Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery Review

Overall 3.88 of 5 view all 8 reviews

wb6sds
Reedley, CA

Works well for on-the-road use where there is coverage.

a PC User, heavy internet user

Pros

Can replace all wired services, plufs into your laptop PCMIA slot, pretty fast

Cons

service is expensive, Can have significant cancellation fee

FEB

2008

Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery —

I travel extensively all across the US and have found the quality and availability of Verizon data and voice service to be superior to all others (including the beaches on Kauai), with similar costs for similar levels of service. The AC595, with appropriate firmware revisions and where provided by the Verizon Network, supports EVDO Rev A which significantly increases throughput on their national broadband network. At $60/month for unlimited use (with some restrictions in the small print) this card/service is ideal for anyone needing mobile coverage and typical Internet access for email, research, and all but the most intensive of applications such as streaming video or routine transfer of very large files. While it may not compete speedwise with a cable modem, you can't take a cable modem with you! If you consider the cost of Internet access in many hotels is $10/day, you don't have to be on the road much to recover the cost of this service. It does not rely on the spotty availability of hotspots. I actually use it as a substitute for wired modems of any kind (cable or DSL), as well as telephone service - I use Skype with Skype-In and have it with me everywhere - in both of my residences, one of which requires an outside antenna for good coverage; the AC595 has an easy-to-use external antenna jack. If you consider the overall cost of this service with offsetting of both wired Internet and telephone, it is quite reasonable as well as totally portable. I have twice accused Verizon of throttling some service, and the accusation has corrected the problem. However, it isn't for everyone and the ongoing/cancellation costs are significant so do your investigation well!

Last edited on Feb 20, 2008