Sprint 4G Mobile Broadband in MetroWest Boston

On a recent test drive - literally, down Route 9 from Framingham through Natick, Mass. - the Sprint3G/4G USB Device 250U which I used to access the Sprint wireless mobile broadband network, performed reasonably well, especially on such a rainy night.

3G vs. 4G - Does it Really Matter?

The difference in performance between 3G and 4G was noticeable, but not significant for basic browsing. When in motion, driving along a major state route, the connection signal varied from an anemic two bars to a full-throttle five bars - and yet the actual browsing experience didn't differ by much. Need to check email? It was easy with two or five bars. Browsing for a great gluten-free restaurant in Framingham? No difference.

Nudge the Sprint 3G/4G USB Device and Reconnect

I pulled into the Whole Foods/Starbucks plaza at the corner of Prospect and Route 9 and slightly nudged the device, without unplugging it. My SmartView screen informed me I was disconnected. The system had switched from 4G to 3G during my drive as well, but I was able to reconnect with a click of a button.

The shift between 3G and 4G doesn't seem to contribute to user experience, though 4G may have a hidden benefit for faster download speeds if working with larger files for work or streaming videos. Streaming videos worked really well, although I did get a few glances while testing out YouTube in the Whole Foods parking lot. Perhaps I should have viewed "Food, Inc."

Rain didn't seem to affect connectivity, fortunately, but for some reason the area around Framingham State College yielded a firm two bars and no more. Head east and it zooms to five bars. The only criticism I have is that a simple nudge may require reconnection. I intentionally nudged the device a few times after my first experience and replicated the findings; however, it's pretty easy to quickly reestablish your connection if that happens. The device is fairly sensitive, so anyone requiring constant connectivity might want to test the Sprint wireless mobile broadband system before committing.