I have terrible reception indoors (in a "high signal" area) and a $30 Sprint SERO plan. Called 877-775-4886 (thanks, goodman @ SlippyBargains) . I deliberately called from the worst corner of the house and the call was dropped twice but the rep called me back (!). Airave for free. Initially wanted to charge $5/month, but then I asked him if it was true that this would enable other Sprint customers to call out through my Internet connection, and didn't it sound then as if Sprint should be paying me? He "verified with his manager" and the charge was dropped.
This adds a new line to your account, so although you will may not pay Sprint, your bill will increase because of "regulatory fees" that depend on your State and city.
You know, you could make a very workable Faraday Cage from some aluminium foil that should replicate the typical Iphone antenna reception...
I, too, have an Airave that I got because I had genuinely poor reception in a "good reception" area. However, I feel saddened at the OP's idea "make a very workable Faraday Cage from some aluminium foil that should replicate the typical Iphone antenna reception..." Getting a free Airave to obtain decent reception is one thing. Using one's technological savvy to scam a carrier into awarding a free Airave - that is in poor taste.
FW10001 said: I, too, have an Airave that I got because I had genuinely poor reception in a "good reception" area. Getting a free Airave to obtain decent reception is one thing. Using one's technological savvy to scam a carrier into awarding a free Airave - that is in poor taste.
My indoor Sprint reception is now consistently awful. However, six months ago it was only intermittently awful. You may be in a situation where your signal varies unpredictably. How you decide to approach this is your own concern.
I think the idea of the femtocell, where you are effectively creating a mini tower/booster for a telephone company, and running it off your electricity and your Internet bandwidth, and using up minutes and data of the plan you are already paying for, is an interesting business proposition that demands quid pro quo from both sides.
meehawl said: FW10001 said: I, too, have an Airave that I got because I had genuinely poor reception in a "good reception" area. Getting a free Airave to obtain decent reception is one thing. Using one's technological savvy to scam a carrier into awarding a free Airave - that is in poor taste.
My indoor Sprint reception is now consistently awful. However, six months ago it was only intermittently awful. You may be in a situation where your signal varies unpredictably. How you decide to approach this is your own concern.
I think the idea of the femtocell, where you are effectively creating a mini tower/booster for a telephone company, and running it off your electricity and your Internet bandwidth, and using up minutes and data of the plan you are already paying for, is an interesting business proposition that demands quid pro quo from both sides.
I agree. Scamming them is lame, but if your service is legitimately terrible and/or intermittently unusable, making it suck more only in an attempt to limit the number of times you have to call before they give you the free Airave sounds ethical enough to me. I'm sure I could get them to give me one, but my service is good enough that it wouldn't even benefit me.
Just called in to upgrade my original Airave. CSR didn't know they had a new one until she asked her supervisor, which said that it was called Airave 2. CSR then said she'd send a return kit with the new one. Thanks!
meehawl said: I think the idea of the femtocell, where you are effectively creating a mini tower/booster for a telephone company, and running it off your electricity and your Internet bandwidth, and using up minutes and data of the plan you are already paying for, is an interesting business proposition that demands quid pro quo from both sides. I agree (and this was basically what I told Sprint when they sought to charge me $5/mo for the Airave).
BTW, You can go into device setting via Sprint website and limit the Airave to "allow" only specific cell phone handsets to access it. I did that when I read somewhere that an Airave can only handle 5 calls at any given time. The device has its limitations. I have seen Airave reception degrade on cloudy days and when internet connectivity was poor.
is it only for SERO? I got one a few years back but my friend has the same problem (basement with crappy coverage). The reps said they no longer offer it for free and it was going to cost her $99 dollars.
sanxxx
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 31, 2010 @ 7:35p
Which phone no did you call? The customer service had no clue.
FW10001 said: kevboy said: ..CSR didn't know they had a new one until she asked her supervisor, which said that it was called Airave 2. ..
Please let us know if the Airave 2 works better than the Airave (1).
I find that my Airave loses its GPS signal way too easily (e.g. cloudy weather) and that is a hassle.
I thought Airwave works with internet connection and not like GPS ??? doesn't make sense.. does your internet connection not come through a wire ? comes through a satelite ?
nk42 said: I thought Airwave works with internet connection and not like GPS
GPS is so Sprint can locate the Airave and route your call to and from optimal radio towers and backhauls. Also, it prevents you from taking the unit, say, abroad and using it for local call rate VOIP over Sprint's network.
The GPS connection killed the purpose of the airave for me.
Where I live at home, my connection is spotty, and it's impossible to put the Airave in a position where it can get a GPS lock. So I have a free Airave which is basically useless.
There's no reason why it can't work (airave 2) with a WiFi locator the way google apps work when they don't have a GPS lock.
Does anyone know if the airave 2 requires GPS lock the same way the original does?
meehawl said: nk42 said: I thought Airwave works with internet connection and not like GPS
GPS is so Sprint can locate the Airave and route your call to and from optimal radio towers and backhauls. Also, it prevents you from taking the unit, say, abroad and using it for local call rate VOIP over Sprint's network.
Partially true. The Airave does not use radio towers/backhauls; it used your broadband connection. The GPS is required to: 1) Get an accurate time signal (CDMA networks require an accurate time signal to work) 2) Prevent you from using it abroad -- not because Sprint wants to prevent you from saving money, but because the unit is a transmitter, and as such would be operating unlicensed if used abroad
larrytrain said: The GPS connection killed the purpose of the airave for me.
Where I live at home, my connection is spotty, and it's impossible to put the Airave in a position where it can get a GPS lock. So I have a free Airave which is basically useless.
There's no reason why it can't work (airave 2) with a WiFi locator the way google apps work when they don't have a GPS lock.
Does anyone know if the airave 2 requires GPS lock the same way the original does?
i completely agree. I have a useless airave 1 also due to gps lock
The 'Airave 2' comes with an internal and external GPS antenna. The wire has to be at least 10-15ft long so if your internet connection isn't right next to a window it's not that big of a deal. The GPS 'base' is also magnetized so it can easily affix to a window sill or the like. According to the instructions it 'has' to be laid flat.
I received mine the other day and it was a snap to setup as it was pre-activated when I received it. Connected it to the internet, waited 30mins, rebooted the airave and router and it was good to go. As someone mentioned above, it DOES have limitations according to the document that came with it- not to nit-pick, but I think it was 6 calls maximum given your upload is more than 700K (100K up/100K down per call session + overhead). I will also say that my phone is locked on tight to a 4 out of 4 bar signal and it is definitely 3G as my speed tests are over 400KB. The biggest surprise to me was my ability to stream with it... it's very smooth now- barely any noticeable frame loss.
The biggest concern for me right now is the ability to modify settings- I am unable to change anything from the Sprint site (restrict, etc). I called their support line and they said it was known issue.
larryc said: The Airave does not use radio towers/backhauls; it used your broadband connection. Unless the person you're calling also has an Airave, then at some point doesn't your call have to leave the Internet and get on Sprint's network? The decision of where that transition point happens is surely something that could be finagled by Sprint for cost savings. Actually, that's a good point, if both parties have an Airave, does the call use any of Sprint' network?
Sweet...just got off the phone with a second rep., and she's getting one shipped overnight free of charge!!! The first guy...TIM, was an @ss. Gave me BS about only "qualifying" for the Airave if you're on an EVERYTHING plan. I asked to speak to a manager but lost my signal while waiting!!!!
Called back and got Stephanie, and she put it through.
i was wondering....since i can buy an EVO phone and run a wire to have internet for my laptop...is it possible to use my phone internet through my PS3 to run Netflix to my tv, without paying additional internet to my cable company...
rug2020 said: i was wondering....since i can buy an EVO phone and run a wire to have internet for my laptop...is it possible to use my phone internet through my PS3 to run Netflix to my tv, without paying additional internet to my cable company...
I think this is in the wrong thread...
But, to answer your question, you could setup the EVO as an AP and have your PS3 connect to it wirelessly and stream Netflix.
I got the updated airrave a few weeks ago- its nice. Wasnt too hard to do- call the CSR (I called first, played dumb, and they recommended I change some settings in my wifes pre- update something)- than called them back and said its not working. We had just moved so I told them it was really bad etc etc and they transfered me to retentions I think. I didnt really ever threaten to cancel, just told them how bad her signal was (true) and how my mother in law had verizon and got a great signal (also true). Then she 'went to go check with her manager' and came back and said I qualified for free box+service. Its pretty nice, the gps thing is annoying, but it does work well. A+ for sprint. I'm not sure how they decide if you qualify but I'd imagine years of service and contract value are pretty high up. We live in an area that should get excellent reception (according to spring maps) but that didnt stop me from getting it.
As someone mentioned briefly, calls through Airave will count against your minutes allowance (e.g., your anytime minutes), even it's night/weekend or calling a number in your Pick-3 or Pick-5.
fwlogue said: As someone mentioned briefly, calls through Airave will count against your minutes allowance (e.g., your anytime minutes), even it's night/weekend or calling a number in your Pick-3 or Pick-5.
zuma said: fwlogue said: As someone mentioned briefly, calls through Airave will count against your minutes allowance (e.g., your anytime minutes), even it's night/weekend or calling a number in your Pick-3 or Pick-5.
Where is this mentioned?
This was mentioned pretty much from the beginning. Just having Airave does not give you free calls. It just gives you a reliable signal, all other calling plan conditions remain unchanged. At some point Sprint did offer an unlimited calling option for Airave, but it was a $10 or $15 a month charge and nobody could get it waived.
So, all you jebronies who get Airaves without needing it because you thought you'd be getting free calls, you are morons and screwing it for everybody else who really needs a better reception at home.
I got airave about a year ago and have been using it consistently for 6 months. I get VERY VERY poor reception in my building. I have to go to the parking lot to talk before.
1) It is not 100% reliable. It DOES improve signal quality but many times freezes and I can't hear the other person while initially answering the phone. Sometimes it goes to voicemail even if I answer the phone after one ring. End up calling back each time. But it DOES NOT drop calls at least midst of a conversation like before due to weak signal
2) You need GPS ONLY while boot up. After it gets a GPS lock, you can disconnect the antenna. Power on the Airave WITH the GPS antenna, wait for ALL blue lights to show up. Takes about 5 - 15 mins. Once it gets the GPS lock, disconnect the antenna and it will still work. The reason, I do this is, I get weak GPS signal. so I take the Airave antenna out to lock the GPS
I basically don't pay anything for the service. But used to have the $10 unlimited airave calling before. It is still not reliable for me. Perhaps I need the 2.0 version. I am really tired of sprint signal quality wise. It has been the best with regards to price and decent customer service.
I don't use cellphones much, so being able to survive for now. But Airave does have some issues while leaving the router area and while answering the calls sometimes.
IF you don't need it, it is JUST NOT WORTH IT. Especially if you are paying anything for it (even just taxes).
Just like borisnotthespider I have had mixed problems using the Airave. Specifically when people tried to call me the airave failed to route the call to my phone and instead sent them straight to voicemail. This has happened frequently. The signal is great, but the service is very hit and miss. I just went ahead and unplugged it for the last few weeks to see if I could do without. But maybe the Airave 2 might have some improvements worth checking out.
borisnotthespider said: 2) You need GPS ONLY while boot up. After it gets a GPS lock, you can disconnect the antenna. Power on the Airave WITH the GPS antenna, wait for ALL blue lights to show up. Takes about 5 - 15 mins. Once it gets the GPS lock, disconnect the antenna and it will still work. The reason, I do this is, I get weak GPS signal. so I take the Airave antenna out to lock the GPS
Is this with the older airave or the current 3G airave from airvana? i assume that means you cannot power off the airave while moving it. how long does it "last" without needing a new gps lockup?
Excited to hear these were finally shipping, so called Sprint and got one free in less than 10 mins. Their customer service is now unrecognizable (in a good way) compared to a year ago when I got my Palm Pre. Thanks OP!
Called the first time. No success called again and got one for $50. Told her I will pay the $50 then she said I am going to waive the $50 fee for you. Sold!!! Should be here in 3-5 days as the CS rep said.
darksine
Broke Member
posted: Sep. 1, 2010 @ 4:37p
calls through your airave do not count againsts your peak minutes unless calling through a sprint tower at that time would. The only thing that changes is how the calls get routed, otherwise everything else is normal.
acidzerocool said: Called the first time. No success called again and got one for $50. Told her I will pay the $50 then she said I am going to waive the $50 fee for you. Sold!!! Should be here in 3-5 days as the CS rep said. The $50 offer is most likely for a refurb as that is what I was offered...so if its a refurb what are the chances its the new Airrave?
darksine said: calls through your airave do not count againsts your peak minutes unless calling through a sprint tower at that time would. The only thing that changes is how the calls get routed, otherwise everything else is normal.
See, I think this has to be true... There was no documentation saying otherwise when I got this, nor the rep saying anything would be different about my minutes.
I'll have to check my next bill to make sure
I think people are confusing another option from Sprint for the airave like T-Mobile at home... which is unlimited minutes when using the femtocell- FOR A FEE of $10 or so.
Your overall plan remains the same. Peak/Non-peak etc. Only the routing varies.
When I signed up for the $10 unlimited airave add-on though, my minutes showed up separately in fraction of 10th of a minute. These were billed at $0
Once I removed the add-on, I don't see a separate airave minutes section anymore. Now I pay only 4.99 usage fees for airave and get the 4.99 credit each month.. Effectively only pay taxes on $4.99. The bills shows up the same as if I don't have the airave, though the device is on and I still use it.
darksine said: calls through your airave do not count againsts your peak minutes unless calling through a sprint tower at that time would. The only thing that changes is how the calls get routed, otherwise everything else is normal.
I have the older unit. It is about 2 years old I think.. The GPS lock happens only when the unit is powered on each time. Once it locks-in you can disconnect the antenna and it doesn't look for GPS until the next time it reboots.
Mine is going on for 4 months with the GPS antenna unplugged. Still works and my calls go through Airave.
SADSADLife said: borisnotthespider said: 2) You need GPS ONLY while boot up. After it gets a GPS lock, you can disconnect the antenna. Power on the Airave WITH the GPS antenna, wait for ALL blue lights to show up. Takes about 5 - 15 mins. Once it gets the GPS lock, disconnect the antenna and it will still work. The reason, I do this is, I get weak GPS signal. so I take the Airave antenna out to lock the GPS
Is this with the older airave or the current 3G airave from airvana? i assume that means you cannot power off the airave while moving it. how long does it "last" without needing a new gps lockup?
I tried Sprint in Sept. when the Epic came out and didn't get signal in the house. Called to get one but said OOS until 2011. Wasn't able to get one so returned the phone. Even though its YMMV with anything like this, seems like you do stand a better chance if you're a existing customer with some track record.
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