Mobile Broadband Demystified
Verizon has recently announced an addition to its Mobile Broadband Modems lineup. Manufactured by ZTE, the AD3700 features global connectivity. Up to June 2009, only AT&T could proudly advertise global mobile broadband connectivity due to their choice of global mobile network standard – GSM/UMTS/HSPA.
Verizon and Sprint, however, having built on CDMA/EvDO standard, could cover only North America, including USA and Canada.
Recent announcements from Verizon might change all that.
Pay as You go mobile broadband is rather wide spread in Europe, but here in North America, the only option to get online over mobile network has so far been tying yourself with minimum 2-year contract that will set you back cool $60 bucks/month or up to $175 in fees if you decide to quit.
Not anymore. Virgin Mobile USA has just rolled out the Broadband2Go mobile broadband service sans contract.
Summary: USBConnect Turbo for AT&T is one of the two latest AT&T 3G HSPA USB mobile broadband modems. It features cool swivel omnidirectional USB connector, World connectivity with tri-band HSPA, capable of blazing speeds – 7.2Mbps download and 2.0Mbps upload, and has integrated microSD slot for SDHC cards up to 16Gb
Pros: Global connectivity with tri-band HSPA, swivel USB connector, high HSPA data speeds, microSD slot up to 16Gb
Cons: no GPS
Rating:
– Good
Price: $249.99 Free with 2 year AT&T Contract
By Mobile Warp on Apr 22, 01:05 PM
Summary: USBConnect Velocity for AT&T is one of the two latest AT&T 3G HSPA USB sticks. It features retractable USB connector, World connectivity with quad band HSPA, capable of blazing speeds – 7.2Mbps download and 5.76Mbps upload, and has integrated microSD slot for SDHC cards up to 32Gb
Pros: Global connectivity with quad band HSPA, Assisted GPS integrated with applications, high HSPA data speeds, microSD slot up to 32Gb, built in VPN client
Cons: no swivel connector
Rating:
– Excellent
Price: $279.99 Free with 2 year AT&T Contract
By Mobile Warp on Apr 11, 08:22 PM
Summary: USBConnect Lightning for AT&T is the latest slick HSPA USB stick with ulraflexible sviwel connector, capable of lightning speeds – 7.2Mbps download and 2Mbps upload, and integrated microSD slot for SDHC cards up to 32Gb
Pros: Global connectivity, cool ultraflexible swivel connector, high HSPA data speeds, microSD slot up to 32Gb
Cons: no GPS
Rating:
– Excellent
Price: $249.99 Free with 2 year AT&T Contract
By Mobile Warp on Jan 11, 04:48 PM
Summary: Tiny and slick, Sierra Wireless 598U mobile USB modem for Sprint’s EvDO RevA network, packs microSD slot for memory cards up to 32Gb, external antenna jack, and integrated assisted GPS for quality mobile surfing experience. Wireless performance is very solid with 3G speeds typical for modern CDMA EvDO networks.
PC Magazine Editor Choice!
Pros: Small, great performance with solid up/download speeds, integrated assisted GPS and MicroSD slot for cards up to 8Gb. Jack for external antenna. Supports all major OSs – Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Cons: Used to be slightly higher price – it cost $49.99 with 2-year Sprint contract before – but since Sprint dropped the price to Free, none left.
Rating:
– Excellent
Price: $249.99 Free with 2 year Sprint contract
Summary: Novatel Wireless USB727 for Verizon presents a compelling package for speedy Internet connection over Verizon’s wireless EvDO RevA data network. It features one of the best signal sensitivities with a flip up antenna, has an integrated microSD slot for expandable storage, doubling up as a USB drive stick, and has integrated assisted GPS for location based applications.
Pros: Small and slick package. Impressive data rates, very good signal reception with Novatel’s “diversity loop antenna”, 2-in-1 with integrated miscroSD slot and built-in GPS. Free with Verizon’s 2-year data plan.
Cons: Tends to stick out depending on the location of USB slot on your PC, which may be inconvenient for some. Antenna needs to be flipped for better reception during use.
Rating:
– Very Good
Price: $249.99 Free with 2 year Verizon contract
Summary: USBConnect Mercury for AT&T by Sierra Wireless (based on Sierra’s Compass 885) is small and reliable modem for HSPA networks. It offers seamless high-speed wireless connectivity for both Mac and Windows computers, features seamless no CD installation, a microSD memory expansion slot, and a laptop clip to help maximize modem performance. With Mercury you can roam worldwide on tri-band UMTS and quad-band GSM/ EDGE networks.
Pros: Small, seamless installation, easy to use, integrated MicroSD slot. Free with 2-year AT&T contract. Widest worldwide coverage when roaming on UMTS / HSPA and GSM / EDGE networks.
Cons: No GPS, SIM card slot is in somewhat inconvenient location
Rating:
– Good
Price: $259.99 Free with 2 year AT&T contract
Summary: Available for Free from AT&T, roam in 150+ countries with 3G available in some 60 of them. Option Quicksilver USB Broadband Modem for AT&T (based on Option’s Icon 322 modem) is one of the smallest HSPA USB devices today. It’s fast, compact, easy to use, and durable. On AT&T HSPA 3G network, you can expect download speeds between 700 Kbps and 1.7 Mbps, and uplink speeds between 500 Kbps and 1.2 Mbps.
PCMagazine Editor’s Choice!
Pros: Small, solid build, good up/download speeds potentially higher than CDMA EvDO networks. Swiveling cap design – no USB cap to lose. World modem – will work in hundreds of countries. Free with 2-year AT&T contract. Widest coverage on AT&T’s network.
Cons: No GPS, no MicroSD slot
Rating:
– Excellent
Price: $259.99 Free with 2 year AT&T contract
Using Mobile Internet with your laptop or netbook is very convenient. You don’t have to connect to different WiFi hotspots every time, you can have relatively high and stable download speeds, you don’t have to worry about finding a hotspot, and your connection is secure and encrypted over the air by the mobile operator.
However, when traveling, all bets are off. If you are not careful, you may find yourself with a mobile data bill with roaming charges in the area of hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars…