've only talked about the hardware. Similar issues arise to arrange for a carrier to recognize your device, carry your data, and collect their money.
Welcome to the Cellular Data World!
RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
Just because you can buy at a low price doesn't mean you're seeing the whole picture.
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
This summer my family and a friend visited the Philippines. Rather than incur huge roaming charges, we simply purchased local cell phones (Nokia 1110i, PP1700 = ~$40). The thing is, you could buy the phone cash-and-carry. You could then choose any pay-as-you-go carrier you wanted. There was no connection or tied-selling back to any particular carrier. There was no subsidy on the hardware. The low end phones really did retail for about PP1300 (= ~$30) and up.
RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network
TTFN
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RE: Best way to build a device capable of using cell network