If you have Rev A, its always on. The main thing is just to make sure you're on the latest radio firmware and that you're in a Rev A service area. The other thing to remember is that the speeds listed in EVDO specs (2.4mbps for Rev.0 and 3.1mbps for Rev.A) are
AFAIK the "burst" speeds. This means that your connection can reach those speeds, but usually only for a second or two. Most broadband speed tests check your average speed over a span of time (usually 30 seconds or so). As far as people not answering you - you gotta give 'em more than just an hour. I mean, sure there's lots of members, but not everyone is on here all day.