The larger device seen here was the first prototype high data rate modem used for the development and testing of what later became the EVDO standard. Qualcomm began demonstrating the technology in 1998, and the first commercial device using EVDO was released in 2004.
EVDO was an evolution of the CDMA standard, and was retired in 2022 as part of Verizon’s 3G network.
Source: CNET
