CradlePoint Routers and Pantech UML290 - Still Issues :(

CradlePoint announced that the 1.8 firmware supports the Verizon UML290 and VL600 LTE 4G LTE Modems.  This is great that there is official support.  Only problem, is that many customers who installed the 1.8.0 firmware, are still having problems.  If you are using a Pantech UML290 modem with a CradlePoint router and running the 1.8.0 firmware, please post your success or failure at the thread below.

CradlePoint Firmware 1.8.0 Success/Failure - EVDOforums.com

Interesting side note....  We have not heard of one user having a problem with the VL600 & CradlePoint router....

CradlePoint Advances Support for Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network

CradlePoint yesterday announced a new firmware that adds official support for the Verizon UML290 and VL600 4G LTE modems.  We applaud CradlePoint for working closely with Verizon to get this released.  If you have one of these modems (or planning on getting one), please be sure to check out CradlePoint Firmware 1.8.0 Success/Failure post on EVDOforums.com - as there are still Verizon LTE customers having problems with this latest firmware.

AT&T Kills Online Sales for Consumers

Earlier this week, we were surprised to see two HUGE online resellers drop AT&T from their wireless lineups without an explanation. Today, we found out why: AT&T is no longer allowing online resellers (including 3Gstore) to fulfill orders for "individual/consumer accounts" - that is, any account set up under a personal name and social security number (the vast majority of online customers). AT&T is now ONLY allowing online resellers to handle business accounts, which must be associated with a federal tax ID. Since very few online customers qualify for a business account, resellers have been forced to stop selling AT&T in their online stores.

3Gstore has been forced to follow suit and we have removed AT&T from our store. If you are a business customer and need to purchase an AT&T mobile broadband device (new line or upgrade), please contact us and we'll be happy to take care of you. If you are an existing AT&T customer and are just looking for a replacement device, 3Gstore does sell a variety of no-contact AT&T devices that you can purchase to simply swap your service to without affecting your contract.

3Gstore also sells Sprint and Verizon mobile broadband to both individuals AND businesses.

CradlePoint Releases 1.8.0 Firmwares

CradlePoint has released 1.8.0 firmware for:

• CBA250 / CBA750
• CTR500
• MBR800
• MBR900
• MBR1000
• MBR1200

New features added in this release:

• New modem support added, listed above in blue
• Added TTLS-CHAP client identity support on WiMAX modems
• Added Sprint’s Data Link configuration interface for 3G devices
• MBR1200, MBR800 only. Enhanced IPSec VPN end-point support: NAT Traversal (NAT-T)
• MBR1200 only. Enhanced 2nd WAN port configuration.

Defects fixed:

• Blackberry device can now reconnect after the router is rebooted
• IPSec VPN end-point. Fully restores tunnel if tunnel is dropped by external router
• IPSec VPN end-point. Reassembles ESP fragment packets correctly
• Resolved VPN pass-through PPTP issue introduced in 1.7.5.
• CBA250, CBA750 only. Eliminates Windows IP address conflict message.

We will be testing 1.8.0 and reporting our findings on EVDOinfo.com & EVDOForums.com

Samsung Epic 4G Getting Andoid 2.2 on 2/21

If you have an Epic 4G, starting on 2/21, Sprint will be upgrading your smartphone to Android 2.2 (Froyo). 

This software update (version EB13) will include:

• Upgrade of the Google OS from Éclair to Froyo (2.2.1)
• Ability to install applications to external storage
• Improved Bluetooth device support
• Bluetooth Voice Dialing
• Flash Player 10.1
• GPS Enhancements
• Improved OS performance

Related Links:

• Info From Sprint
• Order Epic 4G

Virgin Mobile Throttles Broadband at 2.5GB

Virgin Mobile made headlines last year when they offered unlimited mobile broadband when all other carriers had a 5GB limit.  Starting today (2/15/2011), Virgin is changing the limit from unlimited to 2.5GB/mo for $50/month.  This has happened to other carriers in the past as well.  They offer unlimited and it brings in the "data abusers" and guess what happens?   It would be like opening up an all you can eat buffet at the Biggest Loser Ranch.

When you signup with a no-contract type service, there is one huge drawback, the terms of service can change and all they have to do is give you 30 days warning.  One of the advantages of signing a 2 year contract - the carrier cannot change the terms on you next month...

Discuss Virgin 2.5GB Cap - EVDOforums.com

811225 - Wilson DataPro Direct Connect Cellular Signal Booster for M2M

Wilson is set to introduce a new in-line dual-band M2M direct connect cell signal booster which is designed to be hard-wired to a cellular device for M2M applications.  The 811225 is bidirectional and works on both GSM and CDMA networks.  The DataPro is compact (3.3 x 1.9 x 0.8 inches) and minimal power requirements (12 V, 0.5-1.5 A Max).  The 811225 provides 12 dB gain for 800 and 1900MHz.

AT&T Increases iPhone Tethering Plan from 2GB to 4GB

For iPhone users on AT&T who have the tethering plan, you may have just received a text message letting you know that your 2GB tethering plan now allows 4GB and the price hasn't changed at all.

This is just another move for AT&T to try and keep those defecting to Verizon.

There are rumors that the next iOS update will allow the iPhone to be used as a mobile hotspot, which will probably also be included for those already paying AT&T for tethering.

Isn't competition grand?

iPhone5 Gobi

iPhone5 and Gobi

Apple started using Qualcomm's Gobi chip (MDM6600) in the Verizon iPhone4.  This chip has the option to work in either CDMA (Verizon/Sprint) or GSM (AT&T/T-Mobile and rest of the world).  Why is this exciting?  Well, starting with the next iPhone or iPad, this gives Apple to have a SINGLE SKU that can be activated on any carrier.  No longer is there a need to have a Verizon version or a AT&T version, it can be the same single SKU device.

From a consumer's point of view - this gets interesting.  I can purchase the next version of the iPhone5 or iPad2  that has a Gobi chip and "in theory",  the device can be switched to any other carrier without having to switch hardware.  Not sure if the carriers will like this model, as they prefer locking consumers into long term contract and giving the devices away for free.

It could be a real game changer and for once - the consumers would win!

Tekkeon myPower MP1280 Battery for Verizon/AT&T iPhone 4 Now Available at 3Gstore

After several months of testing batteries from a variety of manufacturers, we finally found one that fits ALL of our criteria: the Tekkeon myPower MP1280 for iPhone 4!

The myPower for iPhone 4 is a slim two-piece case that snaps around your iPhone (see image below). Unlike similar batteries, the condensed lithium polymer battery bypasses your phone's internal battery and powers your phone instead of charging it. This is much more efficient than other batteries! Only when the myPower battery is depleted does your phone's internal battery kick in - so if you start with your phone's battery at 100% and the myPower all charged up, by the time the myPower is depleted and your iPhone's battery kicks in, you'll still have around 97% of your internal battery!

Continue Reading:

Tekkeon myPower MP1280 Battery for Verizon/AT&T iPhone 4 Now Available at 3Gstore