how-to block ads
|
»next review in page
Review by dugger403 
Posted: 357 days ago
member for 357 days, 0 visits, last login: 357 days ago
 Harrodsburg,Mercer,KY
 Business customer
 $59 per month (12 month contract)
 about 1 days
 "Great connect speeds, can install on multiple computers"
 "Customer service sucks, sucks, sucks"
 "Great value - very affordable, much better than any other alternative for rural users"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
I've had my Sprint Mobile Broadband since May 2008 and love it. I can use it on multiple computers, it stays connected very well, and I've only had one problem (modem fried under warranty). Would definitely recommend it for rural users. Not "laggy" like hughes.net or wildblue.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
 | »next review in page (previous review)
Review by noktekniq
Posted: 360 days ago
member for 5.8 years, 871 visits, last login: 30 days ago
Millbrae,San Mateo,CA
$30 per month (24 month contract)
"I'm on Sprint Sero plan therefore HELL YEAH"
"for the price i pay, i can't say anything is bad"
"the only plan in the USA that is so cheap, I will never leave sprint"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
so i have the sprint sero plan for 30 bucks a month... i own the sprint mogul on my 500 min plan.
with the plan i can use my phone to check
-yelp reviews, ebay auctions, browse the web using the phone
-find maps and location using the GPS built into the phone
-i can use the phone to go on AIM
-use the phone to stream online radio to my car.
the sero plan basically gives me unlimited data usage (5gb cap) but i will never meet that cap because i have my desktop for other browsing purposes. personally i also use my phone to connect my laptop online. i've never had any major problem not being able to be online.
Followup comments:  
Clynx
@spcsdns.net
| Data caps make Sprint a no deal I am a Sprint customer and I go over the 5gb data cap every month (no I am not downloading movies, however I would like too). Just streaming and ipod use takes me to around 12gb. If they are having trouble with capacity they should do what I have to do and buy a new router. Most Asian countries are not having these network troubles. It is a made up problem to create a new way of delivering service. Revolt, this practice is insulting our intelligence. | |
| | noktekniq
join:2004-01-26
Millbrae, CA | Re: Data caps make Sprint a no deal i'm not sure if there's a cap at all... this month i'm already using 2.5gb.
but i'm using sero plan on the phone, not a data card | |
| | | |
| Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by tearex
UPDATED: 362 days ago
member for 8.3 years, 223 visits, last login: a few hours ago
Broomfield,Jefferson,CO
$70 per month (24 month contract)
about 2 days
"Throughput in stated average ranges for Rev A."
"Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy..."
"Security and convenience is welcome. Not yet a replacement for hard-wired, but nice for wireless/mobile."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
Summary: So far, throughput within the stated average ranges for Rev A. Propensity for the connection app to lose connection and "hang", necessitating reboot, is frustrating. The security and convenience is welcome. Not yet a replacement for hard-wired, but nice for wireless/mobile.
Modem (a 595U) arrived on time. Software install smooth. Activation code Sprint provided was not accepted by the device. About 20 minutes on hold, 15 minutes with the 3rd person I was passed through got the device activated. The solution was to reboot the computer. They might want to add that step to the "before you call to activate" instructions.
Reboot seems to be a necessary trick thereafter also. To quote Tigger, it's "bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy,...".
The flash speed test app on dslreports.com shows throughput commonly around the mid-range of Sprint's stated averages for Rev A, with ~200ms latency. Not bad.
Since install the unit seldom maintains its connection longer than ~30 minutes if there is a steady flow of data. The connection app's data counters will stop, but other than that it still shows "connected". Pressing "stop" under these conditions to disconnect will hang the app. I've waited up to 15 minutes for it to quit saying "disconnecting", without it completing the disconnect. The only way I've found to get connection back is to reboot. (Several less drastic possible solutions haven't worked). If I disconnect before such a connection loss, things work fine. So I try to bounce the connection manually every little while.
It often takes at least 3 tries to connect to the network. Each connection attempt prior to a success often gives a different error. The variety of error messages I've seen is almost entertaining.
One of the nicer things about the connection app (and as such apps go, it is fairly nice other than that propensity to hang) is that it shows its signal strength reading. I've observed fluctuation over a significant range, and the connection app's icons sometimes bounce between rev A, rev 0 and 1x. The Sprint coverage maps show my location solidly "in the red" for EV-DO Rev A. But the signal here appears to be irregular. A top-quality external antenna for the 595U hasn't made a difference. There *may* be signal interference of some sort at this location.
The connection app seems to periodically hit my CPU hard. A dual-core 3.2Ghz P4 slammed to 100%. But those bursts don't last long.
I haven't tried the modem with XP. If I find XP results different than those with Vista, or different results in other locations, I'll report back.
Update 12-Feb 2008: The hint about keep-alive software was probably right. Didn't try the software, but purchased a CTR350 at 3Gstore. An VOIP adapter behind the CTR350/595U sends a packet every second or so, and the 595U has remained connected for days now. Throughput is also more consistent when 595U is connected to the CTR350 than when connected to any laptop I've tried. Suspect USB port power levels? Or might it be due to differences between a dedicated router and a general-purpose computer?
Update 30-Nov 2008: In response to a request for update - Recently relocated from Denver/Boulder area to northwest of Pikes Peak. By careful property selection was able to keep Sprint MBB service. Sprint's coverage map for this area lined up well with my checks from different properties. Interestingly, this very rural location (National Forest borders new home) has noticeably-improved service speed over what was achieved at previous urban address. Less signal interference? Better ISP equipment in the area? Cleaner air? Sweet to get decent speed in the woods, anyway! Satellite would be the only other option out here, and latency of that wouldn't do for my needs. Connection still somewhat bouncy though - I'm resetting the modem and router every couple days. Recommended this service to a non-tech friend a few months back for her new business needs. She's been quite successful and satisfied with it overall. She has the Sierra 597 device. Mobile aspect is especially nice for her practice. Noted however, with her contract, that Sprint is now stating monthly bandwidth use caps (despite the fact we still see ads such as on the DSL Reports flash speed test screen stating "unlimited"). She has found it impossible to determine from her account on Sprint's website or other sources just how much she is using. When checking my own account on Sprint's website for bandwidth usage it has also always told me, "this information is unavailable". If they're going to impose use limits they really need to make it easier for people to track usage (like with cell phones, and not count checks against limits).
Followup comments: CMoore2004
Premium
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI
| Stop by the Sprint Mobile Broadband forum Stop by and we can probably help you with your disconnects. To make things short, you don't need to use the connection manager at all after the drivers are installed. SCM creates a dial-up connection you can use without even loading the program. I have no problem keeping my EVDO connection online for days.
Anyways, join the community, let us know if this has helped you in any way.
--
Charter 5M | Windows XP MCE SP2 | Mobile AMD Athlon 64 4000+ | 1.5GB RAM | ATI Mobile Radeon X600 128MB | 120GB HDD | |
| bescher
Bescher
Premium
join:2003-12-07
Brookfield, WI
| Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy, bouncy..." One reason why it may be bouncy is because it is not a allways on connection. So it will drop whebever or as soon as it detects no activity. Download software that will trick it into thinking it always on. Look at Stay Alive. Been working well for us.
Southeast WI and we have 1 of 3 choices for connection. Dialup, ISDN and the wireless broadband.
Bob E | |
| ydoucare
join:2003-03-12
Rensselaer, IN | Re: bescher It IS an "always-on" connection, as long as you maintain a signal. I've been connected here for over 6 days at the time of this post, not running the connection manager at all. It definitely does not disconnect you if you idle for too long. | |
|
nobody special
@spcsdns.net
| sprint mobile broadband I have had Sprint Mobile Broadband for over a year with no trouble at all. Maybe its the card you have (I have novatel u720 usb) I have done several speed tests and my lowest is 800k but its usally about 1.3mbs to 1.7 mbs, Also I leave it on continously (using old p4 for access point for router). I dont think I have had to reboot or shut it off at all in the last couple of months. also I am a gamer and it works great for ps3 and computer gameing. If you move around alot as I did (divorce, not sure who was getting the house), than this is a great option for you. | |
|
bouncy
@spcsdns.net | bouncy, bouncy Your experience with the sierra wireless card and system hangs and rebooting is very similar to an experience I had with another wireless carrier and another model of the sierra wireless card. Try another card. | |
| | | |
| Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
 Review by rosea1961
UPDATED: 1 year ago
member for 5.6 years, 296 visits, last login: 112 days ago
Livonia,Wayne,MI
$68 per month (24 month contract)
about 1 days
"Card runs as advertised, consistent speeds up/down"
"Not at this time"
"Very satisfied"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings above consensus)
|
Pantech 500 Mobile Card from Sprint, EVDO RevA speeds range from 700kbps to 1.2M down and 200kbps to 400kbps up. No connection at home very spotty, but ditto with my sprint cell as well. This card performs outstanding on the road as well as in the auto factory where I work. With all the motors and EMF in plant,,nothing affects it.11/25/08 update: Still running Pantech 500 Mobile Card speeds are up 1500/700 steady also can keep steady 700/400 thru Dlink DIR-450 wireless router with 4 laptops running full tilt. Best investment I ever made!!
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by spaniola
Posted: 1 year ago
member for 6.9 years, 1550 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Howell,Livingston,MI
$10 per month
"PDANet on my Centro. Works awesome. Fast Speeds"
"Sprint customer service rivals slitting your throat."
"Good Service and CHEAP"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
A++++++++++ BIG BALLING! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
 Review by IhatemyISP
Posted: 1 year ago
member for 6.8 years, 2686 visits, last login: 1 days ago
Saratoga Springs,Saratoga,NY
$69 per month (24 month contract)
"Reliable connection, speed is decent in low signal areas"
"EVDO Rev A coverage spotty"
"Great for on the road access"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings above consensus)
|
Using a Sprint Mogul connected to a Windows Vista laptop via Bluetooth PAN.
Connection is extremely easily to establish, and works every time I need it.
Speed is average for wireless access.
The actual cost of the access is not 69, as this is the wireless data plan on the phone. "Unlimited" access for around $10 extra a month.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by Mce Saint
UPDATED: 1 year ago
member for 2.1 years, 332 visits, last login: 4 days ago
Saint Louis,Saint Louis City,MO
$59 per month (24 month contract)
"Flexibility - can be used for home network or take it with you"
"Consistency of experience depends on cell signal"
"Better than satellite and mobility has lead to unexpected uses."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
Moved from Hughesnet (HN) to Sprint Mobile Broadband (SMBB) because employer had started allowing telecommuting. At the time, HN had a data "cap" on using their service, SMBB did not (that has changed, though). Was not sure how telecommuting would play out with a cap, and SMBB at our house was EV-DO rev. A. (i.e., the fastest possible). So we made the sweith
In general, SMBB provides a good (not great) internet experience at our home. We have "bad zones/break-up areas" in our house with our cell phones - due to hilly topography and cell tower locations. So there are "bad zones/break-up" areas in our house with SMBB. Some parts of the house get good talk/data connections to the cell tower, others not so much. Not so bad, though, that it would motivate us to buy an external antenna. We also live hear a fairly, major highway that gets a lot of commuter traffic so during peak commuting time (morning and evening) SMBB tends to run a bit slower that it does the rest of the day. At less than "full bars," though, running a virtual private network (VPN) for telecommuting over SMBB CAN be on the slow side.
At home, we run a wireless b/g network off the SMBB by hooking it up to a Cradlepoint router. (the Cradelpoint also feeds a Netgear router with rangemax to extend our wireless coverage).
Often, I'll take the SMBB to a nearby coffee shop or the library and get "full bars" on signal strength. Then it rocks - no complaints whatsoever. Often just as good - if not better than - using the coffee shop's or library's free wi-fi.
As mentioned above, Sprint now has a 5GB per month cap. With that, you're not going to be downloading HD movies over the internet or using video on demand (VOD) from places like DirecTV (which we also subscribe to).
The mobile part of SMBB let us have internet connection on a family driving trip to Chicago - which was great for keeping our child entertained (less "are we there yet?" comments). One added feature is that the SMBB Connection Manager lets you use the GPS capabilities of your SMBB card to find your current location (displayed on Google maps) and, if you choose, locate nearby services (gasoline, restaurants, etc).
Between our "casual/recreational" use of the internet (2 adults; 1 second grader - Webkinz rules!!) mainly web page browsing and posting in forums like this; and youtube stuf and our "work related use" (2 adults; 1 telecommuting 2 to 3 days per week) - our monthly useage is about 2.5GB to 3.0GB . . . well under the cap.
Followup comments:
clynx
@spcsdns.net
| Don't sugar coat it. I have been a Sprint BB user for a while and the data caps are horrible. I signed a contract for unlimited data. Now i have to check my usage daily and all i do is web surfing and updates and I go over or very close before billing cycle is over. I pay $60+ a month so I don't have to check the meter every day. It is horrible customer service to do data caps. I can't wait for a class action law suit to join over the ridiculous practice. Why is it okay for cell phone company's to treat good paying customers like trash. | |
| | Mce Saint
join:2007-10-03
Saint Louis, MO
 ·AT&T Midwest
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| Re: Don't sugar coat it. Not sure what I'm "sugarcoating." My experience with SMBB is exactly that: MY experience. The useage numbers in my review reflect accurately MY useage. To repeat, I've never, ever, come close to the cap based on the useage described in my review. So the "cap" effects me not - or, put differently, being moved from "unlimited" to "cap" didn't cause me to change my pattern of useage.
Of course, YOUR useage - and, hence, your experience with the cap - may be different. But, I wouldn't go to YOUR review and call your useage "excessive"" or "overstated." It's unclear to me why you'd come to MY review and say it's "sugarcoated." But, hey, I guess that's what makes the world go 'round.
BTW, Sprint's user agreement allowed it to change the terms of service anytime it wanted. So it had the contractual right to change your "unlimited" service. Does that suck for people who - like you - used it more than 5Gb a month? No doubt.
But, get this, I'm not YOU.
Also users were given PLENTY of notice about the shift from "unlimited" to "cap" AND, if I recall, you could have dropped SMBB without an early termination penalty.
Would I use SMBB more than I currently do without a cap? Might I, for example, try to use DirecTV's Video on Demand (VOD) service and attempt to download HD-quality movies?
Maybe, I'm not sure. A high-definition movie is about 5 to 7 Gb . . . even at the fastest SMBB download that I get it could take several hours to get it downloaded.
Right now, I view such things (like DirecTv's) VOD as being wholly optional or tangential uses for my internet connection. It is not a "core" or "main" use. As such, I don't care whether or not I can download a 6 Gb high-definition movie.
Of course, YOU may. If so - as my review suggests - then SMBB is NOT for you. | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
Review by peteair
Posted: 1 year ago
member for 1.1 years, 33 visits, last login: 1 year ago
Terrell,Kaufman,TX
$59 per month (24 month contract)
about 4 days
"It works out in the East Texas Country"
"Slow, 5gb cap, Sprint has cut off Cogent."
"Would not do it again."
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
I went with Sprint when Millicom was in disarray and was not offering service. Would not go with Sprint again. Some times during the day it will reach DSL speed 1000kbs, and some times it is as slow as dialup 56k.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
| »next review in page (previous review)
 Review by wifi4milez
UPDATED: 1 year ago
member for 5.3 years, 2017 visits, last login: 3 days ago
New York,New York,NY
Contract price not specified. (12 month contract)
about 1 days
"Very fast connection, FREE"
"Cant do voice and data at the same time"
"If you have a Sprint PPC phone, then you have a great backup connection!"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
10/30/2008 UPDATE:
I am still using my Sprint EVDO on a daily basis, and it still does what I need it to. Unfortunately, I have been using it from a Blackberry for about a year now so I cant comment on the current speeds I am getting.
Original Review from 2006:
After dumping Verizon Wireless due to my bills being over $600 a month, I switched over to Sprint because I liked the EVDO speeds. I picked up a PPC-6700 for connectivity purposes, and signed up for the $99.99 per month plan with unlimited EVDO and 2500 minutes. I soon discovered (by running the installation CD), that the phone comes with a free utility for using the "phone as a modem". I now had a "free" wireless card for my laptop! Sprint's EVDO speeds are great, and are available in most places I travel. If you already have a primary connection, tethering your phone as a secondary connection works great in a pinch. I only wish that Sprint could support voice and data at the same time!
Followup comments: socksbb
join:2004-11-13
Birmingham, AL | voice and data It is the phone not sprint that has the voice/data at the same time issue, I switched to a Motorola Q and can do both at once. Very nice. | |
| |
wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY
 ·Verizon FIOS
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
 ·RoadRunner Cable
 ·BroadVoice
| Re: voice and data said by socksbb :It is the phone not sprint that has the voice/data at the same time issue, I switched to a Motorola Q and can do both at once. Very nice. Well, unfortunately that is not true. CDMA (the technology that both Sprint and Verizon use) is incapable of doing simultaneous voice and data. That is the main difference between CDMA and GSM networks (such as Tmobile, ATT, etc). While those of us using CDMA traditionally had to chose between a voice or a data call, newer handsets and network upgrades have provided a "fix". Previously, if you were using the phones internet connection and someone called you they went straight to voicemail. Now, if someone calls you the data call is temporarily interrupted so you can answer your call. This is probably why you think your phone can do both at once, as it appears like the data call never ended; and as soon as your call is done it resumes. In reality you are actually initiating a second data call to complete the original task!
»www.abiresearch.com/Blog/Wireless_Blog/57
--
я люблю Денди! | |
| | | |
| Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
| »next page (previous review)
 Review by toddbs98
UPDATED: 1 year ago
member for 9.3 years, 3203 visits, last login: a few hours ago
North Little Rock,Pulaski,AR
$59 per month (24 month contract)
"Great service where ever I go!"
"I guess it could be cheaper"
"Makes my life on the road as a truck driver so much better"
| Pre Sales Information:
Install process:
Connection reliability:
Tech Support:
Services:
Value for money:
(ratings match consensus)
|
The speeds and service are great. More and more areas are being upgraded to EVDO- Rev A every day. I have only encountered one or two places in the country that I could not get any kind of connection and they were both way out in the sticks. I love this service so much don't think I could live without it anymore!
10-27-08
Have had the service about 18 months now and still love it,have no complaints at all with Sprint or the service the offer. Still recommend it to everyone.
Followup comments: | Forums » comments on review of Sprint Mobile Broadband |
|
|
(18)
(49)