Cradlepoint Releases Firmware 1.6.12 for MBR1200

CradlePoint Firmware 1.6.12 for MBR1200 Adds Support for New Devices and Bug Fixes

Firmware 1.6.12 allows you to use your U301 in an MBR1200!

CradlePoint has released Firmware Version 1.6.12 that provides the MBR1200 with official support for the new Sprint 3G/4G U301 modem, as well as support for other modems and long-awaited fixes for stability and bugs.

After last month's firmware updates for the PHS300/CTR500/MBR1000/MBR900, the MBR1200 was Cradlepoint's only 4G-capable router that was not compatible with Sprint's 3G/4G U301. With this firmware update, U301 users can now use their modem with the MBR1200, too!

In addition to adding support for the U301, firmware 1.6.12 also adds support for the following devices:

• Pantech UMW190 for Verizon
  
• Pantech UM185 for Cricket
• Sierra Wireless 305 USB (AKA "Lightning") for AT&T
• Sierra Wireless 306 USB for AT&T and Telus
• Ubee PXU1900 for CLEAR
• ZTE MF668 for Rogers
• ZTE MF637 for T-Mobile
• Option GE442 for T-Mobile
  
• Additional newly-added international devices can be viewed in the release notes (PDF)

This latest firmware version also provides fixes for a few bugs:

• WiFi Multimedia (WMM) problem, which prevented iPod Touch and iPhone users from connecting to the MBR1200
  
• Blackberry Bold incompatibility issue
• Blackberry Curve incompatibility issue
• Blackberry Storm OS 5.0 incompatibility issues
• Fixes to make WiMAX (4G) connection more reliable
• U300 reset issue
  

Finally, firmware 1.6.12 added a couple new features:

• "Agressive Modem Reset" causes the router to attempt various reset techniques to attempt to re-establish connection if the modem becomes unresponsive
• "4G auto-reconnect feature" allows you to configure whether you want to connect to 3G or 4G based on various conditions
• "Make-before-Break"is a nice feature for dual-mode 3G/4G modem users - if you're connected to 3G and 4G becomes available, the router will connect to 4G before breaking the 3G connection
  

For full details on what this firmware release provides, view the release notes (PDF)

Important note about upgrading your MBR1200 to firmware version 1.6.12: Due to a bug in the 1.6.3 firmware (the version installed on all current MBR1200's by default), firmware upgrades must be done by using the automatic firmware upgrade option within the router's web administration page (an active internet connection is required) - you cannot upgrade the firmware by saving the file to your computer and then browsing for it. For those ordering the MBR1200 from 3Gstore.com, we can upgrade the firmware for you before shipping your router for a $15 fee.

If you plan to upgrade the firmware yourself, check out this article that demonstrates how to perform the upgrade from 1.6.3 to 1.6.12: MBR1200 Firmware Upgrade Issues

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Pricing Note: The MBR1200's retail price is going UP on 4/1/2010 by $50 (MSRP to become $349.99). Also, the current $50 Mail-In Rebate on the MBR1200 ENDS on 3/31/2010. If you are thinking about getting an MBR1200, do so on or before 3/31/2010 to take advantage of the low pricing!

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Related Links:

• Cradlepoint Firmware 1.6.12 Release Notes (PDF)
• How to upgrade your MBR1200 Firmware
  
• Read full CradlePoint MBR1200 Review
• Purchase the MBR1200 Securely from 3Gstore.com (save $50 if purchased by 3/31/10!!!)
  
• Purchase the U301 with Sprint service from 3Gstore.com
• Purchase the U301 without service (no-contract upgrade) from 3Gstore.com
  
• Discussion about Firmware 1.6.12 Release - EVDOforums.com

Sprint Announces 4G-Capable HTC EVO

After months of speculation, Sprint has finally officially announced that they will be offering their first ever 4G-capable phone this summer, the HTC EVO!

The HTC EVO is Android-based and will include such features as 4G WiMAX capability (obviously), an 8.0MP camera, integrated HD video capture, the ability to use it as a wifi hotspot, and more.

You can read the official announcement via this link: Sprint Announces HTC EVO, or read about the HTC EVO Features

The HTC EVO should be available on Sprint's network in the summer of 2010. If you'd like to be notified when the HTC EVO is available, send an email to futureitems "at" 3gstore.com.

Sprint Announces 4G Expansion to LA, Miami, St Louis, and More!

Sprint 4G Expansion Plans to Stretch Coast-to-Coast from Los Angeles to Miami

Sprint extends its lead in making 4G technology a reality for millions of customers by announcing more planned coverage across the country

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Mar 23, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- On a path to equip an expected 120 million Americans by end of the year with a mobile Internet experience that is turbo-charged, Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced plans to bring 4G technology to several additional markets, including Los Angeles and Miami. With 27 markets already equipped with 4G and more being planned for this year, Sprint is fulfilling its promise to light up major metropolitan areas with speeds that are up to 10 times faster1 than 3G.

Newly announced markets that will see 4G in 2010 are Cincinnati, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Miami, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City and St. Louis. Earlier this year Sprint announced that it planned to launch 4G in Boston, Denver, Kansas City, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., in 2010.

Continue reading about Sprint's 4G Expansion plans on 4Ginfo.com

4G WiMAX and LTE Latest Updates

4G-lovers (like us!) have a lot to be excited these days! CLEAR and Sprint now have WiMAX networks launched in 27 cities, Verizon plans to launch LTE soon, new 4G devices have hit the market... read on for a recap of what's been going on in the 4G world over the past few months!

WiMAX and LTE Coverage:

CLEAR and Sprint have announced that they will be adding service this year to Boston, Denver, Kansas City, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. By the end of 2010, Sprint hopes their 4G WiMAX network, currently available in 27 markets, will cover up to 120 million people.

Verizon Wireless has announced more details about their upcoming LTE launch, saying that they plan to launch between 25 and 30 markets this year but will double that to 50-60 markets by the end of 2013. LTE (Long Term Evolution) is the high speed data 4G standard adopted by Verizon, At&t, and T-Mobile and has the potential to provide data download speeds of 5-12 Mbps and 2-5Mbps for uploads - Verizon will be the first US carrier to offer LTE and the second to offer 4G.

Some new 4G devices that came out recently include:

-Sprint U301: A dual-mode device that can connect to both Sprint's 4G WiMAX network and their nationwide 3G EVDO Rev-A network - you'll enjoy super-fast 4G speeds where available, and when you travel outside a 4G market, the U301 will automatically connect to Sprint's 3G network! Sprint has also put together a new mobile broadband plan that gives you access to both their 3G and 4G networks at the SAME price as their 3G plan, just $59.99/month! You get the same 5GB of 3G service plus unlimited 4G access - Sprint is essentially giving away their 4G service at no additional charge!

-The Sprint OverDrive (aka Sierra Wireless W801): A mobile hotspot that allows high speed connections to Sprint's nationwide 3G network as well as their faster 4G WiMAX network, for as many as five wireless devices. You can use the same sprint plan that was listed for the Sprint U301.

-CLEAR "Series M" Home Modem: The new "Series M" modem is the successor to the original Home Modem and features an enhanced internal antenna for improved reception. This is only available in some markets.

-CLEAR 4G Mobile USB Modem (PXU1900): This is the successor to the CLEAR USB modem, and offers some nice benefits over the original. Its internal antenna has been improved for better reception, and it consumes much less power.

-CLEAR USB Performance Dock: This is a great accessory for the new PXU1900 USB modem, and the first of its kind for WiMAX! The Performance Dock provides increased signal and performance to the PXU1900, and is super portable and easy to use.

WiMAX Routers

Customers were so excited when we announced that Cradlepoint came out with a new firmware to support the U301 and other new devices on most of their routers. You can read more about the firmware update for MBR1000/MBR900/CTR500 here, and the info for the new firmware for the PHS300 can be viewed here.

Other interesting news and rumors on 4G services and products:

-CLEAR simplified their plans in March, making it more affordable and easier to order than ever.

-Sprint and CLEAR 4G have devices that are Mac Compatible!

-Verizon's first LTE network will launch by the end of 2010 - stay tuned at 4Ginfo for further developments

-Sprint's first 4G phone is rumored to launch this summer and may be manufactured by HTC on the Android operating system, but Sprint has not released any additional information about it.

-Novatel Wireless is working with operators and plans to launch commercial data devices for LTE in late 2010.

-Clearwire is looking at a number of different technologies for their long-term future goals, including WiMAX 2.0


That's all for now, 4G-lovers, but keep coming back for the latest updates at 4ginfo.com, and join in the 4G discussion on the 4G Forums!