Basically, Embarc is a "one-way" transmitting service. The "Newscard" receiver has a 32kb capacity for holding received messages, and should you get more than that, or miss broadcast you can call the Embarc number to retrieve the messages. Free.
There's more to the story, but your immediate impressions of it being a "modem" are not accurate. Don't lose hope though, Motorola (EMBARC's owner) just recently released info that it intends to produce a PDA (read Zoomer) compatible "modem" device. You can read this and more in the "Double Tap", For PDA Software & Content Developers from Software Frameworks Association. You can get more info on coming PDA developments through this magazine by sending e-mail to screen name Emergent.
Cami Lee