Verizon LTE Current Issues

If you are using or considering using a Verizon LTE modem (Pantech UML290 or LG VL600) - especially if you want to use a router - read this page for important information on the network-wide problem Verizon is having and how it may affect you!

This page will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. Last update: 3/21/2011

The problem: Verizon's 3G/4G modems are having trouble with the "hand-off" between the 3G network and the 4G network. Simply put, users are finding that their modem works fine when locked to either 3G or 4G mode in a particular location, but when the modem is set to "auto" (i.e., when the modem is set to automatically connect to the fastest network available - 4G or 3G - this is the default setting on the modem), it has trouble making the switch between networks. Verizon has acknowledged that this is a problem and is working on a fix. For the time being, Verizon recommends changing your modem's settings from "global" (AKA "auto", where the modem will search for the best network to connect to) and instead lock it into LTE mode if you are in a 4G area or EVDO/3G mode if you are in a 3G-only area (click here for instructions).

While this problem can obviously affect any Verizon 3G/4G modem user, it's especially frustrating for UML290 users who want to use their modem in the BC2 or CTR35. Both the Nexaira BC2 and Cradlepoint CTR35 router support the UML290 in LTE mode, but if you are using the UML290 in 3G mode, you must lock the modem to 3G mode first before it will work in the router. This is due to the way Verizon's network handles the hand-off from 3G to 4G.

The UML290 and VL600 are both compatible with the Cradlepoint CTR500, MBR900, MBR1000, MBR1200, MBR800, CBA250, and CBA750 routers with firmware 1.8.1 installed. With those routers and firmware 1.8.1, locking the modem first is NOT necessary.

the UML290 will work in 3G mode with the Nexaira BC2 (above), but you must lock it to 3G mode first!

What does this mean for me?: If you are using the Pantech UML290 or LG VL600, this issue may affect you in the following ways:

• If you only use your modem in your computer: If you are using the modem in just one location, Verizon recommends locking the modem to LTE mode if you are in a 4G area or EVDO/3G mode if you are in a 3G-only area (click here for instructions). If you are using your modem while traveling (and thus going in and out of 4G vs 3G areas), be prepared for delays or problems while the modem switches between networks.
• If you use your UML290 in a BC2 or VL600 router: If you use your modem in 3G mode, you must lock the modem to 3G mode first before it will work in the router.

Discuss the Verizon 3G/4G hand-off issue on the EVDO Forums