FreedomPop 4g Photon Hot Spot - $20

[Baylor3217]

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-freedompop-4g-photon-hotspot?utm_campaign=1029&utm_medium=afl&utm_source=GPN&tsToken=US_AFF_0_1029_1327_0&sid=QR5fmmgdEeOSPVqSJV8TTg0_GUPs3_.mQ_0_0

I've been reading a lot about this the last few days and some of the key concerns have been the deprecation of WiMax Wifi.  I don't know the technical details of that vs 3g / 4g, but the Photon claims to be a 4g hot spot.

This hot spot is "refurbished". 

Would it protect against the inevitable turning off of the WiMax network in 2015 (assuming I read that correctly on another site)?

Has anyone used this model or a refurbished one?  Any success or horror stories?  The posts on the March mmm post have trailed off to near nothing since late summer so anyone have any more recent updates on the quality of this particular device?

[Baylor3217]

Just got off the phone with FreedomPop.  They told me there are no specific timeframes for WiMax going away at this time.  They have no specific plans for what they will do with customers should it go away in 2015 since they aren't aware it's going away in 2015.

I'm not sure if this is correct or not, but that's what the call center guy said.  I suppose in a worst case scenario I'd have to buy another one for $100 or so once WiMax goes away and I'd still be money ahead.

[Baylor3217]

Has no one tried this out?

[galliver]

My bf and I have freedom pop USB sticks we picked up for like $10 on woot one day. Seemed worthwhile to try for 500 MB free internet on an aircard monthly! I mostly got one for travel to/through big cities since my city doesn't have 4g coverage. But when I'm in Chicago, no complaints when I've used it so far.

[dragoncar]

I've considered these deals three separate times (ever since I upgraded my OS to one that can't be jailbroken / free tethered).  I just can't bring myself to commit... because I only really need tethered wifi when traveleing with my laptop which is rare.

I heard (unverified) that freedompop will give you some kind of free upgrade once wimax is taken offline. 

Five years ago, this would be the deal of a lifetime and now I'm too lazy to even sign up... so spoiled.

[Daley]

Five years ago, this would be the deal of a lifetime and now I'm too lazy to even sign up... so spoiled.

Or it could be your priorities have changed.

[Baylor3217]

I just ordered one for $20.  Once i have it up and running, I'll report back on how bad ass it is (or isn't).