If you're unfamiliar with the context: Calyx Institute is a 501(c)(3) with a digital privacy and security mission. For a while they've offered, for a few hundred dollars a year donation, unmetered access to sprint's network. I don't know the details but I think they have retained access to the network through the merger due to some non-profit provision (something like the sprint merger was allowed with stipulation that certain agencies using the network for certain purposes would be grandfathered over). There's apparently more history related to the founder previously running an ISP under gag order, which drives their mission.
Access to the network is only possible through wifi pucks. I asked if I could register the IMEI of my ThinkPad's modem/radio, but they wouldn't allow it citing the usual "we are responsible for the behavior of the devices on the network so you have to use our certified device". Sadly, these phones do not participate in Calyx's data network, they require a traditional carrier. Maybe it's part of their roadmap to eventually offer their data services on these handset form factor devices? But until then, I don't see a huge point. It would be really awesome to say "I get my network access through a privacy oriented non-profit" (:
I purchased this several years ago. I don't regret it because I was buying to support the Calyx mission and not for the access point, but it worked reliably for about a month and then it got QoSed into unusability.
I wonder if the MEID/ESN locking will go away with the sunset of the Sprint network? It should be possible to move the Calyx SIM to any device you like at that point.
Access to the network is only possible through wifi pucks. I asked if I could register the IMEI of my ThinkPad's modem/radio, but they wouldn't allow it citing the usual "we are responsible for the behavior of the devices on the network so you have to use our certified device". Sadly, these phones do not participate in Calyx's data network, they require a traditional carrier. Maybe it's part of their roadmap to eventually offer their data services on these handset form factor devices? But until then, I don't see a huge point. It would be really awesome to say "I get my network access through a privacy oriented non-profit" (: