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Review: Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200 and $40 unlimited 3G Broadband2Go plan
This morning, Virgin Mobile flipped the switch on their new $10 and $40 Broadband2Go plans. We mentioned them earlier this week, but as a quick reminder - for $10, you get 100MB of data, or unlimited data for just $40. These new stand-alone plans make Virgin Mobile the cheapest nationwide 3G operator. Best of all, these new plans are contract free, do not require activation fees or a credit check.
The Broadand2Go service is available on the Novatel MiFi 2200 WiFi 3G hotspot or Ovation MC760 USB modem. The USB modem is like every other on the market - you plug it into an open USB slot, install the software, and get online.
The MiFi 2200 is what deserves some attention. Even though this device is not brand new (we reviewed the Verizon Wireless version last year), the Virgin Mobile MiFi is the only prepaid version available in retail stores.
Using the MiFi 2200 involves a one-time activation. The process guides you through a couple of steps, including a few fields for personal information, and picking a Virgin Mobile account password. You then pick a payment method, and activate the modem. The Virgin Mobile network uses Sprint - who actually own Virgin Mobile. The advantage of this is that you'll have access to a reliable nationwide 3G network.
Connecting to the modem is simple - it broadcasts a WiFi network name called "VirginMobile MiFi 2200" making it easy to locate. Its password is printed on the bottom on a label, but you are free to change that using its configuration pages.
Up to five devices can connect to the MiFi at the same time, which makes it ideal for conference rooms, or sharing a single connection in a hotel room.
I performed several speed tests with the MiFi, and usually saw no more than 700 Kb/s - which is on the low end of what I'd like to see on a 3G connection. As a reminder, the Verizon Wireless version we tested last year easily hit 2.5Mb/s, or over three times faster than on Virgin Mobile.
Of course, all kinds of factors can impact 3G speeds, and Virgin advertises the speeds as "between 600Kb/s and 1400Kb/s" putting my speed tests within their promise. One plus for them is that there does not appear to be any kind of limit on the amount of data you can transfer, nor do they limit your speeds once you exceed a limit. To them, unlimited really does appear to mean unlimited.
Update: I've been performing more speed tests since this review went live, and have experienced speeds up to 1300Kb/s several times. As always with broadband - your mileage (and speed) may vary.
Still, the speeds are quite usable for web and email, but they may be a little on the slow side for data intensive apps like video streaming. Bottom line is simple - you are saving $240 when compared to most other mobile broadband solutions.
At $149.99, the Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200 is a decent deal (Walmart has it on sale this week for $119.99.) At this price, it becomes a handy tool to carry if you regularly run into $20 WiFi at a hotel and need to get online. The $10 plan offers 100MB for 10 days, which should be enough for a couple of web and email sessions.
The MiFi 2200 charges off MicroUSB, and an AC charger and USB cord are included, as is a protective pouch.
Update: For some reason, Virgin chose to disable the wired USB option on their MiFi.
The Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go MiFi 2200 is available at Virginmobileusa.com and in select retail stores.
Filed under: Internet Tools, Gadling Gear Review
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Frank Aug 28th 2010 2:02PM
Do you have any idea if the MiFi is locked to the SIM? Or can you also use it with a different provider?
Scott Carmichael Aug 28th 2010 4:14PM
Virgin Mobile runs on Sprint, which is a CDMA network, and CDMA doesn't use SIM cards. This means their MiFi will only work on their own network.
Toad Sep 3rd 2010 6:47PM
Do you know if you can plug it into one computer as a regular modem, while using it for another laptop as a wireless unit? My boyfriend's computer no longer has working wireless, but mine does and we'd like to use it at the same time.
Thanks!
Michelle Sep 3rd 2010 8:54PM
My son plays playstation3 and I can search from my laptop at the same time!! MiFi can work up to 5 wireless devices!!
Scott Carmichael Sep 3rd 2010 11:02PM
Sadly you can not. Normally, the MiFi allows you to use it wired or wireless, but Virgin disabled the wired option. Still, even if it did support wired, you couldn't use both at the same time. I'd recommend buying a cheap USB WiFi adapter from somewhere like Meritline ($14):
http://www.meritline.com/newsearch.aspx?SearchTerm=usb+wifi
Rafael Sep 3rd 2010 9:21PM
I bought the Virgin Mobile Mifi 2200 at Best Buy today, the wireless setup was easy when i tried to add add $10 top-up it's asking for my virgin mobile phone #. but my question is I don't have a Virgin Mobile phone. I'm with at&t , I thought I can just use this as a wifi router hotspot to carry on long trips with me. Did I totally misunderstand this device?
Scott Carmichael Sep 3rd 2010 9:22PM
During the activation process, your account and the MiFi are assigned a phone number. That is the number you need when you login to your account, along with the VPin you picked when you activated it.
Even though you won't be using it as a phone, the phone # is what Virgin use to identify your account.
Bob Sep 4th 2010 10:21AM
I bought a VMU MiFi after reading Pogue's column in the times the other day. I've had it for 2 days and at least here in Orlando I'm not seeing consistent speeds of much over 250k down and and maybe 150K up. I'm tweeting my results for the next few days on @crm114org Feel free to share your speeds by tweeting from speedtest.net.
Buying this thing was an experiment. I have an iPad and and iPhone, both with the old $30/mo unlimited plan. If the VMU MiFi works out I can dump the 3G plan on the iPad and cut the data plan on the iPhone to the $15 version. In addition to saving a couple of bucks per month (which I have the option to cancel at any time) I can also use the MiFi for my laptop or whatever and not have to deal with any tethering charges.
At this point the jury is out. I've had lots of connection issues with Virgin Unlimited. The MiFi keeps going back to the inactive state and I have to reactivate it several times to get it going. In addition, I've only seen download speeds over 500K once or twice. Much slower than my iPad. That may be ok since I really don't need 3G connectivity except as a lifeline, checking email on the road or streaming music. Not sure if the speeds I'm seeing support streaming music. Definitely does not work on the iPad with Hulu+ and Netflix. If I got consistent speeds over 600K I'd call this a winner (for the time being).
Wayne Foutz Sep 4th 2010 9:53PM
Great review, your speedtest.net results are helpful.
One thing to be aware of, this service has been throttled down by Sprint.
[URL=http://www.speedtest.net][IMG]http://www.speedtest.net/result/941006937.png[/IMG][/URL]
Those are typical results on Sprint's regular network. I've conversed with other people on several other forums while researching this product. The folks I've talked to that have both modems are all reporting that Virgin's service is exactly 1/2 speed as the Sprint modem in the same location. Those of you looking for full speed 3g from Sprint are going to be disappointed. Apperently Sprint has decided >600 mbps is enough for most people on this service, so there is a trade off being made for the unlimited data and lower price.
Wayne Foutz Sep 4th 2010 9:58PM
well that code didn't work.
2.20 mb/s down
.26 mb/s up
164 ping
Scott Carmichael Sep 4th 2010 10:54PM
Wayne - good stuff, thanks.
I think it all comes down to how much the slower speed is worth to you. Saving $20/month and accepting the slow speeds or not...
Mike Sep 5th 2010 11:22AM
Seems like there are many conversations going on at
http://www.EVDOforums.com
on this exact topic and not everyone is seeing usable speeds.
The biggest issue with the MiFi, is going to be the battery life for many mobile "heavy users". There is a cool new battery that allows the MiFi (Virgin/Sprint/Verizon) to last 12+ hours or more:
http://3gstore.com/mifiextended
jtl Sep 7th 2010 5:03PM
I got in on the $119 Wal-Mart deal for the MiFi unit and I've been using the service for the past five days. So far, it does what I need it to do, although I have yet to see speeds above 400kb/s unless I am literally less than a block away from a tower.
I live in a suburb of Chicago and work downtown, so there's no lack of coverage.
Also, I *can* use this as a direct-connected modem-- I've been doing it on my MacBook Pro. I turned off my wireless card and accessed the MiFi through the USB data cable and I was able to connect to the internet. This feature is clearly not disabled with my MiFi unit.
Thanks for the review!
Pauly Sep 17th 2010 2:57PM
I’ve had the MiFi for several weeks now. Love it! I also live in the Chicago area and have not had problems with poor connectivity. I wrote an in-depth review about it here: http://www.virtual-office-technology.com/2010/09/17/review-virgin-mobile-mifi-2200-mobile-hotspot/
Jason Sep 19th 2010 12:50AM
My main problem with is with the service. To start with the tech support staff is useless. I had one guy tell me to take my computer to a technician. I asked him where a local Virgin Mobile tech could be found and he said I should just take it to any computer technician. After he said this I was floored, I am a computer tech. Well he said they had no record of the error (The system was unable to update the phone book file) and that the problem was with my computer not their software/hardware. Well gee thanks, I ended up doing some troubleshooting of my own and found the problem to be with my Remote Access service not being started. A very simple fix, but the tech support was clueless. All in all it took me over 3 hours to get the modem installed and working properly.
just upset Sep 21st 2010 10:43PM
Same problem here. I just got this today and I have all steps done but it want re-connect on the last step. The tech on the phone was no help. What is the remote access you speak of. That may be my problem. COuld you explain how to check mine
Jason Sep 21st 2010 9:45PM
Is it fast enough to stream youtube or netflix?
Clarence Sep 22nd 2010 6:53PM
Not Ready for Prime Time.
Continual frustration, some days it works, others it doesn't, manual is not included you have to download it.
Even though I have a strong evdo rev a signal it continually connects to a 1xrtt (144kbs)
slow signal, after working for a while it goes dormant and you can't wake it up.
It seems to have problem connecting, and then will report that your account is not activated, many, many, resets.
If you plug in the charger you cannot turn it off.
watching its browser interface while it is trying to connect, is like watching grass grow.
It connects, then it disconnects, then it tries to connect, etc.
Helpline is useless, reset device, take battery out, reset your computer, etc.
I was supposed to get Tech call back within 24 to 72hrs, a week ago, still waiting.
Another bit of helpline advice was to take unit back and exchange for another, I told them I can't I am on vacation on an island and there are no Radio Shack or any electronics store here. I believe software in unit needs a lot of work, connection logs for example, show 0 bytes uploaded, 0 bytes downloaded for total of 5.0 mbytes.
I tried 10 day plan first and used up 1/2 of 100mbytes allotment on 1, 12minute connection. Changed to $40 1 month plan after 1st day, after much arguing, they only charged me $5 for first day on 10 day plan. I could go on and on but overall don't cancel your other service yet.
Clarence Sep 24th 2010 7:42PM
Update, after talking with VM tech support several more times, and being told I was in a no coverage area, in spite of what the coverage maps say and the fact that I could see 4 to 5 bars of signal strength, being told to download and install SP3 for Windows XP ???, finally one tech support person told me he would set my MiFi to a different channel to better receive a evdo rev a signal.
Since that happened The MiFi performs perfectly, no more resetting, to get connected, no more connecting to 1xRTT signals, just always a 5bar evdo rev a signal. download speed is only .86mb and upload about 1/2 of that. However operation is much, much, better, frustration level is way done.
Mike Oct 1st 2010 11:04PM
My Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200 works well with one laptop. Have yet to get it to connect with my netbook or desktop. Desktop is not wireless, but using a Belkin USB adapter for wifi and yet to get it to connect to the MiFi. Both desktop and netbook recognize the MiFi 2200 but they will not connect. Any ideas?