If you've traveled much, you've probably run across “unlocked” mobile phones and devices. If you own an Android or iPhone smart phone, you probably also heard about “jailbreaking”. It seems like lots of people are confused about these two things, so I decided to write down a quick post explaining them. Carrier Locks and Unlocked Phones Most mobile phones in the United States, … [Read more...] about What’s the Difference Between a Jailbroken and an Unlocked Phone?
ClearWire
Cheap, No-Contract 4G Data: Clear’s Undocumented Daily- and Weekly-Pass Plans
Clearwire is not in good shape, and WiMAX is not long for this world. But the network is still active, and it's possible to get amazingly cheap, no-contract 4G data for the time being. Although Clear clearly wants buyers to sign up for monthly service, they also have "secret" on-demand 2-hour, daily, and weekly plans. Here's how to get online cheap! The first thing you need … [Read more...] about Cheap, No-Contract 4G Data: Clear’s Undocumented Daily- and Weekly-Pass Plans
Hands-On Review: Clear WiMAX Service (and PXU1900 USB Modem)
As I discussed previously, my search for a mobile broadband solution for Tech Field Day led me to the nascent 4G networks springing up around the world. Here in the United States, two next-generation networks offered compelling performance: Clearwire’s WiMAX service (sold by Clear and Sprint) and Verizon Wireless’ LTE network. I purchased a modem on each network and tested … [Read more...] about Hands-On Review: Clear WiMAX Service (and PXU1900 USB Modem)
4G Connectivity Options Proliferate
After years of faithful service, 3G mobile “broadband” appears to be giving up the ghost. Perhaps its new applications that demand more performance, or maybe the network is overloaded and the carriers are unable or unwilling to fix it, but 3G data service has become unusable lately. I set out to find something faster. Not Quite 4G, Really You should also read 4G: Is It Really … [Read more...] about 4G Connectivity Options Proliferate
4G: Is It Really A Standard If No One Cares?
Americans have terrible mobile broadband network infrastructure, yet our service providers make it sound awesome. Now that 2 of our 4 national wireless providers now offer 4G service, one might conclude that the United States is awash in mobile broadband. But neither of these supposed 4G offerings is anywhere near fast enough to meet the ITU standards for 4G, and even our 3G … [Read more...] about 4G: Is It Really A Standard If No One Cares?