Sprint PRL & Customer Sercice

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 6:08 pm Post subject: Sprint PRL & Customer Sercice

Ok, I know there is a topic abouot this, but it is locked.

So I wanted to update the PRL on my Aircard 580 to the newest version of 20218, since I am running 20212. So, I tried to re-activate my card... not avail, still stick at 20212. I called the custoemr service number listed on the screen. Spoke with somebody, but I had to go to level 2 support. No biggie, 15 minute hold, its all good, its 11 o'clock at night, I have nothing better to do. The level 2 tech had no idea. She asked somebody, and in order for me to get the PRL Update, I needed to go to a Sprint store for them to 'flash' the card to the newer PRL Update. (When I first got the card, it did a 'first time flash' apparently on the card. But that was on the original CD, it was not during downloadable updates.) Anoher interesting thing when I spoke with the tech, they dont have the most accurate up-to-date maps that they look at internally. She was telling me that there is no EVDO in a city 10 minutes sout of me. I do know, from field testing, that there is. So, with that said, OFF TO THE SPRINT STORE!

I get to the Sprint store, and the tech wasnt there. I wasnt too happy especially since I had to drive significantly far to get there. O well, that is life.

My question is, does anybody know of an easy way to get this PRL update with out needing to go to the store and have the tech do it? That is a major annoyance when I update my PRL every month like I did with Verizon. The tech. on the phone also said that there may be a charge for it... That is crap! Either way, Their customer servie is 'ok' Verizon's was/is totally awesome. I need soem help!!

Thanks!

wankel7 · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 8:25 pm Post subject:

I have the same PRL you have the ...18 prl is for the phones I believe. I think your trying to do something that won't happen.

James

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 1:39 am Post subject:

Hey,
Thanks for the info. The only reason why I am goign to argue against the PRL update, is, if u look in the locked thread at the top of the forum relating to this subject, Michael the admin I believe said there is a new PRL 20218. Maybe he is incorrect? I would really like to know. It will save me the gas $$$ to drive 30 mins. to have the tech at the Sprint store update my PRL (Which I will also argue should be done like it is on Verizon.. ARGH!)

Thanks guys!

radar2k4 · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 6:38 am Post subject:

According to Sprint tech service,no prl update is needed for the cards.However,when I did the connection mgr update on my S620,the prl went from 20212 to 20218.So...hmmm. something to think about.......

Check out these 2...hope this helps....
http://www.evdoforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1623&highlight=
http://www.evdoforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=75&highlight=
_________________
Radar2k4

Michael · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:14 am Post subject:

The locked thread is an announcement only thread. People can "Watch this topic" and get notified via email whenever there is an PRL update. It is locked, to keep it an announcement only thread.

PRL Update - Sprint Mobile Broadband - Get Notified

When upgrading the firmware on the S620, everyone that did the upgrade, did get PRL 20218. No need to drive to the Sprint store, it would get updated automatically, see this thread for more info:

Merlin S620 Now Allows Locking in EVDO
_________________
EVDO :: EVDO News :: EVDO Antennas :: Buy Verizon :: Buy Sprint :: EVDO Amplifier

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 12:52 pm Post subject:

Hey,
Thanks for the graet input Michael! I tried locking my card to EVDO only to get the PRL update. No luck. I also dont live in an EVDO area. I need to travel 10 miles south to get it. But there really is no way to get the 20218 PRL update? I can try the Sprint store, but its a far drive, and CD defintely said I need to go to the store to have them flas my card (once again CS). It would just be that much easier for me to do it myself to on the outside chance hope that the tower I connect to at hoem is EVDO.
Thanks

radar2k4 · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:48 am Post subject:

Once you get the firmware update you will automatically have the new update and that will give you the abilioty to lock in EVDO or 1XRTT.
_________________
Radar2k4

campinladies · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 2

I downloaded the update for aircard 580, called swiscmdo, and when I try to install it I get a network error of 1613. Then when I open connection manager, it tries to update by giving screen saying click on start but the start button is not operable. Anyone have this same problem? How did you get around fix it?

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 12:11 pm Post subject:

Where do I get the firmware update from? I only had one firmware update, and that was on the original installation CD. I have called Sprint CS numerous times to no avail. I am getting a little upset here!

Thanks

xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 1970

The firmware update is only for the S620 card. AFAIK, there is not a firmware or PRL upgrade for the Sierra card... yet.

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 12:40 pm Post subject:

Wow that is odd. They release a PRL update which this one, from the sounds of it, should be fairly promising, and its only released for one card? I rthought the PRL's were unversal, its just a file that tells the phone where the towers are, or in our case, the cards. I will call the Sprint guy back and see if he knows a release date or something. Grr Verizon was soo much easier. You get what you pay for! (Sprint is alot better, they have better coverage, but their software is qwerky, and these PRL updates r driving me nuts!)

Michael · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 10:46 pm Post subject:

Looks like the PRL is tied to the firmware of the card, especially the AirCard 580, here is some information I just got from a Sprint Technician:

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 10:56 pm Post subject:

Once again Michael to the rescue! Thanks Michael, u saved me about an hour on the phone tonight with CS!! I may still call to see if I can get an employer discount. I know Best Buy employees can get up to 25% off of their bills. I could really use $20 off my bill since I am paying $80/month.

Thanks!

campinladies · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 2

When I go to the sierra wireless site to check on updates, it lists the one I downloaded and also discusses a "watcher" softwre program. I did download the update called swiscmdo and that is where I have a problem. I keep getting a 1613 error message when I try to install it. Fortunately, I am still able to connect but wonder what this swiscmdo update is. Also what is watcher and should I download that?

wankel7 · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:02 am Post subject:

Emails from Sprint CS? What is the email addy to write them?

Sounds like they know more then those level two support guys.

James