Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Connected.

FAQs: WiFi & im240 PC Card

Q:  What is the Nextel WiFi service?
A:  Nextel Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) service provides users with high-speed Internet service in public locations such as selected hotels, airports, coffee shops and convention centers.
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Q:  I am not a Nextel customer. Can I use the Nextel WiFi HotSpot service?
A:  Currently, the Nextel WiFi service offering is for existing Nextel subscribers. If you are interested 1-800-SPRINT1 (800-777-4681).
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Q:  What are the key features of the Nextel WiFi service?
A:  Nextel’s WiFi service is a unique offering that allows mobile professionals to access the Internet and Corporate networks at broadband speeds. Key features include:
One of the largest collection of WiFi HotSpots at locations frequented by the business traveler such as airports, hotels, convention centers, etc.
Unlimited access, for one flat fee, billed monthly on your Nextel bill
Access within hotel guest rooms through Ethernet (since WiFi signal may not be available inside the rooms)
Easy-to-install and easy-to-use software that will automatically detect signal from a Nextel WiFi HotSpot, allowing you to connect to WiFi networks (and the nationwide Nextel Wireless Data network)
The software also offers other features such as scanning of available WiFi networks and locating Nextel WiFi HotSpots.
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Q:  Can I use the service at hotel guest rooms even if there is no WiFi signal inside the room?
A:  Yes, Nextel’s WiFi service includes Ethernet connections free of charge at designated hotels. Please check the HotSpot locator for supported locations.
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Q:  How do I find out where I have Nextel WiFi service?
A:  The Nextel network includes thousands of HotSpot locations at airports, convention centers, cafes and hotels. As a WiFi subscriber you can locate Nextel HotSpots through the HotSpot locator at http://www.nextel.com/hotspot/ or through the Nextel Connection Manager software.
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Q:  Can I use the Nextel Connection Manager at home or work?
A:  Yes, the Nextel WiFi service can be used to connect to home or corporate networks. You can easily update your profile and connect via the Nextel Connection Manager to specified HotSpots. If a HotSpot is WEP encrypted, it will prompt you to enter the WEP key to enable the connection.
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Q:  What are the hardware and software requirements for using the Nextel WiFi service?
A:  In order to use the Nextel WiFi service, you must install the Nextel Connection Manager (and accept the End User Software Agreement). An 802.11b card is also required and must be supplied by the customer and be NDIS 5.1 compatible. The system requirements¹ include:
Windows 2000 (w/SP 3 or 4) or Windows XP (w/ SP 1 or 2)
Pentium II Processor or higher
64 MB of RAM or higher
10 MB of Disk Space
RAS²: Component must interface with TCP/IP
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
¹ For optimal WiFi experence, please check to ensure your wireless card drivers are up to date.
² The remote access server (RAS) allows users to gain access to files and print services on the LAN from a remote location. For example, a user who dials into a network from home using an ISDN connection will dial into a remote access server. Once authenticated, this user can access shared drives and printers as if they were physically connected to the office LAN.
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Q:  How do I get started using the Nextel WiFi HotSpot service?
A:  Prior to using the Nextel WiFi service, please ensure you meet all of the following criteria:
You are an existing Nextel customer that has already signed up for one of the two WiFi service offerings (Unlimited WiFi HotSpot Plan or Unlimited PC Access with WiFi HotSpot Package).
You have successfully downloaded and installed the Nextel Connection Manager software.
You have successfully registered for a MyNextel account (i.e., set up a Member Name and Password) on nextel.com.
You are using a laptop that has an internal or external wireless WiFi card that supports 802.11b and is NDIS 5.1-compliant³.
³ NDIS 5.1 has become the industry standard for Network Driver Interface Specifications (NDIS). Packets the network card driver receives are passed upward through the stack by the NDIS. NDIS defines a standard interface between hardware drivers for devices such as network cards and the Windows network subsystem. Windows uses NDIS to communicate with these devices.
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Q:  What is the difference between the Unlimited WiFi HotSpot Plan and the Unlimited PC Access with WiFi HotSpot Package?
A:  Nextel currently offers two WiFi plans to meet the needs of our customers. If you are someone who wants to use only the WiFi HotSpot service from Nextel, choose the Unlimited WiFi HotSpot Plan. This plan offers you unlimited access to all Nextel WiFi HotSpots (including guest room hotel Ethernet access).
However if you would like this, plus access to the nationwide Nextel Wireless Data Network for access at locations beyond the HotSpot, then choose the Unlimited PC Access with WiFi HotSpot Package. This plan offers unlimited access to Nextel WiFi HotSpots, plus unlimited access to the nationwide Nextel Wireless Data Network.
Access to the nationwide Nextel Wireless Data network requires either a PCMCIA card (im240, provided by Nextel), or tethering your Nextel phone to your laptop using a data cable. For additional information please see the service plans link.
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Q:  Who do I contact when I have questions?
A:  If you have questions about the service or your account (including billing inquiries), please call Customer Care at 1-800-639-6111 or send us an email.
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Q:  What is the Nextel Connection Manager and how do I use it?
A:  Nextel Connection Manager software manages all of your Nextel wireless PC connections for optimal performance while on the go. Nextel Connection Manager provides an installation wizard, along with a host of connection management tools that sit right on your desktop. The software includes:
Dual Wireless Management Functionality - Fully integrated, the Nextel Connection Manager manages both your WiFi HotSpot connection and your im240 PC Card connection for optimal performance while on the road and on Nextel’s National Wireless Data Network.
Installation Wizard - The user-friendly interface makes installation quick and simple.
im240 PC Card Connection Management - The Nextel Connection Manager software manages your im240 PC Card Connection with easy-to-read signal strength indicators, a built-in compression client for improved speeds while on the go, and an auto-reconnect feature.
Built-in WiFi Locator and HotSpot Scanner - The Nextel Connection Manager software manages your WiFi HotSpot Connection with ease. Tools include signal strength/quality indicators for your WiFi connection and the WiFi HotSpot scanner to quickly locate a Nextel HotSpot near you.
Built-in Compression Client for Improved Performance - The Compression Client is integrated into the Nextel Connection Manager for a seamless user interface, resulting in improved speeds.
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Q:  How do I download the Nextel Connection Manager software?
A:  Follow the download instructions on the Nextel Connection Manager Software page.
If you have additional questions about how to use Nextel Connection Manager, please call Nextel Customer Care at 1-800-639-6111.
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Q:  How do I get my Member Name and Password to begin using the WiFi HotSpot service?
A:  To begin using WiFi service, you will need to set up a Member Name and Password. When creating a Member Name and Password, you will need to enter the account and device information you provided when you signed up for WiFi service.
  1. Go to www.nextel.com and click on "Register with Nextel".
  2. Fill in your personal contact information. Your email address must be accurate because a confirmation message, which requires a response, will be sent to this address.
  3. Create a Member Name and Password. Note that entries are case-sensitive and cannot include spaces, periods, dashes or other symbols. Click Continue.
  4. Identify which Nextel phone number and SIM ID—or wireless modem (im240) SIM ID—you applied your WiFi feature on your account.
    Registering a Phone -
    Select "Yes. Here is my phone information."
    Enter both the phone number and SIM ID from the account.
    --or--
    Wireless Modem -
    Select "Yes. Here is my phone information."
    Select "No. I do not have a Nextel phone number."
    Enter the 15-digit SIM ID provided with your device. Click Continue.
  5. Select "No. I don't manage a Nextel account". Click Continue.
  6. You will receive a confirmation email shortly after completing the registration form. You will need to follow the directions in the follow-up email to fully complete your registration of Member Name and Password.
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Q:  How will I know I have a signal from a Nextel WiFi HotSpot?
A:  The Nextel Connection Manager software is designed to auto-detect WiFi coverage. If you are in a supported WiFi location the Nextel Connection Manager will display the associated signal strength. You can also perform a WiFi scan via the Nextel Connection Manager to detect and connect to available networks.
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Q:  How do I connect when I am inside one of the hotel guest rooms where there is only "Wired" connectivity?
A:  While inside a hotel guest room with Ethernet connectivity, follow these steps to get connected.
  1. Start your browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Netscape)
  2. Click on Connection Options at the top of the page (pages may vary from hotel to hotel).
  3. Select “Nextel” from the drop-down list of providers.
  4. To connect, enter the Nextel Member Name (after the “Nextel/”) and Password that you set up on nextel.com.
  5. Click on ‘I agree to the above and wish to connect’ button. You should now be online and may begin using the Internet.
  6. You should now be online and may begin using the Internet.
If you have problems accessing the Connection Options page, please follow the instructions in the guest room for help. If you have problems connecting after entering your Nextel Member Name and Password, please call Nextel Customer Care at 1-800-639-6111.
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