As I mentioned earlier in the week I had been wanting to add the service to my T-Mobile account, since that where I have my cell service…and I’m happy with them. But many people told me that T-Mobile’s 3G network was not up to the task. Also, they don’t yet offer a Mifi-style device. That left Sprint and Verizon as my options.
Call me a sucker for underdogs, but I decided to try Sprint. Most reports seem to indicate that Verizon has the faster network, but I just don’t want to support their heavy-handed handling of devices. They micro-manage their phones, restricting what customers can/cannot use.
I’m especially disappointed that Verizon Wireless is the sole source for OpenPeak hardware in the US. I’m very excited about the OpenPeak systems, but Verizon’s product offering, the HUB, appears to be deliberately crippled. It’s very limited in it’s capabilities compared to the potential for the platform. I suspect it’s doomed as long as it offered through Verizon.
So, I choose Sprint. I’ve never used Sprint before. I’m also curious about their WiMAX locations and their relationship with Clear. I could see possibly changing to a 4G/3G access device at some future time.
To close, I’d like to say to the folks at Verizon Wireless…”Can you hear me now?” I went elsewhere for a mobile broadband solution. Some of us truly care about open networks, and we’ll vote with our budgets.