Verizon Fivespot Hotspot Product Review

Jan 19, 2011 by VegasKev

Verizon USB Modem

Recently I needed to purchase a USB modem for my laptop.  We had just changed offices for one of my largest clients, and their network and internet capabilities weren’t going to be up for approximately four or five business days.  Being that a decent portion of the consultation work that I do for this company revolves around the internet, I decided that it was best for me to purchase a USB modem; this way, I wouldn’t have any down time.  Since I use Verizon for my cellular service, it made perfect sense to go to Verizon for a solution to this issue.  I’m happy with my Android powered Droid HTC Incredible, so it would make sense that a Verizon USB modem.

Verizon Fivespot And Verizon USB Modem

Truth be told, I can’t exactly remember the benefits of the Verizon USB modem, as they were pitched to me by the gentleman at my local Verizon store.  I remember that he definitely went over the details of the Verizon USB modem, however, he also introduced me to the new Verizon Fivespot.  The Verizon Fivespot is like having a home wireless router, but in your pocket.  The way it’s supposed to work, is you create a wireless network with the Fivespot and you can give access to other WiFi capable devices around you.  This made more sense to me than buttering toast.  With this new tool, I’d be able to power, not just my laptop at the office, but a few laptops around me.  In my mind, it seemed like a more than perfect solution.  Unfortunately I was sadly mistaken.

Verizon Fivespot Details

These are the Verizon Fivespot details, according to the Verizon Wireless website.  “With Mobile Broadband Service and WiFi capability, the Fivespot enables you to take full advantage of America’s largest and most reliable 3G network! It also provides high–speed remote global service in over 200 countries, more than 120 with 3G speed. The Fivespot enhances the Mobile Broadband Service experience by also providing a wireless hub for up to five WiFi–enabled devices at one time –multiple users can take advantage of an instant hotspot. With its compact and lightweight form factor and rechargeable battery, the Fivespot provides the ultimate in on–the–go flexibility!”

According to Verizon, this device provides the “ultimate in on-the-go flexibililty”.  I disagree, and so do many people that are complaining within the Verizon Wireless forums and various other forums.

My Experience With The Verizon Fivespot

My experience with the Verizon Fivespot was not a good one at all.  In fact, my experience was extremely dissatisfactory and sadly frustrating.  Before you read any further, I will note that I have been through two Verizon Fivespot devices and neither of them worked as claimed by their website, or the representatives within the stores.  I am scheduled to go into Verizon Wireless tomorrow afternoon and return it.  Luckily, Verizon is big on customer service and has a “No Hassle 30 Day Return Policy”.

On the first Verizon Fivespot that I tried, I followed the instructions to the “T”.  But after dozens of failed results, it simply would not work unless it was plugged in directly to the laptop through the USB cord.  And when it was connected as stated, no other devices could connect with the Fivespot.  I then tried to install it on my girlfriend’s laptop and had the same issues.  I called Verizon Tech Support and got a friendly individual whom tried everything in his power (and his manager’s power) to get my Verizon Fivespot to function properly.  We had no luck at all.  We could only get it to work when tethered to a laptop.  And another thing that bothered me is the speed, even when tethered to my laptop.  Even when the Fivespot was manually attached to the laptop (the only way I could get it to work at all), it was slow to load webpages, even Google.  That was another cause for concern.  The technical representative with Verizon Wireless advised me to take the Fivespot back to the store that I purchased it from and get a replacement; at no cost to me of course.

Now for my review on the second Verizon Fivespot that I tried.  Plain and simple; the exact same problems ensued.  The second device had no better results.  It was nothing short of a complete waste of time.  The whole process left me drained.  I spent nealy 6 hours with Verizon at the store, on the phone and efforts on my own to get this problem corrected.  After the second device gave me problems, I thought that maybe I should check the support and tech forums online.  In doing so, I found the same issue was running rampant around the nation.  I was thankful that it wasn’t just me, however, I was a little disappointed in Verizon for allowing something like this to hit their shelves.  It was a time-costly reminder to look at “real people” reviews before making a tech purchase.

My Final Verizon Fivespot Solution And Clear USB Modem

My final Verizon Fivespot solution kind of disappointed me as well.  I went back this evening to swap out my Fivespot for a USB modem and walk away happy that I would be able to access the internet at work tomorrow.  The problem with this situation is that Verizon Wireless was closed.  So, I had to go to Clear to find a solution.  Truth be told, I’m kind of happy that I couldn’t go back to Verizon Wireless.  I’m very happy with the Clear 4G USB modem that I got from Clear Communications.  And, I’m still happy with Verizon overall.  They sold me a garbage device, swapped it out, and when it still didn’t work, they did the right thing by cancelling everything out and refunding me the fees that I paid, I’ll just be sure to read reviews before buying another device that is such an important tool for my business and I.