A few weeks ago we broke the news that a tri-mode WiMAX/EVDO/HSDPA USB device was on the way, the Franklin U300. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the debut of this device, especially as more and more people are having success with WiMAX.

So where is it?!

Well, it's not here yet, but rumors have surfaced about pricing. These aren't official announcements, but the information sounds reasonable and will most likely prove to be true.

The full retail cost of the device itself - AKA the cost you pay without signing up for a 2-year contract - is alleged to be in the $300 range, comparable to the price of EVDO devices and phones without a contract. However, when you purchase it with a contract I'm sure it will be far cheaper.

As for the price of the service, it is rumored to be set at $79.99/month and require a 2-year contract. The EVDO service will be limited to 5GB, and the WiMAX will be unlimited (for now - Sprint has already hinted at applying a similar limit to WiMAX in the future).

Stay tuned for more information!

Read more and get the full specs on 4Ginfo.com
Discuss the U300 and other WiMAX devices on the 4G Forums

Everyone appreciates a device that can serve more than one purpose (like the USB EVDO modems that can double as a flash drive!), and Franklin Wireless has released news that they're coming out with a potentially AWESOME device that is compatible with WiMAX, EVDO Rev-A, AND HSDPA! It's called the U300 and is made by C-Motech, and is set to become available by the end of the year.

I said that it was "potentially" awesome because at this point, we don't know much about it other than the technical specifications released by the company. There is speculation that it will be a pricey device - possibly in the $200-$300 range (but again, that is just speculation at this point), and how the usage will be charged is unknown, too. Sprint's XOHM service doesn't require a contract, but all EVDO providers do. Most likely, we will still be required to sign a contract if we want to use the U300 for EVDO, but hopefully WiMAX will remain contract free. As for monthly costs, I would imagine we'll be paying for both services at full price. Another question is whether it has an antenna port on it - while there aren't currently any antennas available for WiMAX devices, there will be in the future and a lack of antenna port could be a deal breaker for many users. As for use in a router, that's another question that probably won't be answered for a while.

If the u300 is as good as it sounds up front, it will likely become a huge hit.

Read more and get the full specs on 4Ginfo.com
Discuss the U300 and other WiMAX devices on the 4G Forums