2009 Sprint Mobile Broadband Review
For the most recent info, check out the 2010 Sprint Mobile Broadband Review
Sprint mobile broadband is one of the best 3G services you'll find out on the market right now. If you're a Mobile Broadband Buyer's Guide reader, you already know that they have the largest and best mobile broadband coverage.
The following is not an overstatement.
Sprint mobile broadband is one of the best 3G services you'll find out on the market right now. If you're a Mobile Broadband Buyer's Guide reader, you already know that they have the largest and best mobile broadband coverage. In addition to that, their average mobile broadband speed is better than Verizon and AT&T in a number of cities.
While their customer service needs some overhauling, we'll cover why that shouldn't affect your decision too much.
In this full review, we'll take a look at Sprint plans and prices, their speed, Sprint aircards as well as the Sprint coverage area for mobile broadband. We'll delve into the nitty gritty details of Sprint customer service and if they've improved since our last review. You'll find a snippet of each below with links to their respective detailed sections.
Let's get on with the show:
For all intents & purposes, you've got one plan. It's 5 Gigabytes for $59.99.
Last time, we covered how Sprint had a 40 MB plan and an unlimited plan. Since then, Sprint has done away with the lower tier plan and higher tier plan (go figure). For all intensive purposes, you've got one plan. It's 5 Gigabytes for $59.99.
Technically, there is another option. If you get their heavily marketed Simply Everything plan (Unlimited Voice, Text & Email for your phone only) you can add on mobile broadband for $49.99. That's $10 off the regular price. Technically, if you were already on the Simply Everything plan, you could save $120 a year. That's not all that bad.
Now how many houses will you have to mortgage if you go over the 5 Gigabytes? Read on for the gruesome details...
Sprint mobile broadband speed is similar to DSL and about ten times faster than using dialup.
Sprint advertises "average download speeds of 600-1400 Kbps, peaking at 3.1 Mbps, and 350-500 Kbps average upload speeds, peaking at 1.8 Mbps.
Similar to DSL, and about ten times faster than using a dial-up modem".
That's not a bad analogy.
But what about real-world examples? What are other people getting out there? How does it compare to DSL, Cable and WiFi Hotspots?
See what Sprint mobile broadband speed is really like.
Sprint Coverage Area & Reliability
Sprint has long claimed having the largest mobile broadband network. It's actually still true.
While you shouldn't expect to have Sprint 3G coverage everywhere, it'll have your back in just about any city and along just about every Interstate.
It's a great part of your toolkit if you're road warrior, trucker or RV'ing across the 50 states.
Read on to learn how I put the Sprint coverage area to the test over 1001 miles.
Sprint AirCards & Broadband Cards
Sprint has a variety of broadband cards for PC and Mac users alike. Sprint Broadband Cards come in quite the variety. For the netbook crowd, there are a number of USB broadband cards to choose from.
For those who like small form factors that probably won't break off, they've got ExpressCards with built-in GPS.
Don't worry Macbook fans, they've got you covered too. Read on to find out what Sprint broadband cards can do for you.
CEO Dan Hesse has been working since last year to improve Sprint customer service.Ahh yes, Sprint's Achilles heel.
Ever since the botched Nextel merger, things just haven't been the same. Even with Dan Hesse stepping up to bat as Sprint's CEO, Sprint still reported losing 1.3 million subscribers in the first quarter of 2009.
But wait? What's this? There stock went up 19%. Learn how Sprint stock market value rose even while they got a 2 out of 5 rating for cusomer service.
If you're looking to see how Sprint compares to other providers, check out the Wireless Broadband Service Comparison.
Need more info? Check out the rest of the mobile broadband reviews.
