Sprint's Airave signal booster in the wild, on sale nationwide this month?

Considering that the last time Sprint's Airave was even relevant was when a smattering of folks bought one in Denver and Indianapolis, like, last September, here's a quick refresher on what this thing does. Similar to T-Mobile @home, this box plugs into one's broadband connection and essentially acts as a mini cell tower within your house, which will certainly make folks in a fringe zone with no option for Roam Only (feel our pain, Instinct owners?) quite happy. For whatever reason, the carrier has dilly-dallied around with this thing forever, and even if whispers prove true and it launches on July 15th for $99 (on top of a monthly fee for unlimited minutes, we hear), we have to wonder if anyone will even bite. Two more shots in the read link.

[Ignatius @ Jul 1st 2008 8:59AM]

I can only honestly thing of ONE person I know that this would benefit. He only gets reception when his cell phone is placed in the window of his kitchen.

[austin @ Jul 1st 2008 9:00AM]

ok.....
cool?

[Ace b @ Jul 1st 2008 9:37AM]

why doesn't att jump in on this band wagon?Then I would actually want to stay with them instead of wanting t switch to either verizon or tmobile.

[Deekoi @ Jul 1st 2008 10:48AM]

They should be giving these out for free! or at a low cost! $99 is fine but if they tag on a monthly fee... they are just asking for failure... Who is going to pay to get a carrier only to pay more to get signal for that carrier.

[jjd @ Jul 1st 2008 2:03PM]

If, as several people below have suggested, that you only need to pay a monthly fee if you want unlimited calling, I'd happily pay a one-time $99 fee for the box to fix my reception problems at home.

[Mweb @ Jul 1st 2008 9:10AM]

I would love one of these. I live out in the country, and every time I try and use my cell phone it ends up making me look suicidal beacuse I'll be standing on the railing of my +15 feet high deck.

It's too bad I don't have sprint, ATT needs one of these.

[Randall Guerette @ Jul 2nd 2008 7:17AM]

AT&T has signed a huge agreement with ip.access for their femotocell solution, but are only at the start of testing in a few larger areas.

[Kenny Biffter @ Jul 1st 2008 9:13AM]

But can it play Crysis?

[Dave @ Jul 1st 2008 9:17AM]

Sweet... I can pay a monthly fee to fix sprints spotty coverage... wow.. what a deal..


fail

[DonatoM3 @ Jul 1st 2008 12:39PM]

Actually in my case it isn't spotty sprint reception. Everywhere outside of my house the reception is great. Inside my house it's piss poor. But it isn't only Sprint. My friends have Tmobile, Verizon, and AT&T. In fact they all get worse reception in my house than any of my sprint phones do. There's gotta be something with the construction of my house. I want to get one of these just without the unlimited plan to increase my sprint reception so I stop killing my battery while sitting down in my living room.

[Cactus @ Jul 1st 2008 12:48PM]

You're paying a monthly fee to get free unlimited minutes when you're using the device's signal, like T-Mobile's "@Home" UMA service.

If you're just interested in boosting your signal at home, most industry insider sites suggest you don't need to pay the monthly fee -- but then you'd be using your plan minutes.

You fail at failing.

[CubeGuy @ Jul 1st 2008 9:20AM]

At least there's a coupon for free keemo in the box.

[rajja @ Jul 1st 2008 9:22AM]

how are they going to charge me a monthly fee!! Because it will not just boost my service but everyone near it, if they power the network correctly we wouldn't have this problem. The iphone is looking better and better.... O yea HURRY UP WITH MY BOLD

[BigBloke @ Jul 1st 2008 9:23AM]

2 Things:

1) Whoever owns the desk had better do a clean up some time soon. My complaint is the last sheet under that pile.

2) Lose the blotter. I mean really, who could work with such a blotter on their desk. No wonder they are not organised, being constantly blinded by that motif an all...

As for the minicell tower, no opinion

[Nick Catalano @ Jul 1st 2008 9:30AM]

Cheaper than a lot of CDMA-repeaters and probably a hell of a lot easier to setup. So yeah, quite a few people will bite. Especially if they make it easy to setup for offices.

[Rick Richman @ Jul 14th 2008 4:31PM]

I wholly agree!!! There must be a heck of a lot of wireless subscribers (I use Verizon) as immensely frustrated as I've been for years being unable to obtain a viable signal inside their homes. LIke so many others experiencing in-home signal problems, It isn't as if I live in the "middle of nowhere"; I live in a densely populated (and rapidly growing) southern suburb of Dayton, Ohio. Coverage outside of my condo is just fine, but signal strength disappears once inside my home.

With apologies to "Field of Dreams" I believe that many people will, indeed, bite: "if you build it, people will come"

I'd really love to know how many others out there share my frustration and would gladly pay a reasonable extra cost to obtain a reliable 5-bar signal at home. I'm ready to open my wallet even though I've been without employment for 3 years!!! I also wonder just how many people have heard about Femtocells. I consider myself reasonably informed when it comes to wireless communications, yet I only learned about Femtocells within the past 6 weeks...while I've experienced poor indoor signals now for years!!! Yep, once broadly publicized, people will "bite"!!

If Sprint does, indeed, beat Verizon in a nationwide release of Femtocells, I can only hope the CTO and the "number-crunchers" within Verizon shake in their boots for fear of a mass exodus to carriers deploying Femtocells.

My inability to make use of paid-for wireless minutes inside my condo forces me to use MCI for long-distance calls, costing an extra $25-$35 per month. Again, I'd have to think that others with similar in-home signal problems are paying $$ to their land-line long-distance carrier. As long as the price for Femtocell service is "reasonable", I firmly believe users will flock to obtain this service.

Brief editorial: after being marketed for 25 years now, it seems that cell coverage should cover 99%+ of the USA with strong, reliable signals that can be accessed both outside and inside buildings/residences!

[Jamar @ Jul 1st 2008 9:35AM]

The big thing I see this being used for is to cut down on international roaming rates. If you're in Seoul or something but don't feel like paying $.50+ per minute, plug this in and bam, home rates. Or say you're somewhere in Europe. No CDMA? Plug this in and bam!

[Timothy Sottek @ Jul 1st 2008 9:37AM]

"Our" pain?

Who at Engadget bought an Instinct?

I call shenanigans on THAT.

[Darren @ Jul 1st 2008 9:59AM]

That would be me, good sir.

[Cyque @ Jul 1st 2008 9:47AM]

From Wikipedia:

"It hooks into the customer's existing broadband connection, sending unlimited calls through the Internet."

So if it is a for real hotspot@home replacement that doesn't require a specifically qualified phone (and Sprint CMDA will do?) then you can replace your home line for $15 individual/$30 family per month with this thing? That becomes relevant for some people, especially if your corporate applies to all monthly fees.

[BluesK1d @ Jul 1st 2008 9:49AM]

Does anyone know what the monthly fee is likely to be? You'd think it should be quite low (or free) since you are going out of your way to purchase more equipment just to use the service you are already paying them for.

[Tom @ Jul 1st 2008 9:51AM]

While that would be ideal, unfortunately they have a gps on this thing that prevents people from using it in areas where Sprint doesn't have licensing agreements set up. So anything in Europe is definitely out of the question.

[Jamar @ Jul 2nd 2008 10:04AM]

Then I don't see much appeal in this thing. I don't think it'll last long.

[kneeyogi @ Jul 1st 2008 10:02AM]

If I recall correctly from previous articles, you pay for the device, but only pay the monthly fee if you want the unlimited at home minutes. If you just want better coverage but still use your minutes, I don't think you have to pay anything.
You will not be providing boosted coverage to everyone around you because this is not just a CDMA repeater. You can restrict who can use that connection (up to 30 total devices, up to 3 at any one time).

[Joe T. @ Jul 1st 2008 10:07AM]

So, I'm paying them a monthly fee for them to use my bandwidth that I'm already paying for? After buying the box?

No thanks.

[Chris @ Jul 21st 2008 10:58PM]

Joe,

You are paying for unlimited calling. You can talk all you want day or night and it does not take from your plan minutes. You are not paying for Sprint to use your bandwidth.

[john @ Jul 1st 2008 10:49AM]

I have confirmed this is a nationwide roll out on August 17th.

[dfi @ Jul 1st 2008 10:57AM]

I think the monthly fee is $10 for unlimited, but as someone pointed out if u just want to use your minutes, you can just buy the box for $99.

For someone would already has good coverage inside their home, but want unlimited phone calling this is pretty good.

For someone who has spotty coverage at home this would be good.

For someone who wants to replace their home landline, this would be good.

[dfi @ Jul 1st 2008 11:18AM]

actually its $15 a month for unlimited calls, not $10

[Chris @ Jul 1st 2008 11:21AM]

I have had one since Dec last year here in Denver and it works but I did get a call that I will start to be charged $10 a month for the unlimited calls. We will see how much longer I stay with Sprint.

[Kevin Smith @ Jul 1st 2008 11:41AM]

This is a good idea, just executed completely wrong.

T-Mo implimented a similar idea but utilized the UMA business method. Basically your phone uses your (or anyone elses) existing wireless router to make calls via your internet connection, similar to VOIP, if you will. When your phone connects to a wireless router it then uses that as a cell tower and VIOLA ... full signal depending on how far away from the wireless access point you are. This service comes at an additional cost of $10.00 a month (last i checked) and provides unlimited calls using this method.
Sprint, on the other hand, is trying to sell you ANOTHER electronic device to achieve the same results. The problem with this is...
1. they are selling you another device AND making money off it (why not sell it for manufacturing cost?)
2. you still need to pay the additional $15.00 a month to utilize this device for unlimited calling ( $15 to decongest your network and congest my resources VIA broadband?)
3. you can only utilize your purchased device. unlike the T-Mo method in which you can utilize ANY unsecured router or any secured router that you have the access key for.

After reading this you may think im a T-Mo fan boy ... im actually a Sprint customer ... i just know what makes good business sense and what doesnt.

Just my ideas :0)

[kneeyogi @ Jul 1st 2008 12:32PM]

While the T-Mobile method does require one less device, it also adds the restriction on which handsets you can use with it.
In terms of paying for the device and paying for the service, the way I see it, the only way this thing would be subsidized at all is if they got you to lock into a long-term contract, and that doesn't sound appealing at all for an accessory that may or may not give you the performance you were looking for.
There's no way you can just give the thing out for free because it costs them something to buy it, market it, brand, ship it, etc., and they only benefit from it if people use it. I'm struggling to think of any pricing model where a company has done something like that (aside from betas). The only thing similar would be something like renting a cable box, I think. I could be wrong though.

[TavisJohn @ Jul 1st 2008 11:43AM]

This is brilliant... Except for the fact that they are charging for the device AND a monthly fee. One or the other and I would probably snag it. However both, and they can bite me!

[dfi @ Jul 1st 2008 11:51AM]

Kevin Smith:

Of course the big catch with tmobile is you gotta buy a phone that has wifi support which precludes about 90% of all phones out there.

[Josh @ Jul 1st 2008 12:11PM]

Cellular carriers are trying to free up their backhaul - this has been going on for a while. Sprint should be giving out this to everyone who asks about it - customer or not! they will benefit from it the most.

Their networks are being overwhelmed with data packets.and this trend will only increase. Most base stations don't have fiber to them, just a couple of T1s so they can get congested very quickly. Ethernet backhaul is also gaining some ground as another way to handle traffic more effectively.

[Josh @ Jul 1st 2008 6:50PM]

Here's an article where they talk about Ethernet backhaul if you want to read more about it: http://www.internetevolution.com/author.asp?section_id=549&doc_id=150914&f_src=flffour

[bjsguess @ Jul 1st 2008 12:25PM]

Wonder if this can be used with a SERO plan to get unlimited minutes while at home. That would be $45/month for unlimited minutes + unlimited data + unlimited texts. Would be awesome for people who work from home. They could completely ditch their landlines and not stress about the hours they spend on conference calls.

Also, didn't hear any mention about compatible phones. Is it all WiFi enabled Sprint phones or only certain ones (like T-Mobile's offering with their H@H service)?

[DonatoM3 @ Jul 1st 2008 12:34PM]

BJs all CDMA phones are compatible. The airave doesn't use WiFi at all.

http://www.sprintenterprise.com/airave/faq.html

[kneeyogi @ Jul 1st 2008 12:36PM]

It's all modern Sprint phones, period. This doesn't sue WiFi at all (except maybe to connect the Airave to your router.

[kneeyogi @ Jul 1st 2008 12:33PM]

I just realized that this pricing is exactly how Vonage works, except they give you a rebate if sign a long-term contract.

Maybe Sprint isn't evil...

[stromm @ Jul 1st 2008 12:38PM]

So Sprint has told me that they don't guarentee "residential coverage". I found this out after moving into the middle of a huge green coverage area. None of my family's phones (all different models) get anything but minor broken service between the front door and 5 feet straight out the back door. With the closest Sprint tower not three-quarters of an unobstructed mile away from my house, I was stunned.

Sprint sent a tech out with this backpack device and a wand antenna. He found that my house (along with others in line) fall within a narrow fan of no-service. At 1 mile from the tower, it's about 100' wide. Since there's only about 15 homes in the total length of the fan and I'm the only one with Sprint (9 others left for AT&T due to lack of service), Sprint has fallen back on their TOS and that they don't guarentee residential service. On top of that, the clause does not allow for breaking out of the 2-year contract without fees.

[DonatoM3 @ Jul 1st 2008 1:02PM]

Isn't that what the 14 day to 30 day return policy is for.

[Andrew @ Jul 1st 2008 1:51PM]

If you read what he said, he said he moved. Same with me. I moved somewhere and the coverage is terrible in my apartment, but I'm screwed because Sprint CLAIMS to have coverage and I'm past my 30 day period.

[Speedmonkay @ Jul 1st 2008 12:51PM]

Oh and way to go Sprint on doubling the price on these since your attempt last year in Denver and Indy.

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/17/sprint-airave-signal-booster-goes-on-sale-today-in-denver-and/

[bhiltscher @ Jul 1st 2008 1:12PM]

Our rep presented the monthly cost as $4.99 for usage of existing minute plans. $14.99 will include unlimited minutes for one line withing range of device and $24.99 for up to 5 devices to have unlimited minutes while on device.

[stromm @ Jul 1st 2008 1:35PM]

I'd much rather be able to get an inexpensive repeater I can stick on my back livingroom window. Only, they're not inexpensive and then Sprint wouldn't have a way to charge me more money because they won't adjust their antenna's a miniscule amount.

[Greg @ Jul 1st 2008 2:51PM]

Im happy Sprint is launching this product becuase it cheaper than other brand. For customer with Unlimited Simple Everything Plan, it would be a waste to pay a monthly fee.

[Peter F @ Jul 1st 2008 2:51PM]

So this will support my Nextel right? *sigh*

[chris weis @ Jul 1st 2008 6:15PM]

My father attempted to purchase this in Denver, they said it was no longer being offered, they were having trouble w/ VOIP, but now its available.

[Bec @ Jul 1st 2008 6:28PM]

Sprint seems to always want to be ahead of the line when it comes to creating stronger signals. It was the first company to install fiber optic routes along its routes.
http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Sprint-Corporation-Company-History.html