The first EVDO/WiMAX USB device REVEALED!

Maureen · Site Admin Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 140

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

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!

Read more at 4Ginfo.com

xenophon · 4G User Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 35

Wow, it also is capable of 2.1ghz HSDPA, so should be able to roam many places outside the US. Very smart. Sprint does have a couple global GSM/CDMA phones with roaming agreements, so it could apply to this device as well.

My guess is that it will be sold with the same terms as EVDO at the same rate - 2yr contract, $60/month but hopefully the 5GB limit only applies to the EVDO side if at all. Just guessing.

Hopefully it supports all 3 major WiMAX bands (says TBD), as it would work on many non-Sprint WiMAX networks in development in the US and around the world.

Word is, it will be sold by the Sprint division on the Sprint billing system, not by the Xohm division.

Big news! It's a gamechanger device!

Maureen · Site Admin Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 140

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://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.

xenophon · 4G User Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 35

It needs to be the same rate as EVDO at $60/month. You 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.

Maureen · Site Admin Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 140

It's on it's way....

Sprint Introduces First 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Franklin U300

It won't be available until 12/21 and is NOT Mac compatible (stay tuned, though... hopefully our experts will find a way around that). The cost is set at $149 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a 2-year contract and the monthly service with be $79.99.

What do you think? Will you be interested in signing up for a 3G/4G contract?