Millenicom Wireless: a review and test

I only use mine for travel and in the truck. My primary connection at home is a cable connection.

I've been running Ag runs this week during the green bean harvest, and have gotten to some pretty far out fields. I have yet to find a place where I can't get signal, even when my phone doesn't. It will switch to National Access, and is significantly slower(still averages over 128kbps), but it does still work, which is more than I can say for the AT&T phone I have.

I'm very impressed so far, and have even recommended the service to a few people using a US Cellular data card and getting less than dialup speeds.

 

I use the Millenicom/Verizon wireless modem at home because I'm in a rural area and far away from the street, so hook-up charges for fixed broadband would be very high. Plus since my monthly usage is well under 5 gb, I can use the wireless modem for home, work or travel without subscribing to another service.

If AT&T isn't working for you in rural areas for voice calls, but the Millenicom data stick is functioning (albeit at 1xrtt reduced data speeds), you may want to consider a backup prepaid cellphone on whatever carrier is working in the rural areas you are traveling in. Another trick would be to do a VOIP phone call on Skype or other VOIP provider using a headset with your laptop.

Another way to handle the AT&T voice coverage issue is TerreStar just launched a big communications satellite with US/Canada coverage. AT&T will be offering hybrid cellular/satellite PDA handsets within six months or so that will use the satellites when they can't acquire a cellular signal. Catch on this is satphones work best outside and the handsets and service are kind of pricey(others with US coverage include Iridium, Globalstar and InMarSat).

 

I also have a Virgin Mobile Prepaid I use for traveling. It runs on Sprint CDMA, so it isn't bad, but it has more issues than the AT&T phone.

My wife uses the AT&T phone, and we have a landline at home, so it isn't a huge deal, just irritating. AT&T is so expensive, but the service doesn't justify the price. However, Verizon is now available in our area thanks to the Altel buyout, so when our contract is up we'll probably change.

 

I'm still in love with Millenicom. The service has been flawless. I can always count on an internet connection even when my phone has zero signal. It switches towers seemlessly. Leave it connected and look again 500 miles later and never dropped/reconnected once.

 

Speaking of Millenicom, how do you check usage? There is now a gentleman's agreement at 5gb, and I'm curious to where I am at.

 

If a Pantech UM-175 modem using Verizon (it's the Millenicom white one with the swivel USB connector) then:

1) If using a PC, see if one of the options for the Millenicom access manager has a usage meter in the menus somewhere (I'm using a Mac so the procedure is very different; can't test on a PC anymore because my old Fujitsu subnotebook bit the dust after 7+ years). Don't think there is but should check for the obvious first...
2) A third party usage meter such as Rackeys Broadband Usage Meter, Networx, etc. Check CNET or dslreports websites for reviews and pluses and minuses of each package. Some are shareware (try before you buy). Acccording to DSLreports, Rackeys is recommended by Millenicom but is 3 day trialware (good for 3 days then you have to pay $10 registration fee).
http://www.rackeys.com/Downloads/DBUM/Rackeys-broadband-usage-meter-features.html
3) Verizon access manager http://www.vzam.net Check DSLreports website for hints on setting up because you are an indirect customer through Millenicom. Don't think Millenicom can officially recommend this because they are a MVNO (mobile virtual network operator like Virgin Mobile is for Sprint) and they are responsible for customer service and interaction with the underlying carriers they use. If you are using the black Sprint Millenicom modem instead, then it would be a similar thing with Sprint software instead.
4) If using a Mac suggest Skoobysoft Surplusmeter for Mac (don't know if they also have a PC version). Either from Skoobysoft or CNET websites (google it). Very simple but effective. Shareware, so I sent a $5 donation by PayPal to the software company after I confirmed the program worked. CNET review: http://download.cnet.com/SurplusMeter/3000-10440_4-10880313.html
Other people can suggest other metering packages.
If using third party metering package, make sure activated before you start the internet connection and browser, and have it setup to include both downloads and uploads (I'm assuming Millenicom charges for the total of both).
Also metering packages are not the absolute last word in usage. If Verizon has to resend data packets because they didn't go through, you are charged for all attempts they make, there may be a slight difference. Easy way to stay within 5 gb is just to keep it under 165 mb on most days(5120 mb/31 days); there will be some days where you will need to go over (big software updates, long video call with family, etc.).

 

Verizon cellphone service is also available as prepaid.
Would be an improvement over VirginMobile/Sprint (their prepaid service does not allow off-network roaming in most instances; they only do for their postpaid service); you would not have to wait to switch VirginMobile over like you would for the AT&T contract. Nothing against VirginMobile (it works for some people) but if you are having issues with a provider, it's best to switch when it makes sense to.
You can also port your cellphone number over to Verizon or a Verizon reseller if you wish. There's a choice of going direct or with 3 resellers. Most prepaid providers offer either by the minute (~5 to 25 cents per minute depending on provider and card size or plan), by the day (~99 cents per day) or all you can eat plans (~$40/month).
Directly with Verizon: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/prepay.jsp
Reseller PagePlus: http://www.pagepluscellular.com/
Reseller Locus or Viva CDMA(not GSM): http://www.ecallplus.com/prepaid-cellular.html
Reseller Tracfone/Net10/StraightTalk (get CDMA not GSM;depends on zip code or where you buy handset if at a store): http://www.tracfone.com/ or http://www.net10.com/ or http://www.straighttalk.com/
In the case of PagePlus or Locus/Viva you can either buy one of their handsets or a Verizon BYOD (bring your own device) purchased elsewhere(dept. stores, kiosks, ebay, craigs list, or a second hand phone with a clean electronic serial number). Verizon usually is a selection of their basic and midrange handsets. Tracfone/Net10/StraightTalk differs in that they use special firmware in their phones that tracks usage on the display; so for that provider only you need a special phone purchased from them.

 

This is kind of an old thread. Is no one using Millenicom anymore?

I just got my millenicom mobile broadband USB stick. Its connecting via Sprint EVDO. (EVDO is used by Verizon and Sprint for 3G mobile broadband.)

Took awhile to install all the software and drivers, and then my win7 machine didn't want to start up after the required reboot. Got it working finally though.. and worked great for the hour I tested it last night.

I'll have to run it through some speed tests later tonight.

 

Good advice! Thanks. Also its great to hear its still working out for you. That's encouraging.

Ya, there's not much out there for unlimited access. Virgin Mobile for $50/m.. what else? ...........

I've met a few people who have old unlimited verizon accounts ($30/m!!!). A nice package if you have it.