News
Freedom Sleeve Rocket adds 4G to 4th-gen iPod touch
By Phil Dzikiy
News Editor, iLoungeGoogle+
Published: Monday, October 29, 2012
News Categories: iPhone Accessories
FreedomPop has announced the Freedom Sleeve Rocket ($99), a case that turns the fourth-generation iPod touch into a device that can use 4G wireless data, in addition to acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices. The Freedom Sleeve Rocket allows for a minimum of 500 MB of free wireless data per month — the device uses Clearwire’s 4G network and is scheduled to expand on Sprint’s 4G LTE network next year.

While using data on FreedomPop’s network, the Freedom Sleeve Rocket allows the iPod touch to stream video and make VOIP calls without a contract. FreedomPop claims the sleeve can deliver speeds up to 10x faster than current 3G speeds available on the iPhone4/4S. The Freedom Sleeve Rocket is only available for the fourth-generation iPod touch, as no other devices are mentioned. It ships today.
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1
I hadn’t heard of this service before but the reviews are solid. They are seemingly looking to be the NetZero of 4G connectivity. However, looks like you would be much better off getting their portable hotspot - $89 security deposit, otherwise free, will be able to be swapped for no cost once they move to a new 4G network next year, and can be used with any wi-fi device (up to 8 simultaneously), not just a 4G touch. A bit less convenient than a sleeve, but so much more flexible and future proofed.
Unfortunately, with their current provider, doesn’t work where I live anyhow, but once they switch to Sprint, I will probably be taking advantage of this. For less than $100 down, half a gig monthly for nothing whatsoever is more than enough to handle the sort of mobile uses I actually need.
Posted by Code Monkey in Midstate New York on October 31, 2012 at 7:56 AM (PST)
2
I got mine today, it will work with up to 8 WiFi enabled devices. Fits the Ipod Touch 4g great! Easy to set up. Makes the power and volume buttons more usable. You do need a good wimax network around where you use it as it uses the same clear network, which is what I use for my home internet. Moving close to a window and turning the FreedomPop Rock will yield different speeds. Apparently if you. I am not exactly clear if this device will transition to Sprint LTE 4g network or if it will be replaced like the other options? If you are willing to pay $2.99 per month they claim that will double your speeds, and if you get one of the data plans that will be added on the the data plan, data plan + $2.99. I tried to make a phone call with Pinger today, and that app requires a certain speed, I did not have great coverage where I was at, standing outside, The Wimax map verifies this, as the location is just on the edge of a covered area. So it did not work at .55mbs download speeds. I did however send a text. Back at my condo I can get 2.87mbs download speeds, more that enough to use a voice connection. On the Clear network I have the least expensive option, so I am throttled down to 1.9mbs download which is more that enough to watch low-standard definition programing online. I am looking forward to beginning my monthly subscription for the freedomPop and doubling my speeds to around 5mbs, I bet I could even watch some high definition programing!
Posted by Mlavin on October 31, 2012 at 10:02 PM (PST)
3
I wonder if this will ever hit the UK…
Posted by Guzz747 on November 22, 2012 at 7:24 AM (PST)