Wednesday, 02 November 2011 13:35
Cradlepoint released firmware version 1.9.0 yesterday for older legacy routers like the MBR900, MBR1000 and MBR1200. This latest update adds new modem support as well as new WAN verification by changing some DNS and ping settings. This release is also aimed at adding stability to Verizon LTE customers that have been experiencing random disconnect issues. Previously customers that had been using the Pantech UML290 with an older router suffered issues after Verizon released a firmware update for the modem, but now customers using .242 firmware on their UML290 can use their router. 3Gstore is still testing the latest firmware build so we don't recommend upgrading, unless you're having disconnect issues with your current configuration. If you haven't purchased a router yet, we recommend looking at Cradlepoint's new NetBSD based routers. These are the latest models released and will see firmware updates quicker than the older platform, which finally got an update after a 5 month hiatus. By comparison the newer NetBSD platform has been receiving consistent updates every 1-3 months. If you've already upgraded to 1.9.0 firmware let us know how it's working for you on EVDOForums - Cradlepoint 1.9.0 [Success/Failure] thread
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Tuesday, 01 November 2011 13:35
Cricket Communications should be launching their 4G LTE network soon and is on track according to their third-quarter earnings call on Monday. Cricket CEO Doug Hutcheson said "The introduction of LTE is now an increase in priority for the business, and I'm pleased to report we're on track," and "We expect our first LTE market launch shortly." They hope to have a commercial trial market up and running before the end of the year. The new MVNO relationship with Sprint will allow them to upgrade to 4G quikcly and they plan to blanket 25 million POPs by the end of 2012.
Monday, 31 October 2011 16:14
 Starting next week, more AT&T customers will be able to enjoy fast 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) speeds on new devices – including the first AT&T 4G LTE smartphones – in even more markets. Key Facts- AT&T* introduced two new Android™ smartphones, the first to be AT&T 4G LTE-capable.
- HTC Vivid™ and Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™ will arrive in AT&T company-owned stores and online Nov. 6.
- AT&T 4G LTE service will launch Nov. 6 in Boston, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Athens, Ga.
- AT&T offers the only smartphones able to utilize both LTE and HSPA+ 4G speeds, for a consistently fast connection in and out of LTE areas.
- The Nov. 6 launches expand AT&T’s 4G LTE network to 9 markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, and it plans to reach 15 markets and 70 million Americans by year-end 2011.
- AT&T exceeds commitment to offer 20 4G devices in 2011, addition of LTE smartphones on Nov. 6 brings 4G total to 22.
- AT&T far exceeds commitment to deliver 12 Android devices in 2011; new LTE smartphones bring total to 21.
HTC Vivid Realize the full power of LTE on the HTC Vivid with fast web browsing, powered by a dual core 1.2 GHz processor and a brilliant 4.5-inch qHD display. Music and Android Market apps download and are ready in a snap, or photos and video are a breeze to upload after using the exceptional camera for low-light photos and full widescreen HD video. HTC Vivid features the acclaimed HTC Sense user experience, which includes a customizable active lockscreen that transforms the display into a real-time window to your most important information and content, such as social updates, photos, weather or stock updates that are viewed by simply waking up the display. Sharper graphics, vibrant animations and new widgets make HTC Sense better than ever and, by continuing to focus on the details, HTC provides a more cinematic and immersive multimedia experience with stunning imagery and audible weather effects. - 4.5-inch qHD display (540x960 pixels)
- 1.2 GHz dual-core processor
- Enhanced 8-megapixel camera with f2.2 28mm wide angle lens for low light photos
- 1080p HD video recording at 60 frames per second, slow motion playback and on-device trimmer to optimize social media uploads and memory space
- 16 GB of on-board memory, microSD expandable to an additional 32 GB
The HTC Vivid will arrive in AT&T company-owned retail stores and online Nov. 6 for $199.99 with a two-year commitment. Customers can learn more at www.att.com/speed. Samsung Galaxy S™ II Skyrocket™Lightning fast reflexes powered by a 1.5 GHz dual core processor and AT&T 4G LTE speeds make the Galaxy S II Skyrocket faster for Web browsing and all your favorite apps. A SuperAMOLED Plus display spanning 4.5-inches is the brightest, most colorful screen on the market. - 4.5-inch SuperAMOLED Plus display(800x480 pixels)
- Android Gingerbread (2.3.5)
- 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
- 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash, with 2-megapixel front-facing camera
- 1080p HD video recording
- 16 GB of on-board memory, microSD expandable to an additional 32 GB
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Wednesday, 26 October 2011 13:23
According to GTB Vodafone has just hosted the first interoperability test of VoLTE, which allows them to carry voice over 4G LTE. This technology is currently associated with data only, but will eventually become a better voice service just like 3G voice over 1xRtt. The organizations Multiservice Forum and GSM Association were involved in the trials at Vodafone test and innovation center in Düsseldorf. The core network products vice president at ZTE Wang Xiaogiang, indicated “We are pleased with the results of the MSF VoLTE interoperability test event because it has laid the foundation for actual deployment of VoLTE.” When VoLTE is available manufactures will be able to optimize handsets by no longer being forced to run a parallel network between 4G LTE for data and 3G for voice services.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011 16:46
Earlier this month we published our initial test results between the Wilson 700Mhz LTE amplifier and Cellphone-Mate 700Mhz Surecall amplifier. For all of our testing we used the products in the same test location, and the only difference was the amplifier that was used. In the video above you can see our official shootout of the two LTE amplifiers, and the performance they both deliver as well as the baseline performance. We were very impressed with the performance of both of the units and can find the break down below. Test Results:- UML290 Without Amplification - Signal -79dBm SINR 1.0dB Download 5.38Mbps Upload 2.14Mbps
- UML290 With Wilson 700Mhz Amp - Signal -41dBM SIRN 16.8dB Download 17.66Mbps Upload 5.57Mbps
- UML290 With Cellphone-Mate Amp - Signal -51dBm SIRN 22.2dB Download 19.38Mbps Upload 14.66Mbps
Obviously, both amplifiers worked VERY well to improve signal, SINR, and speeds. The CM700V was the clear winner when it came to improving performance, though. One important thing to note is that these amplifiers will both ONLY boost 4G Verizon LTE signal - they will NOT boost signal for voice, 2G, 3G, or any other carrier's 4G network - so these amplifiers are only appropriate if the ONLY signal you're concerned about is 4G LTE. If you've tried either the Cellphone-Mate CM700V or Wilson 801865 amplifier, share your experience on the EVDO Forums: Cellphone-Mate CM700V and Wilson 801865 amplifiers discussion
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Friday, 21 October 2011 13:39
(Image Courtesy of Engadget)
According to Engadget, Sprint plans to remove their unlimited data plans for their 3G/4G Mobile hotspots as well as wireless USB modems in November. This contradicts Sprint's Chief Technology Officer Stephen Bye who indicated " they plan to keep unlimited data plans", unless he was referring to Smartphones. Last month Sprint changed their policy with smartphone customers that use their phones as a mobile hotspot, which is no longer unlimited either. In November when this change happens customers enjoying unlimited 4G WiMAX will no longer have that luxury and will be billed $.05/MB for going over their limit. Let us know in the comments below on what you think about Sprint's move to ditch unlimited data on their wireless modems!
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Friday, 21 October 2011 13:13
Verizon Wireless has officially launched 4G LTE in 22 new markets bringing them very close to their goal of 185 markets by years end. If you've been holding off on a new wireless device, it may be a good time to upgrade if you live in Birmingham, Alabama; Modesto and Stockton, California; Fort Myers, Florida; South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Elkhart and Goshen, Indiana; Sioux City, Iowa; Hagerstown, Maryland; Tupelo, Mississippi; Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico; Buffalo, New York; Asheville, North Carolina; Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Jackson and Martin, Tennessee; Greater Hampton Roads and Richmond, Virginia and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Verizon has also expanded coverage in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Erie, Pennsylvania. The next series of LTE markets are set to go live on November 17. and should include 13 markets slated for an LTE upgrade.
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