Should I switch to Sprint and a 597 aircard?

BTA · EVDO Newbie Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

OK, here's my story:

I'm currently a Verizon customer, in a fringe area, with a 595U aircard. (zip code 98297). The Verizon coverage map says this is a National Access Extended Network area, but we get a little of everything. Most of the time, I get a VERY slow National Access, but occasionally it jumps to Rev-A for a few minutes, which is exciting. And occasionally it's Roaming or Extended Network, which generally have a weak signal.

No charging problems with the 595U aircard; it seems to always do its job.

Since we were able to get Rev-A a little bit, and our signal strength was kind of weak (usually around -102 or so), I was under the impression that we'd get Rev-A more of the time if we improved the signal strength.

The Verizon tech people told me that their signal here was 1900 MHz, so we bought and installed a Wilson Yagi antenna and a signal booster. Absolutely no improvement, which led us to suspect that it's actually an 850 MHz signal. I emailed Verizon tech support. Yup, they were "sorry for the confusion", and they confirmed that the signal here is definitely 850 MHz.

So we returned the previous antenna and signal booster, and a generous friend gave us a dual-band omni-directional antenna/signal booster setup. Success! ... Signal-wise, at least. We now have a stellar -66 to -71 dbM signal most of the time. But still no Rev-A access.

So I guess it's a geography thing, instead of a signal thing. The Verizon Rev-A boundary is on a nearby island, maybe 5 miles away. Apparently no matter how good a signal we have, it's still only a National Access signal. And the download speeds usually stay below 15 kbps, although they'll have brief spikes up to 167 kbps or so. It takes purely forever to look at anything online.

And - one other little peripheral annoyance -- the connection goes dormant in the midst of activity, and won't wake up again. Verizon so far has not been able to figure out what's causing that.

So here's what I'm wondering: Since Sprint's broadband area on their coverage map appears to come within a couple hundred feet of my house, and since their software apparently permits you to force it into broadband mode, should I try signing up with Sprint? My super-duper antenna/signal booster won't work with IDEN/Alltel, but I can't tell if that will matter.

And if so, what would be the absolute best aircard to get? I have Windows Vista.

Thanks for any advice.

preppykid · EVDO User Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 81

Should I switch to Sprint over Verizon?
EMPHATIC YES

I tested both. I had RevA Verizon and a slower Rev0 Sprint... I still went with Sprint for a litany of reasons. Everything from constantly disconnecting and switching from RevA/National Access even with great signal strength. And the big killer 5gb cap... And MANY more I can't even begin to list for fear I'll piss myself off again.

sigh... back to what you were saying. I live in an area where Sprint doesn't show Rev0/A speeds but here I am using it with great signal. Took a booster antenna to do that but that thing is a cheap solution. If you have a better one expect better results.

They have a 30 day trial.. give them a shot

Sprint is 100% 1900mhz.

I also use Vista on this laptop and I have several other XP machines. I see better speeds on my Vista then with my XP machines after the tweeks. You can find all those around in this site.

1) tcp datatuning, turn it off
2) download the vista hot fix
3) play with your home agent
4) play with the location of the modem/antenna
5) go play on TRUE unlimited service

Search my ZIPcode on sprint to see my location and how far away good signal is. 45810 I currently get -70 to -75dbm with a booster antenna.

Best card? I use a u727 and I love it. They just released a new one, a USB type. Can't think of the name right now. Its posted in the Sprint forum by an admin. Neither one would support wimax if and when your area ever gets it (as far as i know).

Victor · Site Admin Joined: 14 Jul 2006 Posts: 67

Should I switch to Sprint over Verizon?

If your signal is adequate enough for maintaining a connection in your area (A resounding YES!!!)

Your Omni Antenna as long as it is dual band should work for your application. It is possible that the other antenna was not dual band or just a defective unit.

With Sprint having their trial period of 30 days, I would highly recommend giving them a try!

The Aircard 597U Compass is the new modem that Sprint released on their network.
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- Victor