First when old NO NAME uo there said something that sounded remotely intelligent, you all jumped aboard.

However, when Mr. Eli contradicted No Name with a witty argument, where did the people turn? To Eli.

Sound like to people rebuddling back and forth while the leaches jump from one side to the opposing.

Here is the text from the Sprint Notice:

We’re contacting our customers with mobile broadband cards for their laptops, specifically the u300, with information about that card. Sprint is continuously working to optimize its 4G devices and services to maximize the WiMAX network.

As a result, we update software for our devices on a regular basis. We have recently updated the software for our Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300. If you have an older version of the software, you’ll be prompted to update it to the new version – and you may have already done so. If you haven’t, please accept the free software updates when prompted to do so or by going to http://www.sprint.com/downloadsand downloading the most up-to-date software for your device.

Not downloading the most updated software for your device will result in an inability to use 4G speed in Baltimore.

We also want to inform you that if you’ve been using 4G service in Baltimore, you may notice a change in the upload speed. The speed may be slower than what you’ve previously experienced because of a technology change that places a cap on the allowed speeds.

If you haven’t yet experienced Sprint’s 4G speed, we have an easy way for you to trial it. Once you’ve updated the u300 software, the next time you travel to a market where we’ve launched WiMax technology, such as Atlanta, Portland, Las Vegas and others, you’ll be prompted to buy a 4G Day Pass when the software detects the 4G signal. You can select “no thanks” or you can choose to buy the pass for just $9.99 for a 24-hour period – an inexpensive way to experience 4G speed.

If you have trouble with downloading the software or have general questions about Sprint 4G Service, please call (888) 649-6711 (Option 1).

Thank you for your business.

Sincerely,

Brian Flewellen

(972)871-4126

The Sprint 4G Team

On another note Sprint and Clearwire are compelled to roll out 4G in a timely manner or else they could lose the much touted spectrum they acquired from the US gov’t in their merger with Nextel. Owing to this I do not see Clearwire, hence Sprint dragging their heels on this one. You should also note that ATT and VZ will not have 4G available until the early part of 2011, yes I am not kidding. What people don’t realize is that rolling out a next generation platform is not something you can do over night. Sprint has been working on their 4G platform for over 3 years and only now is it coming to fruition.

Thanks and love the blog

For one, Best Buy is a top cell phone shop in the US (and top tech shop in the US now the Circuit City bit the dust), and carry every carrier in their store. You really don’t think they get a little heads up on when new things are coming, and get trained to use them in order so that they can sell them to customers (especially with big devices like the iPhone, Blackberry Storm and Pre)? Also, check this out: http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/02/sonys-399-ps3-confirmed-by-best-buy/ , it’s talking about a $399 PS3 that was found to be coming to Best Buy at a price cut. It didn’t say when, but about 2 weeks later look it happened.

At the time this was a rumor, but I guess we can say now that Best Buy’s systems actually have some correct info in them. And seeing as how the Best Buy guy, you know, works AT Best Buy, I’m pretty safe to assume that he saw one of those systems– they’re in every store as they are used to count inventory, easy for an employee to get too– and actually has some info on what he’s talking about and not just talking for the sake of talking. Again, I don’t know, as he could very well be wrong and making this all up (though when I spoke to him he really sounded like he wasn’t lying, and really what motivation would he have to lie as we were just having a candid conversation?), and just thinking about this whole thing just a little actually makes it sound plausible.

Also, who said it still can’t come by the end of June or even in May, all they need to do is put in a chip (I mean, we don’t know the limitations of webOS so it could be ready out of the box for something like this), and it could very well still be in that “1st half of 2009″ timeframe with the “delay” being off a rumored/expected date he heard (the previous buzz around the web was that it was coming May 17th, so maybe it got pushed to June. Though he mentioned it getting delayed in March or something of the like, which makes even that May date a possibility). And, yes, if you went to Sprint’s 4G coverage maps (I made it easy for you click here) you’ll see that they do have 4G out in some of those areas listed (I know because I live in the New York area and the map says I have 4G available). Just look at the nation wide map and you’ll see those cities look to have 4G according to the Sprint map (make sure you click the “Data, Email…” tab and then the “Sprint 4G” tab so you see the 4G).

I do though see how you can be skeptical and understand that. I’m not gonna lie, I am too, and I stressed heavily in the post that it was a RUMOR (I’ll stress it here again ) and that he may be wrong. I just thought it had some chance and thought it would be an interesting thing to write about (and based on your reaction, I guess I was somewhat right ).

I apologize if this got you riled up in any way, and we’ll find out if this was right or wrong (hopefully) soon

All the best,

–Eli