Look out the window, and see cellphones walking down the street with humans glued to the speakers. We're happily stuck to these handy devices. And for Verizon customers in southwest Michigan, usability is about to go through the roof.

For those holding Verizon phones, look at your phone's signal information. Some of you may see a new icon on your phone, near the signal strength meter. It'll say "EV" or "EV-DO".

Starting now, Verizon Wireless is turning on access to a special high-speed data network for Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Called "BroadbandAccess", or EV-DO 3G, (luckily shortened from "Evolution-Data Optimized third generation"), this is an improved way for consumers to use phones, PDAs, smartphones and laptops to talk to Verizon's digital network.

Verizon Wireless data communications can move very, very fast. If you're in an area covered by EV-DO, you can use your Verizon devices to browse the web and download data at speeds approaching an average home PC broadband connection.

Just because your phone can see the EV-DO signal doesn't mean you're using it. The BroadbandAccess EV-DO is a paid service, and not all Verizon devices can use it.

The student can use a special laptop "PC Card" like the Kyocera KPC650, giving the laptop full-time access to the Internet. No need to be in a wireless-enabled coffee-house, or be forced to use another third-party, location-limited Internet connection. From classrooms to the beach, browse the web from anywhere you can get a digital signal.

The business traveler can use a smartphone like the Motorola Q to keep track of email, contacts, appointments and other critical business information. EV-DO lets the phone stay in touch with the main office, keeping all information current, synchronized and backed up.

Verizon customers with a home PC, but no Internet connection, can now use cellphones like the Samsung SCH-A990 to "tether". Tethering a cellphone means to connect it (usually via USB cable or Bluetooth) to a PC. The PC uses the cellphone's signal to connect to the Internet. EV-DO ensures web browsing on the PC is fast enough for most home user applications, with no need to purchase home DSL or cable broadband.

Users can enjoy more EVDO high-speed benefits, including massive entertainment and information distribution. That is, play videos and music on your cellphone, mostly thanks to Verizon's "V Cast" content-on-demand service. Download a full 3-minute song in less than a minute. Play it back on your phone and PC. Stream video, including news, weather, sports and entertainment.

The Verizon Wireless EV-DO "BroadbandAccess" is available now. Find it in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, including Ada, Allendale, Cascade, Comstock Park, Coopersville, Cutlerville, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Hudsonville, Jenison, Kentwood, Lamont, Walker and Wyoming. See the detailed BroadbandAccess coverage map.

The BroadbandAccess EV-DO network is available to new customers for $80 monthly or (for a limited time) $60 monthly for existing customers. All Verizon's smartphones and PC Cards support BroadbandAccess, and compatible cellphones are specified at Verizon's website.

See detail on how to tether your PC to your Verizon device, and detailed speed measurements of the BroadbandAccess EV-DO service.