All About EVDO (EVolution Data Optimized)

Alltel Wireless understands that the technologies they employ and the networks they use are directly related to the quality, reliability and breadth of their service. That's why they work hard every day to ensure that their customers benefit from the most advanced technologies, and they develop dependable networks consumers can count on. Their goal - now and in the future - is to provide customers with the very best telecommunications experience possible!

Cingular was formed through mergers and acquisitions, and as a result of these - as well as the rapid technological change in the wireless industry - Cingular operates wireless networks using many different wireless communication standards. The most widely used of these technologies is called Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM. On top of its GSM network, Cingular operates a data network called GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and an upgrade for faster speeds called EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution).

Cingular supports a legacy D-AMPS network, which AT&T Wireless ran on, and analog networks; however, in March 2006 they announced that these networks would be shut down by February 2008. As part of this effort, Cingular will charge a $5 monthly fee to those customers who still use D-AMPS-based phones.

Former networks also include various paging services and the Cingular Interactive division, which became Velocita Wireless and was recently purchased by Sprint Nextel.

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless broadband access solutions. Novatel Wireless' Merlin(TM) PC Cards, Expedite(R) Embedded Modems, Freedom Box(R) Ruggedized Modems, MobiLink(TM) Communications Software Suite, Ovation(TM) 3G Multimedia Application Consoles and Conversa(TM) Software Suite enable high-speed wireless access to personal, corporate and public information. The company delivers innovative 3G solutions to operators, distributors and vertical markets worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL.

Sierra Wireless is a known leader in developing innovative wireless data technology. The company offers the broadest and most versatile product line in the industry including the AirCard® line of wireless modems; embedded modules for OEM wireless applications; and the MP line of rugged vehicle-mounted connectivity solutions. All Sierra Wireless products deliver superior product quality and support and are used by enterprise customers around the world to gain access to critical information anywhere, anytime.

T-Mobile International is one of the world's leading companies in mobile communications. As one of Deutsche Telekom's three strategic business units, T-Mobile concentrates on the most dynamic markets in Europe and the United States. By the end of 2006, more than 106 million customers are served in the twelve T-Mobile markets. T-Mobile is a partner of FreeMove, an alliance formed by four of Europe's leading mobile companies - Orange, TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile), TeliaSonera, and T-Mobile - to help their customers communicate as easily while travelling abroad as they do at home.

UTStarcom is a global leader in the manufacture, integration and support of IP-based, end-to-end networking and telecommunications solutions. The company sells converged broadband wireless and wireline products, an integrated IPTV solution, and a comprehensive line of handset and customer premise equipment to operators in both emerging and established telecommunications markets worldwide.

Verizon Wireless traces its roots to Bell Atlantic Mobile, NYNEX Mobile Communications, AirTouch Communications, PrimeCo Communications, and GTE Mobilnet. Bell Atlantic Mobile and NYNEX Mobile Communications merged in 1995 to create Bell Atlantic-NYNEX Mobile, and in 1997 their namesake Baby Bell parents followed suit to form the new Bell Atlantic and their wireless subsidiary was renamed Bell Atlantic Mobile. Bell Atlantic Mobile and NYNEX Mobile Communications was created from Advanced Mobile Phone Service, Inc., which was a subsidiary of AT&T created in 1978 to provide cellular service nationwide. AMPS, Inc. was divided among the RBOCs as part of the Bell System Divestiture.

Sprint had said that customers with any of the currently available products (Merlin S720, Ovation U720, Sierra AirCard 595, or the Pantech PX-500) would have to upgrade their Sprint Connection Manager software before the end of February. If they didn't there was a strong possibility that these users would not be able to connect to the Sprint network, beyond that date.

Sprint further informed that they have since pushed the date back to April 30, 2007 and that the reason users must update their software is because certain towers require a setting that only a firmware update will allow.

It turns out that in 12 markets (including: Chicago, Charlotte, Hawaii, Knoxville, and others), Sprint is using Motorola base stations and the currently available EVDO devices will not work on those base stations without an "MFPA" setting that can only be set via firmware update.

Sprint EVDO customers who may be flying through major airports in those cities need to have the new firmware in place before leaving on their trips, or they won't be able to connect. Also, anyone residing in Chicago or other 12 areas, HAVE to have the firmware upgrade, or their cards will not be able to connect after May 1, 2007. I can see lots of posts on May 1, 2007, hey, I connected at Chicago Ohare and my Sprint Card didn't work - but I got home and it did.

Everyone considering a new purchase of any of those devices, should not depend on Sprint's currently available stock to have the proper firmware already in place. There is no guarantee that just because you buy a new device, it will have the latest firmware on it. When you buy from us, ask us to activate and upgrade firmware on your device, and we'll do it for no extra charge. Its just one way we keep our customers from being frustrated over EVDO.

Reading between the lines, we're also interpreting this as an announcement that Rev-A will be turned on in those markets on or around 04/30/2007.