Pontificnation

The folks at WiFiRanger are having an End of Year clearance sale and the WiFiRanger is just $99.95 for a limited time.

The 'alexsian' coupon code is still working, saving you an extra $20!
(02/20/11 -- unfortunately, my coupon code is no longer valid)

So for as long as the sale is on, you can land a WiFiRanger for just $79.95 plus shipping!

For more information, check out the WiFiRanger Router Review

Just discovered a very cool iOS app that can simultaneously display cellular coverage for four major USA carriers at the same time.

It work's great on iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone and requires iOS 4.2 or higher.

Future versions are likely to include 4G coverage, and there may be a version for Android devices.

For more information, check out the developer's website at technomadia.com

(click image for larger view in new window)

WiFiRanger is a new player in the mobile broadband router business, and their first product has only been out about a month.

The WiFiRanger is unique in that along with being a Cable/DSL, 3G and 4G mobile broadband router, it can also serve as a WiFi repeater.

Roadwarriors like those in the RV community will appreciate that they no longer need multiple pieces of technology to connect to all the internet sources they can encounter on the open road, and that a single piece of hardware will now let them network their computers with minimal fuss.

Check out my full hands on WiFiRanger Router Review for more information.

Want to save $20 on your WiFiRange purchase?
use alexsian as a coupon code during checkout!

(02/20/11 -- unfortunately, my coupon code is no longer valid)

UPDATE: as of 01/31/2011, a Mac OS X version of VZAccess Manager is available for the Verizon 4G Pantech UML290.

Mac users with a UML290 can download VZAM at: http://vzam.net/download/supported.aspx

A user named willzzz on howardforums recently posted this information:

If you want to use the UML290 on the Mac/Linux/UNIX/other-platforms you can now do so if you have the engineering knowledge or a little know-how:
Quick Notes: Verizon 4G LTE uses the GSM APN authentication method through a GGSN (similar to AT&T) and 3G (1X/EVDO) traditional uses the HA CDMA method. The old CDMA authentication method has been posted years before so I won't repost that.
You WILL NOT GET SUPPORT UNTIL THE OFFICIAL VZACCESS Software comes out on the Mac.


4G LTE GSM General Device Settings-
Phone Number: PhoneNumber
Account name: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Password: vzw

Advanced Settings-
Carrier: Generic
Model: GPRS (GSM/3G)
APN: vzwinternet
CID: 1

Click OK, then connect and enjoy.

So on the Mac connection manager (generic apple), make a profile for your UML290 hardware, should be a modem. Make a GSM connection profile with the above. Phone number is your data-stick phone number (fake phone number, used for system identification, get it from VZAccess or your account page online). Account name is " This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ". (Basically add @vzw4g.com to your phonenumber. Password is "vzw", same as 3g CDMA. In GSM/3G/4G carrier use generic (no special parameters). Model is GPRS (GSM/3G, same as 4G). GSM APN is "vzwinternet". CID is 1 if your drivers need it.

FYI: here's a speedtest in North Dallas from indoor location with my desktop Mac Pro:

As a diehard Mac user, I just had to try and make Verizon's new 4G USB UML290 modem work with my MacBook Pro... but I only got close.
I started with the modem fresh from the Verizon store, which I presumed was not activated in any way.
Inserting it into my MBP caused a popup alert that a new network interface option was available. That was a good sign!
Unfortunately, nothing I tried could get the modem to activate or connect, so I went on to activate it in windows vista.
After I was sure the UML290 was working in Vista, I brought the modem back to my MBP, but it still would not connect.
Then, I downloaded the latest VZAM for the latest pantech modem to have Mac support: the UMW190.
Installing VZAM for the UMW190 got me closer since that version of VZAM does appear to install drivers for UML290 and will recognize it as a device, presenting the user with a "Connect" button in VZAM.

Sadly, thats as far as I got. Each attempt to connect fails. I had hoped it would at least connect to 3G... nope.
My MBP is running SL 10.6.4 and I'll try again after updating to 10.6.5 and even rolling back to 10.5

This morning, Verizon had a conference call and tweet session to announce launch details for their new "built from the ground up" 4G network.

Initial pricing and devices:

-- 5gb for $50/month
-- 10gb for $80/month
-- $10/GB overage for either

These plans are the same as recent 3G data plan changes for MiFi, but there do not appear to be any 'no-contract' options.

VZW will have Pantech USB modem available on Sunday, December 5th, only at Verizon stores.
The LG 4G modem comes soon after and other brands/models coming later.

Both the Pantech and LG will cost $99.99 after $50 MIR, on 2-year contracts (no-contract options don't exist yet)

The 4G modems ARE going to be 3G backwards compatible.

In my opinion, this backwards compatibility explains why current 3G USB modems were excluded from earlier 3G data plan announcements.

VZW reinforced that they have the necessary spectrum to provide coast-to-coast coverage with their new 4G network.

They consider their new 4G network to be highly complementary to their existing 3G network.

Customers should expect 5 to 10mb downloads and 2 to 5mb uploads, representing what they call "up to ten times" the performance of their 3G network. 4G latency should be "about half" of what their 3G customers currently experience, and they claim it will feel more like wired service.

The session focused mostly on dedicated data service, but some info did come out about voice service on LTE.

They plan on having the first LTE phones by end of first half of 2011, and will provide simultaneous voice and data by pushing voice over 3G.

Planned improvements over time do NOT include faster maximum speeds... it sounds like they plan on offering "up to 10mbs" download for the time being.

Its rumored that Verizon Wireless will soon be offering tiered data plans as add on feature to their voice plans for feature phones and smart phones.

Here is a breakdown of those tiered rates based on information published by engadget:

Q: What are the new 3G data plan options?

A: Customers may choose from the following 3G Device Data plans:

3G Feature Phones -- $1.99 pay as you go or $15 monthly access for 150 or 150 MB ($15/150 MB overage) or $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.

3G Smartphones Plans – $15 monthly access for 150 MB ($15/150 MB overage) or $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.

3G Tablet Plans – $20 monthly access for 1 GB ($20/1 GB overage), $35 monthly access for 3 GB ($10/ 1 GB overage); $50 monthly access for 5 GB ($10/1 GB overage) and $80 for 10 GB ($10/1G overage).

3G Netbooks/Notebooks Built-In Plans – $50 monthly access for 5 GB ($10/1 GB overage) or $80 monthly access for 10 GB ($10/1 GB overage).

MiFi 2200 and Five Spot Mobile – $50 monthly access for 5 GB ($10 /1 GB overage), $80 for 10 GB ($10/1G overage) or as part of a 90-day promotion $35 monthly access for 3 GB ($10/1 GB overage).

There is lots more Q&A and analysis at the original engadget post.

Verizon recently announced that starting September 28th, they will be selling premium smartphones like the Droid X for use on their Pre-Paid service.

Reports indicate that on the PrePaid service, the DroidX will cost $395 and a $45/mo plan would provide for 450 minutes per month with no text messages.

Unlimited data to the phone would cost the same $30/mo that 2-year contract customers can get.

With Verizon's 4G service expected to roll out in 30 cities this year and more cities over the coming 12-18mos, many who want a new 3G smartphone right now, consider PrePaid service to be a smarter idea, rather than sign up for a 2-year contract. photo By ???¼