Upgrade Notice from Sprint for Indy and Cincy

O'Shark · EVDO User Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 29

I got a letter today from Sprint. It says they are doing an upgrade to the data network in my area but to take advantage of it, I have to download and use the new SmartView software by May 1.

Okay, I don't even use SCM software of any kind. I use my CTR350 with my AC 595U plugged directly into it. The letter goes on to say that I may experience slower speeds if I don't upgrade my software.

Are my speeds really going to drop or does using the CTR350 allow me to disregard the whole process?

evdoscottc · Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:01 pm Post subject: Don't worry about it

You don't need Sprint's software if you are using a router. Any threats on slower speeds wouldn't apply to you.

It may not be a bad idea to download it if you ever want or need to use it directly in a computer. Even if you don't install it, i'd download the file now incase you need it in the future.

J_Walker · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 114

I got that letter today too. I don't quit understand what the new connection manager has to do with their network upgrades. I'll probably install it just for the hell of it though.

Mephis · EVDO User Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 79

I got the notice a few days ago, and today my connection is barely operational, and I'm using the card from a router.

It has been running so amazingly well up to this point and now it's painful to even try to get to this forum to post.
_________________
Merlin S720

Tigerwolf · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 2

The new connection manager also updates the firmware in the card, so it may be a Good Thing to do the upgrade....hopefully.

However, it all begs the question: just what's happening in Cincy and Indy?

Can EVDO Store folks get some definitive answers?

What exactly are the 'enhancements' are they doing?

Is it just something like web caching/compression limited to use with the connection mangager software, or is it something more fundamental to the basic EVDO connection protocol?

Will non-connection manager user see any speed or access improvements claimed in the notification letters?

Is there any *dis* advantage to doing the change for cards used in routers/linux machines?

Will these 'enhancements' be done elsewhere soon? When?

Will an 'upgraded' card experience any degradation in non-upgraded locations?

The new connection manager seems horribly bloated and slow on the one windoze machine I used to do the card update. For other than initial activation and occasional firmware updates, the card never sees a windoze interface.

O'Shark · EVDO User Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 29

Those are all very good questions and I'd be interested to see if the 3G Store has any thoughts on what is going on. The letter is anything but specific yet it seems to make it clear that our EVDO experience is going to change (for better or worse) on May 1. At around 1350 down and 400 up, I don't see how they're going to make it much better.

I do have somewhat of a plan though. I have my primary computer but I also have a couple of other machines on my network. I have downloaded the new software but will use one of the other computers to install it on. If I see a degradation in performance, I'll plug the AC595U into one of these other machines and install the software. The thinking is that I can update the card without putting bloatware on my main machine and go from there.

3gfan · EVDO Newbie Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Waste of time and a useless joke.

Smartview ran once. Second time refused to run with this error message: "an external connection is already present, connecting is not allowed."

No reference to the error in the program's help file. No reference on the Sprint web site.

jschurawlow · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 1:59 am Post subject:

Regardless of whether or not the new smartview works, I'd suggest grabbing the latest version of the OLD SCM (3.x builds) which will help you in making sure you have a more recent firmware in most cases, and will also update your PRL version possibly (as more often then not it does).

That way you'll have a better chance at roaming, and/or if sprint goes out you should get at least 1xRTT on verizon or evdo on alltel depending on coverage.

3gfan · EVDO Newbie Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Called Sprint tech support and spoke to two reps. A supervisor said that they had gotten many calls on SmartView and they had been telling people not to use the new program if the old program already worked. The supervisor had no idea why the letter warning of performance problems was sent out. No solution was offered to the Smartview problem, and the supervisor said that program was for WiFi connections and not for EVDO. was told the new software was not needed. Support rep did not know the reason for the letter or how to solve the problem.

So we have a mystery. One part of Sprint says a software change is necessary. Another part says it's not needed.