For nearly two decades, 5Gstore has been a leader in the wireless connectivity industry, offering innovative solutions for 4G, 5G, and IoT technologies. However, this journey didn’t start in the telecommunications space. The company began as a software development firm in 1988, dedicated to creating software that helped businesses run more efficiently. The pivot to wireless technology came in 2005, and it was this decision that laid the foundation for what is now a highly respected name in wireless solutions.
Early Beginnings: A Vision for Wireless Innovation
The catalyst for this transition was Verizon’s release of the PC5220 EVDO card, an early 3G device that provided mobile internet access. Recognizing the potential of this technology, 5Gstore—then called 5Gstore.com—set out to address one of its early challenges: signal performance. By developing a solution to improve the EVDO card’s signal strength, the company began its shift from software to wireless hardware.
Shortly after this transition, a unique opportunity presented itself. A limo company in New York reached out with an ambitious request: they wanted to offer WiFi access to passengers and enable real-time GPS tracking of their vehicles. This project required a level of innovation and customization that no off-the-shelf product at the time could provide. Major players like CradlePoint (founded in 2006) and Peplink (founded in 2006) had not yet entered the market, and other companies like Sierra Wireless and Kyocera were focused on different segments.
Enter the EVDO Stompbox Project
To meet the limo company’s needs, 5Gstore looked to an experimental concept known as the EVDO Stompbox Project.This DIY initiative was popular among hobbyists and involved using Verizon’s PC5220 card inside an enclosure, powered by a Linux-based SD card. The device could share a 3G signal over WiFi and enable GPS tracking, making it an ideal starting point for the limo company’s requirements.
However, turning this DIY idea into a professional solution was no small task. The team at 5Gstore refined the design, developed the necessary hardware, and meticulously assembled each unit to ensure reliability. The final product was a game-changer: a compact, mobile device that provided WiFi for passengers, real-time GPS tracking, and internet access for drivers, allowing seamless communication between the vehicle and the limo company’s headquarters.
Revolutionary Features for the Time
The custom-built devices offered a suite of features that were groundbreaking in 2005:
- Passenger WiFi Access: Travelers in the limos could enjoy wireless internet access during their ride, a service that was virtually unheard of at the time.
- Real-Time GPS Tracking: The limo company could monitor the location of its fleet in real time, improving dispatch efficiency and customer service.
- Driver Internet Access: Drivers could stay connected with headquarters, receive route updates, and communicate more effectively, enhancing overall operations.
Each unit cost around $700 in parts and was carefully handcrafted by the team. The result was a professional-grade device that exceeded the expectations of the limo company and marked 5Gstore’s official entry into the wireless connectivity space.
A Turning Point in Wireless History
This project was more than just a business milestone; it was a pivotal moment for the industry. At a time when mobile connectivity was still in its infancy, 5Gstore was pushing boundaries and proving that mobile internet could be both reliable and versatile. The success of this project demonstrated the company’s ability to innovate, solve real-world problems, and deliver practical solutions that met specific customer needs.
From 5Gstore to 5Gstore
Over the years, 5Gstore evolved alongside the technology it supported. The company expanded its expertise from 3G to 4G and eventually 5G solutions, becoming 5Gstore.com (in 2019) to reflect its leadership in the latest advancements in wireless connectivity. Today, 5Gstore is known for its extensive product catalog, which includes 4G/5G routers, antennas, signal boosters, and IoT devices. The company also offers exceptional customer service, one year of free tech support on all purchases, and same-day shipping with a proven track record of over eight years without a shipping error.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
5Gstore’s commitment to innovation has not wavered. The company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in wireless technology, from offering cutting-edge 5G routers to supporting IoT deployments for businesses of all sizes. Its reputation as a pioneer is built on a foundation of solving challenges like the limo project, where innovation was the only path forward.
Looking to the Future
The story of 5Gstore’s evolution is a testament to the power of adaptability and forward-thinking. What began as a small software development firm in 1988 has grown into an industry leader, recognized for its expertise, reliability, and dedication to customer success. Projects like the EVDO Stompbox adaptation exemplify the company’s ability to stay ahead of trends and deliver solutions that meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape.
As 5Gstore.com continues to expand its offerings and explore new opportunities in wireless connectivity, it remains committed to the same values that guided its early days: innovation, quality, and a customer-first approach. The limo project was just the beginning, and the company is excited to lead the way into the next era of connectivity.
Discover how 5Gstore can support your wireless needs at 5Gstore.com
