James may be enjoying the MiFi on Verizon’s network, but Sprint customers don’t have to feel disconnected. The MiFi 2200 is unsurprisingly arriving on Sprint’s EVDO network the first week of June. Pricing is the same as Verizon customers enjoy: $99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year data plan. Just like the Verizon version, you can share your 3G data connection over Wi-Fi with other devices, but there are two key differences in the Sprint offering.
One is in the pricing plans. Verizon is offering a $15 daily plan with their version, while Sprint isn’t. For $149.99 per month, Sprint customers can use the MiFi with the Simply Everything + Mobile Broadband plan. That bundle includes 5GB of 3G data on the MiFi and unlimited text, picture and video messaging, GPS navigation, email and web surfing on your Sprint handset. Sprint is also leveraging GPS capabilities of the MiFi, while Verizon has made no mention of any such feature.
I see Sprint getting a lot of my money in June ;-)
I don’t live in the US but $150 per month seems like a lot – especially when you’re limited to 5Gb at slow 3G speeds. Also, what does the GPS navigation bit give you that is worth paying for?
Sorry I hit Reply before I could add that I’d really like one of these Mifi thingys. Hopefully they’ll be available this side of the pond before too long.
The $150 a month is for both the MiFi and a fully-featured smartphone plan. If you want just the MiFi, it’s $59.99 a month just like Verizon charges. I suspect the GPS would be used similar to an externally connected GPS device, i.e.: you could use it with navigation software on a connected device.
The GPS part is interesting but wondering how it would work over a wifi connection? Over a USB cable connection it would need to setup a com port for the gps, but not sure this function could be used over wifi.
James/Kevin does the model you have look like it has a sim card slot, probably blanked off on the Verizon version. If not does it look like it can be taken apart to remove any existing sim card? I’m not sure how easy these will be to hack, particularly as they will have firmware locked to the carriers 3G access point. Hmmm, will wait till TnkGrl gets hold of one. :-)
Jake, you’re obviously not on a CDMA carrier, Sprint and Verizon do not have “slow 3G speeds.” Also, you do not pay for the GPS, it is included in the plan(s).
So Kevin, will these 150$ also apply for a fully featured plan for Palm-Pre?
why Simply Everything? seems like Everything Data should be enough
Same price as Verizon… I think I’ll take Verizon. I currently use Sprint’s Compass 597 USB modem and was grandfathered in at $50. But if I want to get the MiFi, I have to renew with the $60 plan or pay full price (which I’ve already done for the 597). In this case, I’m going to Verizon for their better customer service.
BTW, I just checked Ebay to see if I can off-load my 597 to help offset the MiFi and see that its currently going for below $10. I guess with the user base dwindling, damand is now shot too. Another reason for me to go to Verizon, resale value.
I already have a data card (PC Card) that I pay $60/month for now. That combined with my cell bill (2 phones) is totaling $150/Month now.
Nowadays you can buy a decent netbook computer for 240$. Spending 150$ on connectivity sounds so bad.
yes … even if it is for the fully featured package for the smartphone that you own.
So, this is essentially the same (function-wise)- as my Cradlepoint/Compass 597 solution…is that right?
Yes, but smaller, all in one and better battery life.
If I were planning on grabbing a MiFi and a Palm Pre, Everything Data should be good enough for me since I don’t use all that many minutes.
Plus, it would make more sense to use different carriers in case one lacks coverage at the time.
But then you sign a 2-year contract for two different carriers.
Sprint: 450 min + Data for the Palm Pre = $70/mo
Verizon: MiFi = $60/mo
$130/mo
Most likely, if I were going to go with two plans, it’d go Palm Pre + next gen iPhone at $140/mo total..
Use the Palm Pre w/ Bluetooth tethering with Sprint. Jailbreak the iPhone and use PdaNet with AT&T while also having the ability to remove the SIM and use it in another device.
The MiFi is still very tempting though.