going broadband with EVDO

Now this is something to look forward to - EVDO-based routers:

Sprint and Linksys announced last week that the cellular service providers will be selling the EV-DO capable Linksys Wireless G Router for Mobile Broadband (WRT54G3G-NA) which will allow Sprint's Power Vision EV-DO cellular wireless internet access cards to operate with the router where Sprint cellular service is available.

EV-DO, or Evolution Data Only/Optimized, is a 3G cellular data technology part of the CDMA2000 wireless standard which allows subscribers to take their own internet hot spot wherever they go as long as they are within range of a cellular network and at broadband speeds comparable to 1.5Mb/sec speeds.

According to PCMagazine, Sprint will begin shipping the Linksys EV-DO capable routers during the second half of this year to accompany their mobile broadband service, however, the cellular provider currently offers EV-DO access cards for notebooks and tiered data plans between $39.99-$79.99/month depending on required usage. Verizon Wireless charges approximately $45 for existing data services that can burst around 1.5Mb/s in some cities right now.

This is welcome news because it will unify cell phone service, wireless internet connectivity on the road, and at home. With a EVDO router at home and an EVVDO card in my laptop, the coverage will be seamless. Assuming Sprint bundles it all together and I might even save money - and the best part is that there are no wires to run in the house. This will break the cable/DSL monopolies.