Sprint shipping free EV-DO femtocell to qualifying customers

posted by Alan F. / Aug 21, 2010, 12:31 AM

Sprint shipping free EV-DO femtocell to qualifying customers

Some Sprint customers who have problems connecting to the carrier's 3G EV-DO network are receiving an Airave femtocell for free. The product helps those unable to get a signal, connect to Sprint's 3G pipelines. Mark Elliott, a spokesman for the pin-dropping network said that the Airave Access Point is being sent to those with specific connection issues. According to Elliott, "Each customer situation is reviewed independently to determine whether the customer would qualify and benefit from Airave use. This is an updated Airave model, and does support Sprint 3G (EV-DO) data speeds." 6 simultaneous calls can be handled at one time with this unit.

While the femtocell is being shipped at no cost, once the user leaves Sprint, he must return the Airave to the carrier or else face a non-return fee. All phone calls, data and text that runs through the femtocell, will count toward the user's regular monthly plan. To put this offer into perspective, AT&T offers a femtocell called the 3G MicroCell for $150. Unlimited calls can be made for $20 per month although data is charged against the user's monthly data plan.

source: FierceWireless, Engadget

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11 Comments

1. JeffdaBeat unregistered

Now, I'm not a big fan having to give these out for free. I think if you want a dedicated service in your home, you should just get a landline. But it does wonders for customer service. When I saw that AT&T was doing it, I thought it was a great move for customers who don't get great reception. We may give crap to Sprint and AT&T when it has to do with service, but I love that AT&T is opening huge wifi hotstops in congested areas and Sprint giving out the femtocell as well...

posted on Oct 20, 2010, 1:48 AM 0

4. BlackberryUser

Posts: 609; Member since: Jun 26, 2009

Why should you have to pay for a landline and cell phone? Dedicated service in your home with a different number? One more numbers for customers to try after hours, I disagree with your statement 100%

posted on Aug 21, 2010, 1:13 PM 0

6. JeffdaBeat unregistered

...because no cellular carrier will guaranty that your phone will work indoors or around very tall buildings. Mobile phones are made to work when you are on the go whether we like it or not. That's one of the reasons why customers don't sue for lack of reception inside.

posted on Aug 21, 2010, 6:18 PM 0

2. Sellcell

Posts: 118; Member since: Mar 16, 2010

This article is a little behind times. Sprint has been doing this for customers for almost a yr now.

posted on Aug 21, 2010, 11:48 AM 0

3. Me unregistered

They have been giving out airaves but they were previously not 3G

posted on Aug 21, 2010, 12:17 PM 0

5. CRICKETownz

Posts: 980; Member since: Oct 24, 2009

Why not send out a WiMaxx 4G femtocell for those who are not currently livin in 4G coverage areas but are still paying for the service...(sarcasm)

posted on Aug 21, 2010, 4:21 PM 0

7. JeffdaBeat unregistered

Haha, you can...with 3 to 6mbps it's called DSL with wifi.

posted on Aug 21, 2010, 6:19 PM 0

8. kmjacobsen

Posts: 1; Member since: Aug 21, 2010

Just ordered mine, it will be here on Wednesday. The normal monthly charge of $4.99 is waived for two years when the unit is activated through account services. The no return cost is $100 if you leave Sprint and don't ship it back. Sweet deal! Now I will have five EVDO bars instead on none!

posted on Aug 21, 2010, 9:51 PM 0

9. GoofyGirl_77

Posts: 11; Member since: Oct 09, 2009

Thank you thank you thank you for posting this!!!! I just ordered mine and will have no fees ever for it! I'm so excited to actually get to make calls at my home now!!! Thanks again!!! ;)

posted on Aug 24, 2010, 11:18 AM 0

10. scvzw2

Posts: 32; Member since: Jun 20, 2010

Smdh at these ppl happy to be able to recieve reception in there homes with femtocell lol, you should rule the air with vzw and that problem dosent exsist! lol