> I have an application where an embedded cellphone module would be useful.
> I'd like something that does low speed serial data (14.4kbps or so) over a
> national (US) cellular network.
standard GSM data is only 9.6Kbps, beyond that you are into GRPS and HSCSD
(i don't know what the situation is on the USAs non-gsm networks).

> Data would be exchanged infrequently (once
> a week to once a month). Does anyone know of such a module
sparkfun have one, its rather pricey though (presumablly because of low
volume production)

> and what sort
> of arrangements can be made with cellular companies to do such data
> exchanges at off peak times, ideally only paying for data exchanged
> instead of a "per unit" cost?
i'd imagine unless you are very high volume you are unlikely to get any
special treatment.

if you were here in the uk i'd just tell you to buy pay as you go sim cards
but i hear the ones in the US have terms that make them very unfriendly to
light use.

multiple phone subscription plans may also be worth looking into.

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