A few weeks ago, on a complete and total whim, I decided to apply for Sprint Mobile Broadband. I work exclusively from home, or wherever else I can tap into internet access at. I usually stick to my house and the occasional Panera Bread, but there are times when I am out and I’d like to be able to access the internet in order to get some work done. Hence the whim. I honestly didn’t expect my application to go through, because without revealing numbers, let’s just say that my credit sucks. So when I went through the process of picking out a connection card (I chose the Compass 597 by Sierra Wireless, since it was free and seemed to meet my needs) and plan (5GB data transfer), I really didn’t expect it to go anywhere. And it was no surprise when I received an email letting me know that my order was in process, but “additional information” needed to be collected before it would be finalized. I figured that was the end of things, deleted the email and went about my business.
Three days later the connection card showed up on my doorstep, courtesy of UPS. To say I was surprised was an understatement. So I waited for my new laptop to arrive (and it did, a week and two days later), and once I got it all set up, I decided to try out the Sprint Mobile Broadband service. And I have to say, it works perfectly. Setting up the service was as easy as uncapping the connection card and plugging it into one of the USB ports on my laptop. The drivers and installation software are contained within the connection card, so everything was automated. A quick restart later, and the Sprint SmartView dialog box was looking at me, waiting for me to click Connect. I did, and nothing happened. So I went to Tools > Activate Device, and once I received a success message and pressed Connect again, I was on!
In fact, I’m on right now. So far the wireless internet service coming from Sprint Mobile Broadband is working like a charm. I haven’t tried to do any downloads, as 1) I have nothing to download and 2) I’m not going to needlessly eat into my 5GB data plan, but emailing and surfing the internet is moving along almost as fast as it does at home, on my home wifi network.
With that said, Sprint rocks for three reasons:
- They approved me, despite my shitty credit rating (we’re talking below 550, if I’m even that lucky).
- Setting up the mobile broadband connection was easy-peasy.
- The internet connection seems to work flawlessly.
Rating: 
Hello, and welcome to In My Bag! My name is Jenn, and this is my product review blog. In My Bag is where I showcase my reviews of many of the products and services I buy and use, as well as the occasional trials, coupons and freebies that come my way. Interested in learning more? 
My cell phone is through Sprint, I loves them. =D
I’ve considered doing the same due to the fact of needing internet access at work to kill some time (and make money via chacha). You may have inspired me
Jenn – if it weren’t for the fact that I have a T-Mobile G1 and thus am a bit limited in terms of service providers, I might consider switching toe Sprint as well. So far their service seems great!
Amanda – go for it! Yo could definitely benefit from it.