Verizon 3G/4G Hand-Off Network Issues Status

If you are using or considering using a Verizon LTE modem (Pantech UML290 or LG VL600 - especially if you want to use a router - read this page for important information on the network-wide problem Verizon is having and how it may affect you: 3Gstore.com/4g

In short, Verizon's 3G/4G modems are having trouble with the "hand-off" between the 3G network and the 4G network. While this problem can obviously affect any Verizon 3G/4G modem user, it's especially frustrating for UML290 users who want to use their modem in a router. Both the Nexaira BC2 and Cradlepoint routers running the beta LTE-supporting firmware support the UML290 in LTE mode, but they do NOT currently support the UML290 when it is in 3G mode.

the UML290 will only work in 4G mode with the Nexaira BC2 (above) and Cradlepoint routers running the beta firmware!

Check 3Gstore.com/4g for complete details - we will continue to update that page and this thread as things develop!

Discuss the Verizon 3G/4G hand-off issue on the EVDO Forums

Cradlepoint Releases Beta Firmware with Support for Verizon 3G/4G Pantech UML290 for CTR500, MBR1000, MBR1200, MBR800, CBA250, CBA750

The MBR1000 (above) will now support the UML290 with beta firmware!

Cradlepoint users (and potential users!) have been eagerly awaiting support for Verizon's new 4G LTE-capable modems since Verizon launched their 4G service earlier this month, and we are happy to announce that Cradlepoint has released beta firmware for the CTR500, MBR1000, MBR1200, MBR800, CBA250, and CBA750 that supports the Pantech UML290 modem! This is great news for UML290 users wishing to share their connection with multiple computers/devices as well as Mac users who need a way to get online, period (as the UML290 is not officially supported on Mac OS yet).

Unfortunately, the LG VL600 modem is still not yet supported - this firmware release provides support only for the UML290. Additionally, the firmware is only compatible with the listed routers - if you own a different Cradlepoint model, this beta release will not work for you. Finally, keep in mind that this is a BETA release, which means that it has not gone through complete testing like an official release.

Click the links below to download the beta firmware file for your router:

• CradlePoint Travel Router (CTR500)
• Mobile Broadband Router 1200 (MBR1200)
• Mobile Broadband Router 1000 (MBR1000)
• Mobile Broadband Router 800 (MBR800)
• Cellular Broadband Adapter (CBA250)
• Cellular Broadband Adapter (CBA750)

Not sure how to update your router's firmware? Follow these directions: Updating Your Cradlepoint Router's Firmware

Nexaira BC2 Router Supports Verizon Pantech UML290 3G/4G USB Modem

Many potential Verizon 4G LTE users were disappointed by the fact that there were no routers compatible with either of Verizon's new 3G/4G USB modems when they launched last week. We are happy to announce that we have confirmed that the Nexaira Business Class II (BC2) 3G/4G router is now compatible wth the Pantech UML290 modem!

In order to use the BC2 with the UML290, you simply need to have the latest firmware (which is pre-installed on all BC2s shipped by 3Gstore) and update one setting on the router's administration page (3Gstore provides these instructions with all BC2s).

Fast Facts about the Nexaira BC2:

• This router is best for: Business users that need reliability, security, and advanced enterprise features, including near-instant failover and IPSEC VPN tunneling. It is also the ONLY router to support iPhone tethering and the 3G/4G Verizon UML290!
• Form Factors Supported: 1 USB, 1 Expresscard (view compatible modems)
• Technologies Supported: 2G, 3G, and 4G
• WiFi Standard: 802.11 B, G, & N
• WiFi Range: 100-200ft through walls, much greater unobstructed (variable depending on interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls).
• Number of Ethernet ports: 1 WAN input, 1 LAN output
• Power Supply: AC adapter included, DC adapter and international power supply are sold separately
• Size: medium 5”x 4.75”x 1.25”

Order the Nexaira BC2 router (includes expert tech support, the appropriate firmware necessary for the UML290, and tipsheet to help you get set up)

Save $20 off the BC2 when ordered along with the UML290 and 2-year Verizon service! Order the UML290 with Verizon service from 3Gstore

Verizon Pantech UML290 3G/4G USB Review

Along with the LG VL600, the Pantech UML290 is one of the first modems available for use on Verizon's brand new 4G LTE network, which just launched in 38 U.S. cities this week. While Verizon's 4G network isn't available in nearly as many locations as their 3G network yet (although they do have aggressive expansions plans), the new 3G/4G modems allow users to "future proof" themselves - they can use it for 3G now, and when 4G does become available to them, they won't have to worry about needing new equipment! As an added bonus, the service plans available for the 3G/4G devices are actually better than what's available for 3G-only USB modems, making a 3G/4G device like the UML290 a great choice for a variety of customers.

The UML290 is similar to the other 4G-capable Verizon device, the VL600, in almost every way - they are both 3G and 4G capable, aren't compatible with Macs yet, and are similar sizes/designs. However, the UML290 has something the VL600 does not: a usable antenna port for improving 3G cellular signal! The UML290 actually features two antenna ports: one for a 3G antenna, and one for a 4G antenna (which aren't yet available, but will be in the future). This one crucial difference makes the UML290 the clear winner for anyone trying to decide between the two Verizon 4G devices in our opinion!

Continue reading the UML290 Review

Verizon 3G/4G LG VL600 and Pantech UML290 LTE Modems: First Impressions

Like many mobile broadband users, we have been eagerly awaiting the launch of Verizon's 4G LTE network since it was first announced several months ago. The service launched in 38 U.S. cities this weekend, with two dual-mode 3G/4G USB modems to choose from and two 3G/4G service plan options. As soon as Verizon's LTE network went live on December 5th we quickly got our hands on both the LG VL600 and Pantech UML290 modems and began our testing!

Below are some highlights about Verizon's new service and devices, along with our initial test results:

How Fast is It? Verizon is advertising that their 4G service is capable of speeds of 5-12Mbps. In our tests in the Chicago area, we consistently saw download speeds of around 10.7Mbps and upload speeds ranging from 5 to over 15 Mbps!

Continue reading our Verizon LTE First Impressions at 4Ginfo.com