Franklin CDU-550 USB Modem

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

I read on another forum that Alltel will be releasing this card in the next 2 to 3 months. What is the verdict on this card? Can't seem to find any real world reviews or experiences since Sprint pulled it from retail outlets. I'm just wondering why Alltel would be moving in this direction when it seems that all the other CDMA carriers are going with the Novatel U720. Anybody using this card?

Alex · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:44 pm Post subject:

Actually, Sprint stores never had these for sale.

we did a review when we had them for sale:

CDU-550 Review - EVDOinfo.com

but we stopped selling them, when the Novatel USB Modem came out.

the CDU-550 is _NOT_ Rev-A, and it has no external antenna jack.

i'd only use this if i had NO other choice. nuff said.

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

I had read that review and was just wondering why in the world Alltel would be considering this. Apparently this would be a bit of mis-information. Can't imagine any carrier would be releasing a new card that would NOT be Rev A capable. Thanks for the info Alex.

djheath · Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject:

BigDave,

I can think of two reasons, Alltel has never sold a Novatel card before. They have traditionally sold Audiovox/UTStarcom and Kyocera cards only. I was hoping they would sell the Sierra wireless card or the Novatel card but they decided to go with the Franklin card. The second reason I can think of is that Alltel has no short term plans to upgrade to REV A, Until they start pushing REV A they'll keep selling REV 0 only cards. They are still testing REV A and based on how slowly they test new handsets I would expect it to be 2-3 years before they push REVA. They are trying to upgrade more areas to EVDO now also.

Based on what I've heard about Franklin Wireless it wouldn't suprise me if they didn't cut Alltel a deal so that they would carry the card. I don't think they are selling to many of the cards right now since Sprint pulled them.
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Dave...