Merlin 720 Announced - EVDO Rev A PC Card

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131

Two A cards announced but what about the service. If one has the card will it start working at top speed or will there be a 6 months - 2 year waiting period. I remember being told about the broadband service in Panama City in 2001 but look how long it took...

PS, will you pick up one for me if they are available... Smile

Michael · Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:50 pm Post subject:

There will be a 1 - 2 year period before EVDO Rev A is fully deployed. You may start seeing some cities at the end of this year. We will know more next week after the CTIA show.
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xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2003

While it's pretty obvious that Rev 0 cards cannot be upgraded to Rev A, has anyone seen an actual statement by Sprint, Verizon or the card makers that all existing Rev 0 cards and phones cannot be upgraded to Rev A via firmware?

We need to clarify this for lifecycling out our cards. I've attempted to get an answer from Sprint but they haven't come back with an absolute answer.

Michael · Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 12:59 pm Post subject:

I have received 100% confirmation from the card manufacturers that it is not possible to upgrade the firmware. It requires a new chipset that is not on the EVDO Rev 0, but is on the EVDO Rev A.
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xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2003

Thanks, it seemed pretty obvious. That carries more weight but if there is a link to a statement by the card makers or carriers, it would help close out the issue. I sent another email to our solutions engineer to get confirmation. Also asked about availability of new cards.

Quentin Thornton · EVDO Newbie Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

As I am putting togather a notebook, wireless card and service, and referenceing the new A rev cards, I wonder if the new cards will work with the current service>

I.E. it may be more economical to buy the A rev card today and get the plesant surpise of faster service as service becomes avilable.

On the other hand new products have a way of being upgraded, I.E. removing bugs, meaning buying again to obtain best service and access.

Please advise.

QT

xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2003

Yes, that is what we plan to do. Rev A cards will be able to step down to Rev 0. We did the same thing when Rev 0 cards became available before EVDO was broadly rolled out. The cards worked on 1xRTT until Rev 0 was more broadly available. As far as jumping in too soon with buggy cards, that is what firmware upgrades are for. Sprint has done firmware upgrades with the Novatel cards in the past.