The first EVDO/WiMAX USB device REVEALED!

Maureen

UPDATE: 12/18/08 -- click here to read about latest info on the Sprint U300

It's not available yet, but by the end of the year the Franklin U300 dual-mode USB device will be for sale!

Here is what we know so far:
-- It will work on both EVDO Rev A and the WiMAX network
-- USB format
-- NOT Mac compatible
-- HSDPA compatible

We do NOT know:
-- Cost
-- Pricing plans: We expect that you would be required to have both a 2-year EVDO contract as well as one for WiMAX service.
-- Availability date: it should be available by the end of 2008, but we do not have an exact release date.
-- Antenna/router compatibility.

We hope to have more details soon - and get our hands on one for testing!

dario · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject:

The monthly cost would be interesting. Wonder if they will have a promotion on the EVDO and WiMAX combination?

Maureen · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:19 pm Post subject:

There is still not any OFFICIAL news on the release date or pricing of the device or service, but there are some rumors circulating that are likely to be true.

Here's what we've heard:
1) The monthly service will be $79.99 and require a 2-yr contract for the EVDO. It will include the standard 5GB of EVDO (and don't forget they will start charging for overage beginning 11/2 - see http://www.evdoinfo.com/overage ) and unlimited Xohm/WiMax (for now - they MAY impose a limit at some point; seems likely since they did with EVDO).

2) The "full retail price" - aka the price without a contract - will probably be in the $300 range. However, the cost will likely be much lower when purchased with a contract, just like they discount EVDO modems.

Hopefully there will be more news soon!

What do you all think of this device? Would you purchase it? $80/month is cheaper than getting EVDO at $59.99 plus WiMAX service on top, and only buying one device is nice.

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:39 pm Post subject:

I would purchase it. WiMax devices are going to proliferate, the prices are going to come down, and the "2-year contract" business model is going to disappear. Xohm is available without contract, Verizon is available monthly. Networks are starting to open up. Times - they are changing.
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xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2004

It needs to be the same rate as EVDO at $60/month. You likely can't be on both networks at the same time. It makes no sense to be over the rate of the higher priced service. Bad move if true.

Sprint needs to get as many WiMAX devices out there as possible. If the combo device were the same rate as EVDO only, then most anyone would go for the combo device, even those not yet in WiMAX areas, significantly increasing the presence of WiMAX devices. It may also entice someone considering Verizon EVDO if WiMAX capability is a unique addition at no extra charge.

If most people go for the combo device, then it might force Novatel and Sierra to get into the WiMAX game.

But typical Sprint isn't that logical.

stanleycr1 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 7

Sprint Clearwire and or Clear really need to get to work on there Data Plans. The Flat 5 GIG limit has to GO. Or at least they need plans with 10 and 20 gig options. These one sided contracts that the wireless companies make us sign should be OUTLAWED.

dario · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 5:31 pm Post subject: Re: Data Plans

Maureen · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 5:40 pm Post subject:

Clear does indeed offer unlimited plans (for now... let's see how long that lasts...)!

Check out the full details at 4Ginfo.com

jmartin · EVDO Newbie Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 1

Who is the maker of the Wimax chip inside the U300? It does not look like a Wavesat chp.