Pandora drops out


I am new to PC music and love it so far. I have a Dell laptop, at least one generation old but it works fine as a PC. I'm using Sprint wireless broadband into an external [AC-powered] USB dac and then into the preamp. A few times per tune it will stop playing and then start, all in the space of less than a second. It is annoying, to say the least. I checked Pandora's FAQ, did a network speed test that seemed to meet the minimum required speed, I forget the exact value but it was higher then 500 mps, if I have that right. I am not running any other applications per Pandora. Any tips on how to keep the flow going? Thanks in advance.
tripper
Arthur, Thank you for the clarification. It all makes perfect sense now. It's interesting that other PC functions work quite well on the Sprint service. But I understand the b/w requirements of IP radio are that much greater. I'll try it in some different locations to see if it works better. Unfortunately, my primary location for this use is home. Nonetheless, Pandora is a fun way to listen and learn about new music. Thanks again for your considerate input.
Arthur,

I think Tripper is referring to a Broadband Sprint Card (aircard, wireless modem), not a wireless NIC (Network Interface Controller) Card. If so, he is connected to the internet as if through a cell phone and modem, not as a node on a wireless network.

TIC
Reuben, You are correct, I get to the Sprint server via a dial -up connection, at least that's how Sprint has it configured, but it is marketed as broadband and it does run as such.
OTOH, I suppose Sprint has their router somewhere in the ether, so I guess Arthur is also correct. Thanks to all for chiming in.
Pandora is great but also a 128kb stream which the Sprint network may not be able to support. You can test a lower bitrate live365.com stream or shoutcast.com station to see if that is the problem.
Ea, Thx for the tip, I wasn't aware of that site.

Pandora seems to be running better, esp. w/ a fresh boot and no other apps loaded. I'm exploring last.fm as well.

http://www.stevekrause.org/steve_krause_blog/2006/01/pandora_and_las.html

Thanks fellas, for your good help. Feliz navidad!