EVDO Service: Verizon or Sprint?
Here's a simple question I present for your consideration and input: I need to get another EVDO subscription. Verizon or Sprint? I've used both, both have the Novetel USB stick I want, and they both seem to have roughly similar coverage areas.
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Do your research and make sure the phone you want supports EVDO Rev. A, and that Rev. A is available in your area.
I'm kind of upset at Sprint because they've been promising both Rev. A and GPS for my phone for months on end and I'm still waiting. Their standard EVDO service is pretty good, but I'd sort of like to get the features I'm paying out, the um, antenna for.
Verizon has decent service in big cities, but their Terms Of Service are stifling! Hope you don't plan on, you know, downloading or streaming anything... because that's verboten. Along with using VoIP, webcams, or "automatic data feeds" (rss?).
I dislike Verizon because their coverage in my area is spotty, but more importantly because they are very restrictive about what features they allow the phones on their network to utilize. My BB 8130 has GPS, but it's firmware locked (and is 1024-bit encrypted) so the only application that can use it is the bullshit 'VZ Navigator' that costs $10/mo. BB Maps and Google Maps can't even see the device.
i've use verizon for evdo, they all suck, they suck 1% less.
I investigated both a couple of years ago. After providing a plausible (and almost true) cover story about being the decider for about 50 mobile users, they both came through with 30 day trials.
Bottom line then was that the coverage was equivalent in my area (just about as many places where V failed but S worked and vice versa), and I got better speed at lower cost from Sprint so I went with them.
I haven't done any speed checks lately, but my service seems to be slower during the day now. It picks up during off hours, so I suspect they're oversold a bit around here - but I have no idea if it's the same where you are or if Verizon is any different.
I've heard Verizon's network was a bit oversold. I have Sprint and for about a year was my sole internet source at home. It's been great and even works well on the high speed trains on the East coast.
If you decide to go with Sprint check out their SERO plans for friends and family.
Sprint.com/SERO
Email address to enter savins@sprintemi.com
I am not sure what Novatel card you want(they show 3) but you can get one for 99.99 and then monthly EVDO service at 49.99! This price is I believe $30 cheaper than VZW.
I used Sprint before and had a pretty good experience.
Josh, that would be perfect, but for some reason they say plans aren't available in my area.
Ah, it appears the Novatel USB model I want is for sale, but not tied to the SERO plan for some reason. Looks like more of a bug than any real reason.
If you want to stream anything, Verizon upload speeds are terrible in Denver (haven't seen above 100kb/s). They will also shut down your service if you exceed a monthly data transfer threshold, my rep said 5 gigs.
I ended up going with the SERO plan. (Legitimately, too, as I know a few Sprint employees.) Not a fan of the two-year contract, but I *am* a fan of EVDO Rev. A!
(And I got the U727 when I called them on the phone. Don't know why the web site wouldn't allow it.)
Try Alltel, great coverage, decent rates, been with them 5 years.
Adding a pretty reasonably priced data plan lets you go with a wifi card for the laptop or use an appropriate phone as a modem
(my case a Palm 700wx)
Oh never mind, I see you have a hair trigger.....try a pressure bandage on that wound.
Go with VZW. Their entire network is EV-DO now, while Sprint's is still 1xRTT in some areas.
Coverage will be almost identical -- probably better with VZW.
This info comes from personal experience and years of reading with the geeks on HoFo.
Verizon hobbles their phones and limits their users much worse than Sprint. I just got a Centro and it works nicely when I need EVDO.