FAX feature on Nokia 9290 is ISP-dependent?

[leov]

:(

Has anybody got FAX service from their ISP (besides voice and SMS) and if so, does it work fine on 9290?

I know that 9290 has got its own FAX software built in to the Messaging application. However, I am told by Nokia USA that I cannot make the FAX feature work with my Cingular service because they presently do not yet support the FAX service. (What a shame on Nokia or Cingular???)

I was further told that T-Mobile do have such service already to their subscriber... Any truth to this?

[MartinMaxwell]

I am not familiar with Cingular, but do you intend to fax directly to a direct line fax machine from the Communicator or are you emailing a fax to Cingular for them to refax it?

I have had no problems whatsoever faxing from my Communicator using Celcom ISP (Malaysia) or Telia ISP (Sweden). Mine is a 9210, but believe it is identical to the 9290 except for frequency band.

[leov]

Yeah, I intend to send FAX from 9290 to a land-base FAX machines. I called Cingular and they confirmed that it is available on their service, provided you subscribe with them both txt messaging and wireless internet access (costing me $3.99 each). At first I only subscribe txt messaging then I added the wireless internet access service.

I have tested sending FAX from 9290 to land-based fax machine and it worked. Now I tried sending from a PC-based fax using land-based line to a fax machine. Both FAX machine and 9290 cannot handshake and my 9290 just times out transmission. I do not know whether or not it is my 9290 that needs fine-tuning of the fax-modem settings.

I think that 9210 is a dual band for Europe and Asia, whereas 9290 is only a single-band for US market only.

Do you send and receive FAX directly to / from your 9210? Or are u using your ISP to send/retrieve your faxes?

Thanks

[MikeMcC]

I have tested sending FAX from 9290 to land-based fax machine and it worked. Now I tried sending from a PC-based fax using land-based line to a fax machine. Both FAX machine and 9290 cannot handshake and my 9290 just times out transmission. I do not know whether or not it is my 9290 that needs fine-tuning of the fax-modem settings [1] First you say you have tested sending Fax from the 9290 to a fax machine and it worked. OK, so fax on the 9290 is working :)

[2] Then you say you tried sending from a PC based Fax to a fax machine, but I don't see what this has to do with the 9290 :confused:

[3] Finally you say the fax machine and 9290 cannot handshake and it times out. So now fax on the 9290 is not working and I'm totally confused :confused: :confused:

Assuming that, in spite of [1] above, fax is not actually working, it is normally necessary to have your phone enabled for "Fax" calls by your network. This is not the same as Data calls and is not the same as SMS. Usually, you would be provided with an additional phone number for incoming fax calls. (This is with GSM networks so some of the different standards used in the US may actually differ.)

Also, a fax call is a direct connection between two fax machines (or computers running fax software) it has nothing to do with connecting to ISPs.

[leov]

[1] First you say you have tested sending Fax from the 9290 to a fax machine and it worked. OK, so fax on the 9290 is working :

Agree. Further, I say that I composed my FAX message using 9290 and used its Messaging app to send the FAX. Take note that the other end device is a FAX machine that is connected to a land-base line. Thus, I call this scenario as stand-alone 9290 sending fax to land-based FAX machine.


[2] Then you say you tried sending from a PC based Fax to a fax machine, but I don't see what this has to do with the 9290 :

I stand corrected. I should have said: I tried using PC (laptop) to send FAX message to 9290 as standalone FAX device. It did not worked. When 9290 answered the incoming call, I could hear the fax tone but 9290 could not handshake with the laptop modem until timeout. (No FAX machine is involved here, only the 9290 on one end and laptop with FAX software on the other end).

[3] Finally you say the fax machine and 9290 cannot handshake and it times out. So now fax on the 9290 is not working and I'm totally confused

Please refer to above explanation.

Quote:
Also, a fax call is a direct connection between two fax machines (or computers running fax software) it has nothing to do with connecting to ISPs.
Unquote

I agree with your above statement. But let me add: Yes, ISPs in particular to wireless communications play a vital role is having you given the service to receive/send fax messages. Fortunately, Cingular do provide me this FAX service in addition to my SMS messaging and Voice Communication on my 9290.

leov

[MartinMaxwell]

>>> Do you send and receive FAX directly to / from your 9210? Or are u using your ISP to send/retrieve your faxes?<<<

No, I do not use the ISP for retrieval. I get it straight onto the machine.

BTW, occasionally I have also used a Psion netBook to fax through the 9210's faxmodem via IrDA.

[asummerseffler]

I had similarly frustrating conversations with my ISP (T-mobile) after purchasing my 9290. After several "back & forth" phone calls and switching my service plan three times (nobody had any idea what a 9290 was....), I was able to determine that in order to use fax service from my 9290 I would have to purchase the "fax mail" service plan (additional $9.99/month) which would essentially provide a second number to fax to. It would allow both dial-up modem use and fax service using the 9290. I haven't confirmed this, as I don't really intend to use the fax service enough to justify the additional service cost, but as far as I can tell it's available (don't bother looking for it on their web site, though). I'm in the Philadelphia service area, but I don't know whether or not the service is location-specific.

Good luck!

[leov]

:)
Nokia 9290 is FAX-ready and you are right, it usefullness depends on your ISP provider. I use Cingular in the WestCoast. At first, I was asked to subscribe to the 'data' service, but it did not help. Persistent calls to SBC's tech support rewarded me with the right answer from the right guy at the right time! I was told that I dont not need the 'data' service and with my plan, I can just 'request SBC to enable the FAX-service; and with that I was given a second FAX number to use.

With that rewarding and 'sensible' conversation with SBC, I had no problem receiving/sending FAX as well as SMS test messages.

I agree, some providers capitalize on your ignorance of the built-in or inherent services to any plan. And although it is part, they will charge you extra fee!!!. What a nice way for the ISP to earn extra income, ha!!!