Sprint Novatel U720 Running on OSX with Verizon Access Manager

Of course now you can get the drivers from Sprint directly (for MacBook and MacBook Pro - intel based macs ONLY), but for the old school here you go! For the new and improved way, click through to the Sprint Business Downloads page, choose your operating system and have some FUN!

Sprint doesn't support Macs, but here we are running the Verizon VZAccesss Manager for Mac, controlling the latest USB U720 modem on a MacBook Pro.

Pantech PX-500 vs Novatel U720

Here is a great video that covers the differences between the Pantech PX500 and the Novatel USB U720 cards.

So, which is faster an EVDO PCMCIA or EVDO USB Modem? This video gives you the answer.

Vista Updates for Novatel s620, s720 and u720 plus Firmware for Linksys Router

Vista updates for the Novatel s620/s720/u720 along with the Firmware upgrade for the Linksys Mobile Broadband Router.

Novatel Vista Updates

u720 flies on Mac

I am writing this to you using the U720 on my iBook. You can use this method on any Mac G3 and up. I put the package here Ovation U720 Mac Driver.

Once you activate and update the U720 on a Windows computer, click the dmg file to uncompress it on the Mac. There is a Read Me file. Read it! It will explain how to set up everything else.

Here is a low down:

Wait a moment, the go to the Apple icon in the top left bar. Click System Preferences. Go to Network.

Under PPP put in the provider, put #777 into the phone number. Leave the rest blank. Click Apply Now.

Click the Modem button. Choose Sprint PCS Vision from the drop down menu of modems. Uncheck "Enable Error Correction". Uncheck "Wait for Dial Tone". Check "Show Modem Status." Click Apply Now.

You will see a little phone modem on the top bar near a piece of pie that indicates the Airport connection. Choose "Connect". If it does not connect, make sure to click it again and choose the Sprint U720 from the menu.

Guess what? You are up and running!

One quirky thing: I had to plug in both USB connectors. This usually only has to be done when there is not enough power. My light was on, but it wasn't "juicing". If the Mac has trouble recognizing the modem, you might try plugging both in.

Enjoy!

U720 USB EVDO with Mac - Two Solutions

Here it is... The post you have been waiting for. How can we capitalize on the U720 for Mac users?

First, the biggest difference between the U720 and other AirCards is that it is faster (clocked at up to 3.1Mbs) and like it's card counter part, the S720, it has GPS built in.

Sprint does not offer OSX connection manager and Novatel does not have OSX drivers yet. Other cards were supported by OSX 10.4 and higher. So where can we go for a little bit of help until Apple adds in the support? To Verizon, of course!

We'll have to get a little help from their OS X VZAccess Manager. You will still have to initially activate it on a Windows machine and make sure the U720 runs the OTA updates.

Another option is that one user of EVDO Info forums has extracted the U720 drivers and packaged them into a handy installer app that can be downloaded via the forums. If you go this route, once you install the drivers, restart the Mac. (Don't forget to first activate the U720 on a Windows machine!) Here is a link to that post.

Once you are sure that the U720 is activated and ready to go, plug it into the USB port. Make sure the status light is shining green. That means it is getting enough power to work. If, by chance, it does not, use the included Y-adapter use two USB ports with modem. This should seal the deal!