Sprint and CLEAR 4G and Mac Compatibility

We love Macs here at 3G/4Gstore.com and 4G/EVDOinfo.com, and we know that many of you out there love them just as much as we do. For that reason, we aim to provide as much information as possible to better support Mac users.

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

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OSX Snow Leopard Compatibility:

Diehard Mac OS X users probably will not be surprised to hear that none of the currently available 4G USB modems are recognized by Mac OS X's built in WWAN drivers. Thankfully, there are 4G USB modems out now (or planned for release soon) that will come with connection manager software that should even work with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.

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Sprint 4G and Mac:

Sprint's first 4G device was the u300 3G/4G combo modem (not including their earlier/discontinued Xohm products). As of the publish date of this article, Sprint has still not released OS X compatible connection manager software for the u300 and we suspect they never will. Instead, we are recommending the Sprint U301 3G/4G hybrid modem which is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard & 10.6 Snow Leopard. The latest Mac OSX Snow Leopard version of Sprint SmartView should be available from Sprint.com/download

Sprint also has an exciting new product called the "OverDrive" -- a 3G/4G portable hotspot that features an informative LCD screen and a built-in rechargeable battery that allows for up to 4 hours of truly portable use. Mac users can use the OverDrive via WiFi on any Airport/WiFi enabled Mac, or Mac Leopard & Snow Leopard users can additionally connect via USB cable if needed.

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CLEAR 4G and Mac:

CLEAR has three USB modem options: the 4G only Motorola w100, the PXU1900 [4G only], and the same 3G/4G u300 combo modem that Sprint uses. Mac OS X users who are considering CLEAR 4G service should stick to the w100 or PXU1900 because like Sprint, there is no OS X software for the CLEAR u300. At this time, no one at CLEAR has been able to tell us if they will switch to the new u301 that Sprint has, but our gut says they probably will. You can find the latest Mac OS X CLEAR connection manager software at http://www.clear.com/support/download

CLEAR also offers service that includes their "Home Modem", a router that serves up 4G through a single ethernet port. The Home Modem works great with Apple's Airport base stations, or can even directly connected to a Mac's LAN/ethernet port. No special software is needed to administer the router... its done using a web browser and can even be administered using Safari!

CLEAR is also now offering service that includes their "Home Modem Series M", a router that serves up 4G through a single ethernet port. The Home Modem works great with Apple's Airport base stations, or can even directly connected to a Mac's LAN/ethernet port. No special software is needed to administer the router... its done using a web browser and can even be administered using Safari! Note: This unit can only be used in one of the following markets: Portland, Atlanta, Milledgeville, Salem, Chicago, Bellingham, All Texas Markets, Boise, Honolulu, Maui, Kitsap, Seattle, Snohomish, Tacoma, and Houston.

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MacBook Air:

The single USB port on the Air caused quite a stir when it was introduced for a couple reasons. Not only was it the sole USB port on the device, but it was recessed in such a way that many devices couldn't connect to it. For some time now, we've maintained an article that illustrates which 3G modems physically work with the MacBook Air, and when there are more options available, we plan on publishing a similar article showing which 4G USB modems physically work with the MBA as well. For now, MacBook Air users should be warned that none of the available 4G USB modems (by themselves) work with the recessed USB port of the MacBook Air, BUT the w100 ships with a flex-adapter that works great.

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4G Routers:

Considering a CLEAR or Sprint 4G or 3G/4G modem and wondering which routers are compatible? The line of Cradlepoint 4G routers is compatible with a variety of modems (and Cradlepoint releases firmware updates often to support even MORE devices!)

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Discuss the Macintosh and 4G on 4GForums.

Please feel free to call 1-866-3gstore (347-8673) or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions, comments, concerns or issues pertaining to the Mac and 4G.

CLEAR to launch Home Modems with integrated VOIP ATA

In all its current 4G markets, CLEAR users who want home Wimax service bundled with VOIP currently require two different pieces of equipment -- the CLEAR Home Router, and a separate ATA VOIP adapter.

In the near future, CLEAR users in the Las Vegas and Portland markets will be able to sign up for advanced home modems that have integrated VOIP ATA, allowing for simpler installations and support.

Portland will get the Motorola Series M CPEi 725 (left) and Las Vegas will soon see the Gemtek Series G (right). Both are expected to sell for the same price as current modems with a CLEAR plan: $79.99 w/$10 discount. Leasing is also available at $4.99/mo.

Once we know more about the new Home Modems we'll post more information.

 

Each week on EVDOinfo.com (one of 4Ginfo's "sister sites"), we post tips and tricks that help mobile broadband users get the most out of their service and products. This week's tip will also help lots of our 4Ginfo readers, so we're sharing it here, too!

Avoid Interference Between WiMAX Modems & WiFi Routers

Since 3Gstore.com recently began selling CLEAR 4G WiMAX products and services, this week's tip is geared towards folks who are using a Sprint or CLEAR 4G (or 3G/4G) device in a Cradlepoint router. Despite the fact that Cradlepoint officially supports CLEAR and Sprint 4G modems, some users were reporting performance issues when using their modems in Cradlepoint routers - a drop in signal strength upon inserting the modem, and a slowdown in performance.

After doing some testing, our tech support experts were able to identify the problem, and luckily, it's a simple one: we found that in some cases the WiFi signal broadcast by the Cradlepoint router will interfere with the WiMAX signal that the Sprint & CLEAR devices use if they are too close to each other. Since WiMAX uses the 2.5-2.7Ghz frequency and WiFi uses the 2.4Ghz frequency, you may experience interference if there isn't sufficient separation between the 4G modem & the WiFi router. This is obviously a common problem, since most users are accustomed to attaching their modems directly to their routers, but there is a very easy way to solve it: simply use a USB extension cable between your 4G modem and your router!

We highly recommend that anyone using a 4G or 3G/4G modem in a router use a USB extension cable like the 118" (3 meters) cable sold by 3Gstore to provide sufficient separation which will reduce interference and provide optimal results from your modem.

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Related links:

• Discuss this Tip on the 4G Forums
• Purchase the 3-Meter USB Extension Cable for $11.99
  
• View/buy Cradlepoint routers 
• View previous Tips of the Week on EVDOinfo.com
  

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!

At that price, selecting a 3G/4G device and signing up for 3G/4G service instead of 3G-only service is a no-brainer, even if 4G isn't yet available anywhere you plan to use mobile broadband - as Sprint continues to expand their 4G network in the coming years, you'll be prepared with the appropriate equipment. In order to sign up for Sprint's 3G/4G service, you will, of course, need a 3G/4G device - 3G-only devices will not ever be able to access the 4G network. Sprint currently offers three dual-mode 3G/4G devices:

Franklin U300: The U300 was Sprint's first 3G/4G device, but we are NOT recommending this device - it is not Mac compatible and is being replaced by the U301; we advise customers to opt for the newer device.

 

Franklin U301 (left): The U301 is the successor to the U300 and adds Mac compatibility; it's also slightly smaller and lighter. Cradlepoint plans to support the U301 in the near future, so folks who want to share their 3G/4G connection with multiple computers/devices will be able to do so just like they can with Sprint's 3G-only modems. You can view the full specs at 3Gstore.com/U301. 3Gstore will be carrying the U301 soon - to be notified when the U301 is in stock, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Sierra Wireless Overdrive Mobile Hotspot (right): Like the uber-popular Mifi, the Overdrive combines the concept of an aircard and mobile broadband router in one unit to provide internet access to five computers/devices via WiFi. The Overdrive's WiFi range is much better than the MiFi's (up to 150 feet instead of 30), and it also provides 16GB of shared storage space! You can view the full specs at 3Gstore.com/overdrive. 3Gstore will be carrying the Overdrive soon - to be notified when the Overdrive is in stock, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

No one wants to waste money, especially in this economy. Buying
equipment that you can use both now AND as technology advances - instead of having to buy new equipment in a year or two - is a smart monetary choice. 3Gstore will be carrying both the Overdrive and the U301 soon (both with service AND as a no-contract upgrade); if you'd like to be notified when they are available, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !

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Related links

• Discuss Sprint's new 3G/4G plan on the 4G Forums
• View the full U301 specs
• View the full Overdrive specs 
• See if Sprint has 3G or 4G coverage in your area

Like all products/services we sell, 3GStore.com put CLEAR's service through extensive testing before offering it to our customers. 3Gstore's staff has now done CLEAR 4G testing in Las Vegas, Chicago and Austin with the CLEAR 4G USB modem and are CLEAR-ly impressed with what we experienced!

CLEAR set-up phase:

The Motorola "CLEAR USB" 4G modem ships with a round USB thumb drive that contains the connection manager software. Unfortunately, the software on the drive is a bit outdated and only includes an older windows-only version. A quick trip to clear.com/support allowed us to download the latest Windows7 and Mac OS X 10.6 connection managers. Installing the connection manager is simple and straightforward.

Once connected to the CLEAR network, but before being allowed to surf to any website, each of us were prompted to acknowledge CLEAR's Terms of Service as well as provide a security question and answer for account authentication.

After authenticating and acknowledging everything required by CLEAR, we were online and ready to surf the web via WiMAX!

CLEAR speed testing:

Once we were connected, we ran a series of tests at speedtest.net to see how fast the connection really is (CLEAR's speed claims are "an average of 3-6Mbps download with bursts up to 10Mbps and up to 1Mbps upload"):

Austin, Tx:

    

Chicago, Il:

Las Vegas, NV:

The speeds we saw in all three locations were VERY impressive! We did notice that speeds were, as expected, signal-dependent. Our Las Vegas tester was on the outskirts of of CLEAR's coverage area and didn't have full signal strength like our other testers, but the speeds were still quite zippy. The CLEAR USB Modem ships with a flexible USB adapter that allows you to use your modem in a vertical orientation (instead of having it stick straight out from the computer's USB port), and that seemed to help with signal strength (and thus performance).

CLEAR performance testing:

As an "acid test", our tech support staffer in Austin connected the CLEAR USB modem to his Cradlepoint MBR1000 and then hooked up two computers and his Cisco VOIP phone. Then he made a 30 minute call through this system with no issues and even completed a 45 minute long support call over CLEAR 4G with no issues whatsoever. During that time, he was also streaming an internet radio station at 128kbps through Windows Media Player 10 and downloaded 3 copies of Openoffice, without a hitch. Needless to say, with average download speed between 6 and 12mb/s, he's quite hooked on CLEAR 4G! (disclaimer: your CLEAR speeds may vary. The speeds we saw in other cities was below what was seen in Austin, TX).

We should note that besides the MBR1000, Cradlepoint's other 4G-savvy routers include the PHS300 and CTR500 portable hotspots, and the MBR900 and MBR1200 home/office routers.

Final thoughts on our CLEAR testing:

CLEAR runs on an extremely secure network using WiMAX 4G technologies, broadcasting in a licensed spectrum using OFDM technology. This technology uses a licensed 2.5 Ghz frequency and ensures secure wireless data transmission. The connectivity was generally considered to be "snappy"... allowing for responsive remote control of screens and trouble-free VPN connections, both of which can be very frustrating on other forms of mobile broadband. With great signal, CLEAR's 4G service easily outperformed the best 3G service we've ever seen, on all performance benchmarks (and our lower-signal results were not too shabby, either!).

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Related links:

• Discuss our CLEAR tests on the 4G Forums
• 3Gstore Now Selling CLEAR Products and Services!
• Order CLEAR securely from 3Gstore

 

3Gstore.com (4Ginfo's "sister site") is now a CLEAR online authorized retailer! For nearly five years 3Gstore (formerly booster-antenna.com) has been the go-to source for all things 3G, and now we've expanded to offer our customers the latest in mobile broadband technology.

What is CLEAR? CLEAR provides 4G WiMAX internet access, which is like 3G mobile broadband technologies like EVDO, but much faster! It provides average download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts up to 10mbps. If you're interested in purchasing CLEAR's 4G service, first you will want to check the coverage maps to see if CLEAR has service in your area.

Which modems does CLEAR/3Gstore offer? There are currently three different devices available for use on CLEAR's network, and each one targets a different audience:

• CLEAR USB Modem (4G only): The CLEAR USB Modem gives customers the flexibility to use their USB modem at home or on the go - anywhere that CLEAR 4G coverage is available, you'll have high-speed access to the web. It is compatible with both Mac and PC, and can also be used in a Cradlepoint 4G router if you'd like to share your 4G connection with multiple computers/devices!

• CLEAR 4G+ USB Modem (3G/4G): The Clear 4G+ USB Modem is a hybrid device, providing the ability to connect to both 3G and 4G - you'll be able to connect to the 4G network where available, and if you travel outside a 4G market it will automatically connect to Sprint's nationwide 3G network. The 4G+ modem is perfect for mobile customers that always need to have the fastest mobile broadband available, whether its on the 3G or 4G network. It is compatible with PC's only (Mac users will need to use the 4G+ modem in a Cradlepoint 4G router).

• CLEAR Home Modem: The CLEAR Home Modem is for customers who are looking for an alternative to cable/DSL/dial-up internet, but do not need the service for traveling. There are several different 4G Home plans, with speeds ranging from 1-6mbit/sec, and the plans are priced very competitively with DSL/Cable. See CLEAR service plans for more information on the different plans that are available.

How much does CLEAR service cost? There are a variety of plans available to fit different needs and budgets. CLEAR's mobile 4G and 3G/4G service plans are excellent for travelers, and CLEAR's "Home 4G" services are an affordable Cable/DLS alternative for customers who are in areas where Cable/DSL is not available, or for customers who are looking for high-speed internet access at an affordable price. Professional users will want to look into CLEAR's "Professional Services", which add additional features such as static IP address, port security, dedicated support, and extra email addresses. For more details on all of CLEAR's service plans, check out our CLEAR service plans comparison chart.

Does CLEAR require a contract? CLEAR service is available with a traditional 2-year service plan or on a month-to-month basis. Month-to-month service will likely be a good option for folks with poor or no credit (no credit check is required for month-to-month) and those who only need service sporadically, but others may find that the traditional 2-year contract is a more valuable option. Customers signing up for a 2-year CLEAR contract through 3Gstore will receive the following benefits:

• Option to lease your modem for a low monthly fee instead of purchasing it outright
• No activation fee (month-to-month accounts are subject to a $35 activation fee)
• Lock in your monthly rate for the life of your contract (CLEAR reserves the right to change rates for month-to-month customers at any time)
• Receive discounts on 3G/4G routers
• Receive discounts on 4G antennas/amplifiers when they become available
• Enjoy FULL technical support for your CLEAR device (and all other accessories purchased from 3Gstore) from the experts at 3Gstore! (month-to-month customers will have access to our technical support during their 7-day trial only)

Are routers and antennas available for CLEAR modems? All of the CLEAR devices work with any of the Cradlepoint 4G routers sold by 3Gstore. Having a 4G router will allow you to share your CLEAR 4G internet service with all of your computers and WiFi enabled devices such as the iPod touch. If you purchase your CLEAR 4G service from 3Gstore.com with a 2-year contract, you will receive an instant $20 discount off any router AND we will update your Cradlepoint router to configure it for 4G devices so that it will work with your CLEAR device right out of the box! As for antennas, unfortunately, at this time no products exist to boost WiMAX signal. However, once they do become available, customers who signed up for a 2-year CLEAR contract through 3Gstore will be eligible for discounts on signal boosting equipment, too!

Why buy CLEAR from 3Gstore? 3Gstore's customer service and support staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to provide suggestions and find solutions for a huge variety of customer needs. With a 2-year CLEAR contract, you will have unlimited access to our superior 4G support for free for the life of your product (month-to-month customers will only have access to 3Gstore tech support during their 7-day trial period). What makes 3Gstore's tech support superior? Our technicians live in the US and use this equipment and service on a daily basis, so they can resolve your issues from their years of experience with mobile broadband services. We also support Mac OS X!

If you are ready to purchase CLEAR 4G service, you may do so at our CLEAR 4G Order Form.

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• Order CLEAR securely from 3Gstore
• CLEAR service plans comparison chart
• Why buy from 3Gstore.com?
• Discuss CLEAR on the 4G Forums

 

Verizon Wireless imagines that its coming LTE mobile broadband network will run all kinds of devices such as tablet computers, home appliances, automobiles, smart phones and televisions that you may not necessarily get from a Verizon store.

And because so many devices in one household could be connected to its network, the nation’s largest wireless service operator thinks the days of flat-rate plans may be over, according to Verizon chief technology officer Dick Lynch in an interview Thursday at the Consumer Electronics Show. Instead, the company will probably charge a base rate for its users and allow multiple authenticated devices to be attached to its network. Then it will charge by how much bandwidth is used by a provider – a business model known as usage-based pricing.

“The problem we have today with flat-based usage is that you are trying to encourage customers to be efficient in use and applications but you are getting some people who are bandwidth hogs using gigabytes a month and they are paying something like megabytes a month,” Lynch said. “That isn’t long-term sustainable. Why should customers using an average amount of bandwidth be subsidizing bandwidth hogs?”

And with so many consumer electronics tapping into the Web, many of those devices running on Verizon’s network won’t be sold through the company. They will be bought from the Best Buys of the retail world or directly through the Web, similar to what Google announced it would do earlier this week with its new Nexus One phone, Lynch said.

“The whole paradigm of how we sell devices into the public is changing,” Lynch said. “At the same time that we announced LTE, we announced an open development initiative where we encouraged third-party developers to deploy devices on our network.”

Verizon said it has launched LTE markets in Boston and Seattle but they aren’t ready for customers. By the end of the year, the company expects that its LTE high-speed Internet network will cover a population area size of 100 million people. AT&T is on track to also deploy its own LTE network in tandem with Verizon Wireless. Newcomer Clearwire, which is a WiMax ultra high-speed network, has had a head start, covering several major cities and markets already.