Sprint 3G/4G USB Device U301 (Sprint)

Excellent Mobile Broadband Card April 9, 2010

Reviewer:  Amazon Shopper "Tom" 

I bought this mobile broadband card and the 3G/4G data plan to go with it to replace a 3G card/plan from AT&T (NOTE: I bought this directly from Sprint - I did not buy this through Amazon). After several months of using this, I can say I am very glad I made this switch. I use this card in a major metropolitan area (Chicago) that has both 3G and 4G. I have been very impressed with the 3G. I find it to be very fast, much, much faster than AT&T's ridiculously slow 3G network. In fact, I find it to be nearly as fast as the fastest DSL speeds I used to get at home (before I got a cable modem). It is also very reliable. I can count on one hand the number of times I have been disconnected in the past several months. AT&T would disconnect me about five or six times an hour! This card also gets a strong 3G signal in areas that AT&T was never able to get any signal, even deep within the concrete-filled train station. The card itself has a swivel connection, making it very easy to connect to any USB port without it being in the way or sticking out.

Unlike the 3G performance, the 4G experience has not been as impressive. While the 4G is noticeably faster, it is not that much faster and I certainly don't see the 10 times faster speeds that are quoted in some advertising. In addition, although this varies dramatically from day to day, the 4G disconnects/drops the signal about three or four times an hour for me on average. It re-connects automatically within a minute but it is annoying. Also, despite being well within the 4G coverage map, there are several areas that simply do not get a 4G connection at all. If the 3G wasn't so impressive, I might be a little disappointed with this card based solely on the 4G performance. In fact, there are many days where I don't even bother with the 4G network and just stay on the 3G network.

I also want to say a word about Sprint itself. I have been very impressed with this company. I ordered this card on a Saturday night and it arrived on Monday afternoon. Set up was easy and everything worked perfectly on the first try. Online account management was easy to setup and worked immediately. My initial bill and all subsequent bills were exactly correct. All of this contrasts significantly from my AT&T experience.

In summary, this is an excellent mobile broadband card, an excellent mobile broadband plan, and an excellent company. I am very pleased with this purchase.

No Activation in many areas July 21, 2010

Reviewer:  Hollis Golightly "Hollis"  (San Jose, CA USA) -

Before you buy this device, check to see if the activation database is working in your area. Supposedly I'm in one of the areas (and there are lots) that does not have a database that is working to activate the card. After being on three calls, each escalating to tech support people that seem to know more they tried everything for over four hours cumulative before a guy was able to say, "oh yeah, there is a problem in many areas around the country where the device won't activate. We're working on it." A week later and they are still working on it.

I've been with Sprint for years. I even like most of what they do, but they are so lame at customer support. If you can hear them, the first people you talk to, have no clue. If you go off their script, they get flustered. It usually takes one or two escalations before you can find someone that knows sort of what's going on. And each time you get transferred you have to redo your pin codes, security questions, phone numbers, etc. They give the impression that they are a low tech third world company. Embarrassing, actually.

Good product but 4G network does not live up to its expection May 13, 2010

Reviewer:  S. Chatterjee "Lifescool"  (Chicago, USA) -

I got my first 4G data card. The installation was easy and I could get it up and running in about 10 minutes.

I did check with Sprint on the coverage before I bought the data card and was informed by the Sales Rep - that I had 4G coverage where I live but when I tried using the device, there was no 4G signal only 3G. This is a bummer...

I spoke to Sprint Tech Support and they mentioned that my area should have the coverage shortly as all the other zip codes surrounding my zip code has 4G coverage. I guess I have to wait and see...

Next I checked 4G coverage in my office (Sprint website says that 4G is available). For some reason I could not connect to 4G in the morning but got two bars in the afternoon. When the device finally connected, the connection speed was awesome and I just love it when it is working but the connection is spotty and does not live up to its expectation.

I contacted Sprint customer service and they want me to exchange it at a store as they feel that the device is fault.

Takeaway
- Check to make sure that you have 4G coverage in your area and confirm it yourself on Sprint's website.
- Desktop S/W is ok - it could be better designed and would love to be able to minimize it but it just stays on the task bar
- You would need to use the USB adapter to enable using of the USB ports (the device is big and blocks the port next to it)

Reminds me of 2400baud dial up modem April 22, 2011

Reviewer:  SneekySnake 

If you remember the days of 2400baud external dial up modem then this will be a close match. Numerous disconnects, modem won't initialize, must unplug/replug, and reboot often. Can't wait for my sprint contract to expire!

u301 - Good product - could be better May 5, 2010

Reviewer:  S. Chatterjee "Lifescool"  (Chicago, USA) -

[[ASIN:B0032JTPNO Sprint 3G/4G USB Device U301 (Sprint)]]

I got my first 4G data card yesterday. The installation was easy and I could get it up and running in about 10 minutes.

I did check with Sprint on the coverage before I bought the data card and was informed by the Sales Rep - that I had 4G coverage where I live but when I tried using the device, there was no 4G signal only 3G. This is a bummer...

I spoke to Sprint Tech Support and they mentioned that my area should have the coverage shortly as all the other zip codes surrounding my zip code has 4G coverage. I guess I have to wait and see...

Next I checked 4G coverage in my office (Sprint website says that 4G is available). For some reason I could not connect to 4G in the morning but got two bars in the afternoon. When the device finally connected, the connection speed was awesome and I just love it when it is working.

Takeaway
- Check to make sure that you have 4G coverage in your area and confirm it yourself on Sprint's website.
- Desktop S/W is ok - it could be better designed and would love to be able to minimize it but it just stays on the task bar
- You would need to use the USB adapter to enable using of the USB ports (the device is big and blocks the port next to it)