Sprint's flagship WiMAX desktop modem goes on sale
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted December 15th 2009 12:59PM
posted December 15th 2009 12:59PM
WiMAX desktop modems have been popping up all over the place lately, and the latest evidence for a major push towards 4G for the home user comes to us courtesy of Sprint. The company quietly made Motorola's CPEi 25150 (the predecessor of the CPEi 100 we saw at CES) available to customers over the weekend, featuring that famous shark's fin form factor, white and yellow Sprint logo, and the promise of "the best radio performance in its class," on account of dual integrated antennas. Of course, this thing also has the requisite ethernet and USB ports for connecting to your home router. If you're lucky enough to have Sprint WiMAX coverage in your area, call your main man to get started. You can look forward to paying $100 (with $150 instant rebate) after signing a two-year contract. PR after the break.
Sprint 4G Desktop Modem CPEi25150 by Motorola
Run Your Home and Office at 4G Speed
Take your home and business connectivity to the next level with the Sprint 4G Desktop Modem CPEi25150 by Motorola®. Simply connect the Sprint 4G Desktop Modem to your computer or router/Wi-Fi device to access blazingly fast speeds for browsing the Web, accessing multimedia-rich information, exploring social networking and lag-free videoconferencing in 4G service areas. Sprint 4G, powered by WiMAX, delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.1 Expanding across the country, Sprint offers 4G service in 27 markets today, with more markets to launch in 2010. Sprint 4G Desktop Modem is the perfect cost-effective alternative to wired broadband or DSL connection, can be moved flexibly from location to location, allowing the user to connect to the Sprint 4G network easily and seamlessly without complicated installation and set-up procedures.
KEY FEATURES:
* WiMAX Forum certified
* Easy plug-and-play functionality
* Will work with all Operating Systems (e.g. Windows®, Macintosh, etc.)
* Dual integrated antennas in a compact design
* Best in Class Radio Performance
* Reliable indoor coverage
* High throughput
* Easy detection and authentication
* Advanced security and control features
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Dimensions: 9.3 inches (h) x 6.3 inches (w) x 1.1 inch (d)
* Weight: 1 lb.
* Frequency: 2.5
* Ethernet ports: 1; Speed Support 10/100M; NWay Protocol
* Firewall Protection and Port Forwarding
INSIDE THE BOX:
* Desktop Modem
* Ethernet Cable (RJ45)
* Power supply
* Get Started Guide
1 "Up to 10x faster" based on download speed comparison of 3G's 600 kbps vs. 4G's 6 Mbps. Typical published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. 4G currently available in select areas /devices; check www.sprint.com/4G for Sprint 4G coverage/device information.
Available through Direct Ship starting on 12/13/09
Pricing: $99.99 Sprint 4G Desktop Modem after $150 instant rebate and a two-year subscriber agreement
$49.99/month Sprint 4G Desktop Modem Plan and a two-year subscriber agreement
Run Your Home and Office at 4G Speed
Take your home and business connectivity to the next level with the Sprint 4G Desktop Modem CPEi25150 by Motorola®. Simply connect the Sprint 4G Desktop Modem to your computer or router/Wi-Fi device to access blazingly fast speeds for browsing the Web, accessing multimedia-rich information, exploring social networking and lag-free videoconferencing in 4G service areas. Sprint 4G, powered by WiMAX, delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.1 Expanding across the country, Sprint offers 4G service in 27 markets today, with more markets to launch in 2010. Sprint 4G Desktop Modem is the perfect cost-effective alternative to wired broadband or DSL connection, can be moved flexibly from location to location, allowing the user to connect to the Sprint 4G network easily and seamlessly without complicated installation and set-up procedures.
KEY FEATURES:
* WiMAX Forum certified
* Easy plug-and-play functionality
* Will work with all Operating Systems (e.g. Windows®, Macintosh, etc.)
* Dual integrated antennas in a compact design
* Best in Class Radio Performance
* Reliable indoor coverage
* High throughput
* Easy detection and authentication
* Advanced security and control features
SPECIFICATIONS:
* Dimensions: 9.3 inches (h) x 6.3 inches (w) x 1.1 inch (d)
* Weight: 1 lb.
* Frequency: 2.5
* Ethernet ports: 1; Speed Support 10/100M; NWay Protocol
* Firewall Protection and Port Forwarding
INSIDE THE BOX:
* Desktop Modem
* Ethernet Cable (RJ45)
* Power supply
* Get Started Guide
1 "Up to 10x faster" based on download speed comparison of 3G's 600 kbps vs. 4G's 6 Mbps. Typical published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. 4G currently available in select areas /devices; check www.sprint.com/4G for Sprint 4G coverage/device information.
Available through Direct Ship starting on 12/13/09
Pricing: $99.99 Sprint 4G Desktop Modem after $150 instant rebate and a two-year subscriber agreement
$49.99/month Sprint 4G Desktop Modem Plan and a two-year subscriber agreement
So what is Sprint charging for Wimax service? Do they cap the data at 5GB like their EVDO service? I'm not in a market with Wimax, but hope they bring it here soon.
The dream device I'm waiting for is a dual mode Mifi that can do either EVDO or Wimax.
@(Unverified): Read the press release. It says $49.99/mo with a 2-year agreement. Not sure about a data cap though.
Honestly, I'm not sure what the appeal is in this. Cable modem service is faster and cheaper. And if you live in an area with 4G coverage, you most likely have access to cable.
@Jimbo Not always true. I lived near Midway airport in Chicago (two blocks away). Last summer we just got cable in the area. I'm not talking about me personally but Comcast just started offering it then and no one else was there to provide cable before that. This isn't some slum area either. . Also Comcast doesn't cover all of the Chicago suburbs. We have WoW, Mediacom, and RCN filling in a lot of those spots so prices and service vary. My Aunt is looking into this service cause they don't need the full speed of there cable modem and they will save $10-$20 a month if they switch. Also it's a replacement for a home modem so there is not going to be a 5 or 10 gig cap. Expect it to be at least 100gig's
@(Unverified)
Data is completely uncapped on 4G right now.
@(Unverified)
Also on that dual mode Mifi-type device, it's in the works, stay tuned.
@(Unverified) I have this at home and it is $25/month for the first 3 or 6 months (I forget exactly) and then $35/month. No caps.
It was called Xohm and now it is branded as Clear. Same modem as this one Sprint is directly selling but it may be a different price from Sprint as opposed to Xohm/Clear despite being the same thing.
@(Unverified) Wow...looks just like my Clear modem, but of course, without the 2 year agreement and the $49.99 price tag.
@COCOViper I would love a glimpse into Sprint's 4G rollout plans as well as a roadmap for 4G devices, like the rumored Wimax Mifi.
I'm on their Unlimited data plan, out of contract for 6 months now, and would like to get a Mi-fi. I just don't want to re-up for 2 years on a 3G device without knowing what 4G options I'll have in this market in the next few months.
@(Unverified)
Well Sprint has already communicated at several of the 4G launch events that personal hotspots and handsets were in the works for 4G, but can't say any more detail than that.
That said things really are advancing so quickly with both market rollouts and upcoming devices that I would wait to jump on if I were you- 2010 is going to be a HUGE push on the 4G side as the company knows it's one of Sprint's (if not the only) differentiators relative to the other US carriers.
This is great since I'm only guaranteed 700kbps based on my distance to AT&T's Base station! I know LTE will be out eventually but I can handle this for 2 years then switch to LTE when its kinks are worked out
@Mentat
Who says LTE is better? I sure don't believe so.
@Scape3d The specs do. I believe WiMAX is something around the high 70mb/s range where as LTE will be 150mb/s. Regardless, both are ridiculously fast compared to what any land based competitor offers.
@nukee Actually wrong again, if you check the wiki's the theoretical maximum of both LTE and WiMax is 100 mbps equal. The main issue with LTE is simply there are no products out at all and the few that are simply USB dongles. Not to mention the finalized spec for the spectrum has still not been finalized and won't be till next year. Ill take my WiMax for now.
Could it work in a car?
@(Unverified) If it is the same as the Clearwire modems, it will work no problem in a car, with an inverter. GeekSquad does it all the time.
I use Clear and it works great.
Hum...so they took a Clearwire modem and rebranded it. Nice.
@JnZooger Not like their going to redesign a modem just for a different carrier.
@JnZooger
They said the same thing about the HTC TP2
Also it should be noted if you purchase from Clear's website you can make monthly payments on the modem instead of buying it outright.
Too bad I don't have WiMAX service. I made the poor choice of living in an area far away from any form of civilization. It's a wonder we even have cell phone service. The population of my metropolitan statistical area, 5,000,000, pales in comparison to places like the Charlotte metro area with a population of 1.7 million.
What is this land you ask? Why, it's Washington DC. We're not anywhere near important enough or deserving enough for wifi. However, Body, err, Baltimore is.
@HurricaneDC
You are right!!! The MAJORITY of those in Washington DC don't deserve this. Currently running the country into the ground does not come with too many upsides.
@HurricaneDC
Exactly. I recently worked in a park in NOVA, just outside the Beltway, and it would have cost thousands to get cable run. We had a bunch of college age employees that lived onsite, and when I first started they just had one phone. Finally convinced them they should get internet, but the bosses got convinced into satellite internet service by some consultant, and regretted it instantly. Horrible.
I kept hoping WiMax would get there sooner, and something like this would be perfect, once the service is offered.
No thanks, Sprint. I'll stick to my cable Internet for $39/month, with no data caps, upfront $100 to buy a modem, and a 24 month contract!!!!
Are there really very many places where 4G is available but cable isn't? This is highway robbery, compared to a standard wired broadband connection, and it doesn't seem to offer any advantages, unless I'm missing something...
@crawdad689
Comcast has a 100gb/month cap. 40 dollars/month is if you bundle it with other services like cable tv and phone service. What exactly is your total comcast bill? Some people hate comcast television and have dish network or directv. If I get comcast internet alone, it's 60 bucks a month.
@aznsensation: Where did he say he had Comcast?
@crawdad689
1- There's no data cap with Sprint's 4G vs. your cable connection likely having one or getting one in the future.
2- The advantage is just like with voice, sure you can probably get a cheaper voice plan via a landline, but it's limited to your house. The thought is, do the same thing with data. 4G provides you with a connection as fast as your cable modem when you're at home, and then via the use of a data card or future 4G phones, use the same plan when you're out for one bill. So yea while you can technically get a data plan cheaper in your house, you're probably going to want to leave your house at some point, so why pay for two services (just like voice)- instead pay for one service and use it at home AND while mobile.
@aznsensation
I actually have TimeWarner (Internet only) and they reduced my bill to $33/month, after their cable guy failed to show for an appointment.
If this modem was much smaller, had a rechargable battery and functioned similarly to the mi-fi, I think this would be a sweet piece of tech... But no dice
@crawdad689
This device is meant to give great performance indoors vs. being portable/mobile.
And as I said in my response to the first poster, when it comes to the mifi-like device, stay tuned.
@crawdad689 I pay $25/month ($35 after 6 months) for this through Xohm (now Clear) and there are no contracts or caps and it gives me a steady 7mbps downstream. No dealing with Comcast who has never been anything but inept and abusive of their dominant position and no contract this way. If you can get it through Sprint you can get it through Clear since it's the same service but I think it is cheaper when you get it from Clear.
@crawdad689 they have usb dongles....
Had one shipped to me a month ago by CLEAR. Working great in downtown DC.
Is it a modem or a buzz-clipper head for cutting hair??
Can you utilize this at home, and have a USB device on a laptop at the same time under a single account, or do you have to set up 2 accounts?
The cost compared to cable broadband is higher when one factors in bundled service discounts. However, having the ability to use the service when traveling would make the extra cost worth it.
@Spiny Norman they have plans that offer both home and mobile.. check Clear.com or Sprint.com. Comcast and TW Cable are also offering usb dongles (using clearwire/sprint) to cable internet subscribers for around $15/month on top of cable internet charge... you might want to look into that if you have cable.
@(Unverified)
I looked into the Clear offering. Unfortunately, the Home + Mobile is limited to 4G mobile only (i.e. no 3G coverage outside the 4G areas). While the price is right ($50 for both + the cost of 2 modems), it's only good if your mobile needs are limited to strolling down to the local Starbucks. Until 4G becomes more widespread, a mobile 4G only plan is rather useless.
Clear does offer a 4G/3G plan which piggybacks on Sprint's 3G service, but the cost is something like $70, which is roughly the same as the other providers' 3G plans. On top of that, the 4G/3G USB device costs $225. Ouch.
Clear offers 3G home service for $30 a month for 3 Mbps service, and $45 for 6 Mbps service, which is not much better than what the cable companies offer. If you don't opt for a 2 year contract, you'll need to purchase a $70 modem.
So, it a nutshell, it doesn't appear that WiMax is offering anything special. Bummer.
@(Unverified)
Where did you see the Comcast offer? The only thing I found stated that they would offer 4G only for an additional $30 a month, and 4G/3G for $50 a month. That's a far cry from $15 a month.
@Spiny Norman
Sprint's 3G/4G plan is $70/month and the USB card is free with contract. The reason the clearwire one costs money for the card is it's no contract. The plans you're comparing against with other providers are also contract plans- best to compare apples-to-apples.
You are right!!! The MAJORITY of those in Washington DC don't deserve this. Currently running the country into the ground does not come with too many upsides.
Hmmm. The modem available through Clear is only $70 (w/ a 2 year plan). Why the price difference?
cost about the same as comcast for half the speed.. ?? not sure that's such a great deal unless you really need mobility
What happens if I plug an Airave into this? Wait...uh...crap.
Damn you grand rapids court systems! Its all setup here they just cant turn it on!
@a falling stone
Not for long due to the iPCS acquisition! :)
this looks like the clear modems lol
wimax is so slow i dont understand why anyone would want this even for email only purposes... cable ftw.
@(Unverified)
You do know the network guarantees 6Mb down and 2 Mb up and peaks at 13-15Mb/sec right?
@(Unverified) What a ridiculous statement! It's fast and mobile.
@(Unverified)
my last comment floated away somewhere so ill repeat and hope it ends up at the bottom of my last post somewhere.... i had clear's fastest plan for a day and it ended up being half the speed i was getting with fios for nearly the same price. and now that i have comcast 22mbit it blows both of them out of the water.
@(Unverified)
Hahaha, I can't believe you're comparing a wireless mobile connection to a fiber optic one and saying it's half the speed yet you're unsatisfied...
You do realize tons of people are paying $70/mo to Att for 700Kb-1Mb/sec right?
@(Unverified)
well like i said in my vanishing comment i understand mobile is good for some people just not me... and come on who wants to move their modem all over their house to try and find 4 bars.... that was the worst part of clear. i dont feel like attaching my modem to the ceiling via tape/glue just to get 4-5 bars lol