Verizon's USB720 EV-DO Rev A dongle plays catch-up to Sprint

Sprint's been pushing its Novatel U720 Rev A USB modem for a couple months now, but we suppose it's not too terribly late for Verizon to join in with its own rebadged unit, the USB720. Not a lot of surprises here, the two units are fairly identical, straight down to the USB y-cable to boost reception. Verizon does win some points for including Mac support out of the box, whereas Sprint just got that a couple of weeks ago, but the $130 post-rebate pricetag (Sprint's U720 goes for $50 after rebate) isn't helping the USB720 out, especially considering those hefty Verizon data rates. Of course, none of this is official yet -- we're going off of what look to be leaked internal documents -- so perhaps Verizon will loosen up a bit on the pricetag before it starts selling these for reals. Purported launch dates are February 1st for B2B, and February 15th for retail.

[Derek Punsalan @ Jan 27th 2007 11:17PM]

Where is this Mac OS X support from Sprint that you mentioned in the post? I have yet to see any official software released for OS X by Sprint.

[Han Solo @ Jan 28th 2007 12:22AM]

FYI... as long as MacOS recognizes the device as a modem (like Linux does), then you don't need any software.


I have used both Sprint and Verizon devices in Linux and they are just simple modems that you use your normal built-in old fashioned PPP dialup connections with.

Sure they have pretty software for Windowz users with blinkin lights and stuff...but its all bullshit. Its just a PPP dialer.

[CraigF @ Jan 28th 2007 12:02AM]

Count me in with the people looking for official Mac support for the Sprint U720.

[nick @ Jan 28th 2007 11:55AM]

We tested both Sprint and Verizon EVDO cards last year, and found that Verizon had better coverage-- not sure if that's still the case. Haven't tried the newer cards yet, although I am receiving a new Verizon card this week or next to test. Not sure I'll be able to test Sprint again.

[Ryan @ Jan 30th 2007 3:55PM]

I have used the Sprint version on my MacBook with great success...you do have to "lock" the modem (simple installation with included CD) with a PC, though.

[Billy Tickets @ Jan 31st 2007 9:52PM]

I am using the Sprint card today at the Super Bowl as part of my job at www.tixx.com I travel to all the major events its great to have email fax and phone all working off of a Sprint connection EVDO rocks! I can even request better super bowl tickets all day long from the main office!

[William @ Mar 1st 2007 12:46PM]

I just purchased a verizon usb 720. Tried to install it on my new HP 64bit laptop. Will not install on 64bit. Any suggestion?
I hear that the sprint usp 720 will.