3G and WiFi dilemma

[N9JIG]

Here is my dilemma that I am hoping someone can help me with:

I have a Sierra Wireless 598 USP 3G wireless card with Sprint service. When I bought it it did not require the user to sign-in to connect, but after a firmware upgrade it did.

I bought a portable WiFi router to use with this card so that I could share the internet connection among a couple devices (my iPod, laptop etc.) and not tie up my only USB port on my laptop. Problem is that I can't get the portable router to initiate the Connect command on the 3G card.

Any ideas?

I wanted to trade up to a MiFi unit but my contract is still too fresh, it would cost $300 and add 2 more years to my contract...

 

[shaft]

What wifi router do you have? Any chance there is a firmware update for that as well that might address the issue you're having?

 

[N0YFE]

I completely understand the issues your having. I've experienced almost the same problem with switching from Sprint to Verizon with a KR1 router. The new aircard didn't want to work and we ended up having to get a new router.

I did a quick search and it looks like these may work Cradlepoint CTR500 and MBR1000 and you could also contact Sprit and see if they have a list of routers it will work with.

 

[E-Man]

I would consider purchasing a MiFi unit on Ebay, but before you do, get the s/n etc. from the seller, contact Sprint with that info, and make sure everything will fly. I do not believe they will force you into a contract renewal going this route? And it looks like the MiFi units are selling pretty cheap.

 

[datainmotion]

Here is my dilemma that I am hoping someone can help me with:

I have a Sierra Wireless 598 USP 3G wireless card with Sprint service. When I bought it it did not require the user to sign-in to connect, but after a firmware upgrade it did.

I bought a portable WiFi router to use with this card so that I could share the internet connection among a couple devices (my iPod, laptop etc.) and not tie up my only USB port on my laptop. Problem is that I can't get the portable router to initiate the Connect command on the 3G card.

Any ideas?

Okay so I'll bite and ask the dumb question...did you ask Sprint Tech Support about how to get around this? Does anything in Sprint's written policy discourage or forbid what you are trying to do?
Sprint's updates are notorious for causing undesired results and behavior with these USB devices. While we can assume that the log-in may have been a planned change on their part, it would be worth a call in my opinion

 

[N9JIG]

Thanks All!

I tried a friends CradlePoint and it worked with that one.

I did call Sprint Support and they could not get it to work, nor would they upgrade me to a MiFi for free ($225 now, $150 a few more months into my contract.)


As it turns out though I decided to end my Sprint contract early, pay the buyout and will let my work get me a card if they want me to have one. There is enough free WiFi out there these days to take care of my needs.

 

[newsphotog]

Thanks All!

I tried a friends CradlePoint and it worked with that one.

I did call Sprint Support and they could not get it to work, nor would they upgrade me to a MiFi for free ($225 now, $150 a few more months into my contract.)


As it turns out though I decided to end my Sprint contract early, pay the buyout and will let my work get me a card if they want me to have one. There is enough free WiFi out there these days to take care of my needs.

Not sure if you still have a voice plan, and if so, is it with Sprint or someone else? FWIW, Verizon is now offering free mobile hotspot (wifi) on the Palm Pre Plus for free.