4G WiMAX and LTE Latest Updates

The race for 4G technology is really starting to heat up as CLEAR and Sprint continue to expand coverage, Sprint released their much anticipated HTC EVO, Verizon announced LTE test markets and reports LTE capable phones are in the works! Below are the latest updates in the world of 4G:

WiMAX Coverage News:

Both Sprint and CLEAR have been working hard to bring 4G WiMAX to the following new markets, Richmond, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Kansas City and expanding coverage in Baltimore. CLEAR has also expanded coverage to Merced and Visalia, California; Eugene, Oregon; and Rochester and Syracuse, New York. Throughout the summer they plan to have coverage in 20 more major cities. On a more unofficial note, there have also been reports from customers in parts of New York and California that they are seeing 4G on their devices, despite the fact that 4G has not yet launched there.

WiMAX Equipment:

On June 4th, 2010 was the date that the HTC EVO was released, the worlds first 3G/4G capable phone! This phone is all about changing the way people use their phones with features such as the mobile hotspot (allowing you to use your EVO's 3G/4G connection to share with up to 8 devices via wireless). The device has been so popular, you currently can't find it in any stores as we all wait anxiously for another shipment. If touchscreen only devices aren't your style, Samsung has come to the rescue with the announcement of the Samsung Epic. This device will be the first 3G/4G phone with a full QWERTY keyboard.

As for WiMAX aircards, Sprint's Overdrive had gotten off to a rocky start because of some firmware issues, however, they have released a new firmware version 2.06.06 which has fixed the issue's users were complaining about. When ordering the Overdrive from 3Gstore, we make sure that every Overdrive shipped has version 2.06.06 pre-installed for you! Sprint has also released the new 250U 3G/4G aircard, which is the first device that includes the option for both a 3G and 4G antenna port (antennas currently work on 3G only). CLEAR announced that they'll be releasing 3G/4G portable hot-spots in July, which have been demanded ever since the popularity of the MiFi2200 3G devices.

LTE News:

As Sprint and CLEAR continue to expand coverage, Verizon has been focusing on their final testing phases (user trials in 5 markets - Boston, Seattle and 3 other unnamed cities). In early May, Verizon showed off their LTE network for the first time in Boston and the results were impressive. During the demonstrations they managed to get an 8.55Mbps download speed and a 2.8Mbps upload speed. Rural users can also start getting excited because they plan to partner with local companies that already have towers and backhaul available - Verizon will provide the LTE equipment and let the local providers manage the towers and backhaul. This strategy is planned to help them meet their goal of covering their entire 3G footprint with full 4G LTE coverage by 2013. Tips are also rolling in, rumoring that Verizon will be launching their 4G LTE service in 25 markets on 11/15/10, with several LTE handsets to follow on "Black Friday", which this year falls on 11/26.

LTE Equipment:

With the rumored LTE release date of 11/15, reports of various handset manufactures developing LTE handsets continue to roll in. RIM (manufacturers of Blackberry) is currently working one of the first LTE handsets for Verizon's LTE! This phone is being dubbed the BlackBerry Storm 3 has some impressive rumored spec's. The phone supposedly will feature a 1Ghz Processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. Aside from the storm there might be up to five other LTE phones by next May, from manufacturers such as Motorola, HTC, LG and BlackBerry.

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Things are certainly heating up as we move through the summer months! We're sure there will be plenty of new devices in the upcoming months and can't wait to see Verizon's network first hand. 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!

3G/4G Devices Require 3G/4G Plans - Be Careful, Unlimited Users!

Now that Sprint's 4G service is available in a number of cities across the US, many Sprint 3G users are interested in switching to a new 3G/4G device like the U301 (left) or Overdrive, even if they don't currently need 4G - simply so they can have the latest device and be prepared for when 4G becomes available to them. This is understandable, but for customers who currently have a grandfathered "unlimited" 3G account with Sprint, swapping to a 3G/4G device may not always be the best idea. 3G/4G devices must be activated on Sprint's 3G/4G plan, which is $59.99 and provides unlimited 4G use but only 5GB of 3G use, with overage charges thereafter. This is the ONLY plan that you can activate Sprint's 3G/4G devices with - you CANNOT activate a 3G/4G device on a 3G-only plan.

This may come as a surprise to some, since Sprint does allow customers to do "ESN (Electronic Serial Number) Swaps" from one 3G device to another without changing your contract. Many people assume that they will be able to do an ESN swap from their 3G device to a 3G/4G device, continue using their unlimited 3G service for the time being, and be ready for 4G when it becomes available. This is NOT the case. You cannot do a simple ESN swap from a 3G device to a 3G/4G device. You can do a swap and not extend your contract, but you must change the plan to the 3G/4G plan (also, the swap can't be done online; to swap from a 3G to a 3G/4G device, you have to call Sprint).

For people that live in a 4G area, this isn't a problem since the 3G/4G plan provides unlimited 4G access, but for people that will mainly be relying on the 3G side, giving up your unlimited 3G service might not be worth making the switch just yet. If you have a 3G device with an unlimited Sprint plan and are considering doing a swap to a 3G/4G device, you should only do so if you actually have access to 4G and plan to use it; otherwise, you may want to wait until 4G is available in your area. You can keep up to date with the latest news on 4G, including coverage rollouts, by visiting our sister site 4ginfo.com.

For those that are ready to upgrade, you can purchase the U301 and the Sprint Overdrive both with and without contract from 3Gstore. Click here to purchase with no contract; if you're looking to purchase with a new two-year contract please use the 3gstore Sprint Order Form.

For more info on Sprint's 3G vs 3G/4G service and devices, check out our video debate: 3Gstore Mobile Break.

Sierra Overdrive 3G/4G Portable Hotspot Now Available at 3Gstore!

As a follow-up product to the success of their first mobile hotspot -- the MiFi 2200 -- Sprint has launched a game-changing product called the Sprint OverDrive. The Sprint OverDrive (aka Sierra Wireless W801) is 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.

The Sprint OverDrive is available from 3Gstore.com right now for $99.99 after rebate with a new 2-year contract. 3G/4G service is available for just $59.99/mo; this plan provides unlimited 4G data use and 5GB of data use on 3G network with overage charge of $0.05/mb. Since the 3G/4G data plan for the OverDrive is the same price as Sprint's 3G-only service, users thinking about 3G service may want to look at the OverDrive as an option, even if they aren't in 4G coverage. You'll be able to use 3G now, and when you travel to a 4G area or when Sprint launches 4G in your area, you'll be set!

Read more about the Overdrive in our "Product Spotlight"

Order the Overdrive for $149.99 - $50 mail-in rebate securely from 3Gstore

Sprint 3G/4G U301 USB Modem Now Available at 3Gstore

Sprint's newest dual-mode USB modem, the U301, is now available at 3Gstore! The U301 is 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's new 3G/4G plan makes the U301 an excellent option even for users who aren't currently in a Sprint 4G area. 3G/4G service is the same price as Sprint's 3G-only service - $59.99/mo - and provides unlimited 4G access and 5GB of 3G access. If you were considering signing up for Sprint's 3G mobile broadband service with a 3G-only device, we highly recommend considering the U301 instead - for the exact same monthly price you'll be able to use 3G service now and when 4G does become available in your area (or if you travel to a 4G area) in the future, you'll be prepared with a compatible device!

More about the U301:

* Dimensions: 3.5" x 1.27" x 0.92"
* Weight: 1.25 oz
* Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.4 and later
* Cradlepoint router support coming soon!

The U301 is available from 3Gstore for FREE with a new 2-year contract (pay $49.99 and receive a $50 mail-in rebate). Remember, when you order your Sprint service through 3Gstore you'll have access to our esteemed technical support as well as discounts on routers (Cradlepoint plans on supporting the U301 in an upcoming firmware release) and antennas/amplifiers (there are currently no signal-boosting options for improving the 4G signal, but repeaters can be used to improve your 3G signal)!

Order the U301 for $49.99 - $50 mail-in rebate securely from 3Gstore

Mac + 4G: What works?

Like the early days of mobile broadband service, the earliest 4G device offerings were not Mac savvy. Thankfully, options that include Mac OS X software are becoming available quicker than with 3G service. Our latest 4Ginfo article contains the latest 4G and Mac compatibility information and links to further resources:

Sprint and CLEAR 4G and Mac Compatibility

• order CLEAR 4G service
• discusss 4G & Mac on 4gforums.com

Sprint's New Mobile Broadband Plan Offers 3G & 4G for $59.99/mo

Whenever new technology debuts, customers understandably become concerned about buying products that are going to be outdated or getting stuck in a service contract when something better is on the way. Now that Sprint's 4G internet service is becoming available to users in more and more cities and more dual-mode 3G/4G devices are hitting the market, folks who were considering signing up for 3G mobile broadband service now have another option to contemplate. Luckily, Sprint has 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!

Read more about Sprint's new 3G/4G plan and devices

2009 in Review: The Year of 4G!

This has been a really exciting year for 4G services! This time last year, 4G services were available in just a select few markets, and after just one year Sprint/CLEAR have expanded their WiMAX coverage to over 30 markets, several new devices made their debut, and Verizon made sure we didn't forget that LTE is on the way. Lets take a look at the highlights of 4G in 2009!

• Sprint/Clearwire Expands 4G WiMax Coverage To New Markets:

• Abilene, TX
• Amarillo, TX
• Atlanta, GA
• Austin, TX
• Bellingham, WA
• Boise, ID
• Chicago, IL
• Corpus Christi, TX
• Dallas / Fort Worth, TX
• Greensboro, NC
• Honolulu, HI
• Killeen, TX
• Las Vegas, NV
• Lubbock, TX
• Maui, HI
• Midland / Odessa, TX
• Milledgeville, GA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Portland, OR
• Raleigh, NC
• Salem, OR
• San Antonio, TX
• Seattle, WA
• Waco, TX
• Witchita Falls, TX

• Cradlepoint integrates support for the new 4G devices onto their router line with a firmware update.

• Sprint, Clearwire’s largest shareholder, expanded it’s network onto the Clearwire infrastructure to become the first national 3G/4G carrier.

• Sprint announced the U301 3G/4G Hybrid Modem, the first Mac-compatible 3G/4G Hybrid device

• Samsung announced and released the Mondi, the first "MID" or Mobile Internet Device to work on the Clear network.

• Verizon completed its initial tests on its LTE network in two lucky cities, Boston and Seattle, and promised coverage to 25-30 markets in 2010.

Going into the new year, we are looking forward to seeing many new developments and advances in 4G. Things that we will be watching for this year include:

• CLEAR and Sprint 4G further expanding their 4G coverage to new markets
• WiMAX-enabled phones (Sprint & LG To Unveil WiMax 4G Phone at CES?)
• Verizon to launch their 4G LTE service
• 3Gstore.com (4Ginfo's sister site) will begin selling Clear & Sprint 4G products and services in the very near future - check 3Gstore.com/clear for updates!
  

It looks like 2010 is going to be a very exciting year for 4G services, so stay tuned for the latest news & information!

Summer of 4G Recap - Whats New With WiMAX and LTE

These past few months have been exciting times for fans of 4G, from the early adopters who've been waiting for 4G for years to the folks who hadn't even heard of the technology until it became available in their city. We've seen expansion like crazy, the forming of strategic partnerships, and the beginning of a long drawn out battle between WiMAX and LTE for 4G supremacy. Need to catch up on your 4G news? Here's what's been going on this summer:

Clearwire greatly increased the size of its slice of 4G pie by expanding into Las Vegas, Atlanta, and several other cities this summer.

Sprint, Clearwire’s largest shareholder, expanded it’s network onto the Clearwire infrastructure to become the first national 3G/4G carrier.

Comcast Cable and Time Warner Cable, who are both investors in Clearwire, launch (and announce plans to do so) their 4G service on the Clear networks.

Cradlepoint integrates support for the new 4G devices onto their router line with a firmware update.

Samsung announces and releases the Mondi, the first "MID" or Mobile Internet Device to work on the Clear network.

Northern Michigan University becomes one of the first educational institutions to employ WiMAX as an alternative to campus wide Wifi hotspots.

Verizon also joined in the fray, completing its initial tests on its LTE network in two luck cities, Boston and Seattle.

For more updates on 4G, and for all the current news, check back with us regularly here on the 4G blog, and at 4ginfo.com!

Cradlepoint Firmware 1.5.1 Provides Support for WiMAX USB Modems

Cradlepoint, who manufactures some of the best 3G EVDO/HSPA routers on the market, have created a firmware update for several of their popular routers that allows users to share their WiMAX service!

Cradlepoint had released a new firmware version for the MBR1000, CTR500, CBA250, and MBR800 routers that provides support for the Clear USB modem, Sprint U300, and the ZTE TU25 (the XOHM USB device). With this latest firmware version, you can simply plug in any one of those WiMAX USB modems and share the connection with multiple computers either via WiFi (MBR1000 and CTR500 only) or ethernet cable.

The firmware update is available for FREE on 3Gstore (our sister site) via this link:

http://3gstore.com/151

If you already own a Cradlepoint MBR1000/CTR500/CBA250/MBR800, you can simply install the new firmware and you'll be able to share your WiMAX connection!

Beginning today, all orders for these routers from 3Gstore will include a copy of this firmware on CD.

Cradlepoint MBR1100 3G/4G Router: Coming Soon

New MBR1100 Mobile Broadband Router Supports 3G, 4G Networks and VPN

WiMAX may only be available in two US cities - STILL - but thanks to Cradlepoint you'll soon be able to do more with it if you've got it! Cradlepoint has announced that they will be launching the MBR1100 router during the first quarter of 2009, and it will not only support a huge variety of 3G devices (see 3G router compatibility chart for full list) but also Clearwire's 4G w100 and the Sprint 3G/3G U300.

The MBR1100 will be very similar to the 3G MBR1000 and will retail for an estimated $349.99. Stay tuned for a full review on 4Ginfo.com!

Discuss the MBR1100 on the 4G Forums

Sprint announced the industry's first dual mode 3G and 4G device today, the Sprint 4G U300 (by Franklin Wireless). This USB dongle will allow you to access all of Sprint's mobile broadband networks, including EVDO Rev-A and WiMAX! Currently, 4G is ONLY available in Baltimore, but they will be expanding throughout 2009.

The device will cost $199.99 with a 2 year contract and will be available after 12/21/08; the monthly charge will be $79.99 for EVDO and 4G access. It is unclear what the usage limits will be, but I'd imagine it would be 5GB like most mobile broadband. Unfortunately, it is NOT Mac compatible, which is strange, since all other Franklin devices have been Mac compatible out of the box - this is probably because they don't (yet) have Mac support for their 4G network at all.

Related Links:

• Sprint U300 Announcement
  
• Sprint 4G U300 - First Announced on 4Ginfo.com
• Franklin Reveals First EVDO/WiMAX USB Device: the U300
• Discuss the Sprint U300 on EVDOforums.com
• When Available, you may be able to buy the Sprint U300 at 3Gstore.com
  
• Read about Franklin Warranty on EVDOinfo.com