AT&T USBConnect Velocity - Option Velocity 3G HSDPA 3-in-1 Mobile USB Modem

Overview

AT&T USBConnect Velocity is the latest addition and the first HSPA modem with built in GPS in the diverse AT&T mobile broadband modems lineup

Small and slick, this World 2-in-1 device packs Assisted GPS, microSD slot for memory cards up to 32Gb, and quad-band HSPA/HSDPA/HSUPA UMTS 3G modem (works anywhere in the world) with certified download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps (HSDPA cat 8) and upload speeds of up to 5.76 Mbps (HSUPA cat 6). Note that those speeds are still not yet available everywhere, but AT&T is in the process of constant upgrades of their network. Check AT&T’s coverage map for details.

USBConnect Velocity is bult for AT&T by Option – a reputable and highly regarded european mobile devices and chips manufacturer. The Velocity is very likely based on Option iCON 451 modem, however, it’s been heavily customized for AT&T.

The Velocity is as small as a typical USB stick – 3.1” x 1.1” x 0.6” (78.9 × 28.5 × 16.5 mm). It does not have a swivel connector similar to other recent additions in AT&T lineup – USBConnect Lightning and Turbo, so it may stick a bit depending on the location of USB slots on your notebook. However, the USB connector is retractable, so you will not have to worry about losing the cap.
The modem comes with USB extention cable and a clip, so if you have closely spaced USB connectors or need to reorient the modem – you could always clip it to the screen.

Velocity is bundled with AT&T Connection Manager software, allowing you to connect to either mobile or WiFi network (if you purchase data plan from AT&T, you will be entitled to free WiFi access in hundreds of hotspots all over the country, e.g. in Starbucks), as well as track your data usage in real time, which is extremely handy to keep from going overboard on your data usage and avoid suprises with your mobile data bill.

Integrated GPS uses free software application from Option, the Option GPS Control Panel, that integrates with location-enabled sites like Yahoo! Maps, Yellow Page, and Bing for directions and local points of interest. The GPS Control Panel for PC and MAC is available for free download from Option site. It is also compatible with any NMEA based GPS application, and additionally integrates with TeleNav Track LITE™ and Xora GPS Locator from AT&T for enterprise users, allowing to add tracking and location awareness and e.g. improving response time by easily locating the closest worker to a service call.

The modem also has a microSD slot with a capacity of up to 32Gb that will allow the modem to double up as a USB storage drive.

Expert Opinion

This amazing modem is so new, that there are no external reviews yet.

More Information

• USBConnect Velocity Quick Start Guide
• Option GPS Control Panel Software
• AT&T Communications Manager Software
• Check Out AT&T Data Coverage here

Bottomline

Overall, the AT&T USBConnect Velocity USB Modem is an impressive piece of modern mobile broadband technology.

Implementing the latest World releases of HSPA technology, it can provide blazing speeds of 7.2 Mbps download and 5.76Mbps upload. The retractable USB is safely hidden while not in use, but can be used to connect almost any computer to Internet in more than 185 countries.
USBConnect Velocity doubles as storage device with an integrated microSD memory card slot for up to 32GB cards and has built-in GPS, which is perfect for use with location-enabled web pages and apps.

The Velocity is an excellent addition to AT&T Mobile Broadband Modems lineup. List price is $279.99 without contract, and since it is available for Free with 2 year AT&T data plan, the USBConnect Velocity has the feature mix that is hard to beat.

General

Coffee shops, airports, a friend’s house. Don’t worry about searching for hotspots or paying for access. With the AT&T USBConnect Velocity, you’ll have high-speed access—with GPS—right in your pocket, all across AT&T’s global coverage.

• The AT&T USBConnect Velocity is three-in-one device combining high-speed wireless broadband with GPS and data storage
• Smart design with retractable connector keeps your device from getting damaged
• World Connectivity – simple and easy to connect to websites and Internet applications from anywhere in the world
• Enhanced portability and durability make it easier to get work done while you’re on the move
• You don’t even need a CD to get started. Software is already on Velocity and you’ll be connected to 3G and Wi-Fi networks in no time
• AT&T Connection Manager helps you monitor your usage to help you stay on budget
• Stay connected to your home office using Velocity’s VPN capabilities

True Global 3G Connectivity

• Quad band UMTS for 850/900/1900/2100 MHz
• Quad band GSM/EDGE for 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

Key Features

• Retractable USB 2.0 Modem To Connect Your Laptop To The Wireless Broadband Network Anywhere
• FREE Connection To More Than 20,000 AT&T WiFi Hot Spots In The U.S. (Data Plan Required)
• Built-in GPS For Use With Location-enabled Web Pages and Apps
• Store, Back-up and Transfer Data Files With The microSD Memory Card Slot
• Data Download Speeds Burst to 7.2 Mbps! Data Upload Speeds Burst to 2.0 Mpbs!
• Surf The Internet, Check Email, Access Corporate Networks – All Over 3G Cellular Network Worldwide!
• Compatible With Microsoft Windows 7, Vista and XP and Mac OS X (Version 10.4 Or Later)

What’s In The Box

• Software Included – AT&T Communication Manager 7.1 (Installed) and AT&T Global Network Client (Downloadable)
• Additional Items Included – USB Extension Cable, Screen Clip, Connectivity Software (On Device), Quick Start Guide
• Free Downloadable Software – Option GPS Manager, Option Globetrotter Connection Manager

Advanced Features

• GPS Services Support – Built-in GPS For Use With Location-based Web Pages (Free Downloadable Application)
• MicroSD slot – for memory cards with up to 32Gb capacity
• SMS capable

Core Features

• Color – Black
• Style – Retractable USB 2.0 Wireless Broadband Modem

Dimensions

• Length: 3.1” (78.9 mm)
• Width: 1.1” (28.5 mm)
• Depth: 0.6” (16.5 mm)
• Weight: 1.0oz (28g)

Connectivity

• 3G Data Speeds – Yes, Where Available
• Network Compatibility – GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900, 2100
• Data Download Speed – HSDPA Network Download Speeds Of 7.2 Mbps, HSUPA Upload Speeds Up To 5.76 Mbps
• Internationally Compatible – Yes, Roaming Data In More Than 185 Countries (Roaming Fees Apply)
• Compatible Carrier – AT&T

HSPA,HSUPA/HSDPA/UMTS Air Interface

• WCDMA
  • GI461: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz
  • Diversity on all bands.
• HSDPA Category 8 download support 16-QAM (7.2Mbps)
• HSUPA Category 6 (5.76Mbps)
• UE Power Class 3

EDGE/GSM Air Interface

• 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• EDGE Power Class E2, GSM Power Class 1 at 1800/1900 MHz and Power
  Class 4 at 850/900 MHz; coding scheme UL & DL—CS 1-4, MCS 1-9
• Packet-switched data:
  • Multislot (E)GPRS Class 12, (E)GPRS Class B Type 1 MT
  • Streaming, Background and Interactive QoS Classes Supported
• Circuit-switched data: 14.4, 12.2 and 9.6kbps

Interfaces

• USB 2 High Speed interface
• Micro-SD slot (32 GB max) – Card Not Included
• Drivers: Windows® XP Pro/Home, Windows Vista®, Windows® 7,
  Mac OS X and Linux
• SIM-ME interface as specified in 3GPP GSM TS11.11 and GSM 11.12
  with compliance to ISO 7816
• SIM Application toolkit capable SIM
• NDIS or Standard modem emulation for compatibility with terminal
  programs/dialers and for use with proprietary operating systems.
• AT Interface 3GPP TS27.005, ATD*99# and ATD*99***# support
• Multiple communication ports for simultaneous data call and network
  coverage reports
• Optional: Zero-Footprint® technology
• Compatible with NMEA GPS protocol and applications

Hardware specifications

• Device Type: USB stick modem
• Tri colour LED Red – initialization, Green for GSM/GPRS/EDGE and blue
  for HSUPA/HSDPA/UMTS
• SIM card interface compliant with 3GPP 31.101 and 31.102 supporting
  1.8 and 3V UICCs
• Environmental Operating temperature: -10 to +55°C
• RoHS Compliant

Approvals and Certifications

• All applicable regulatory approvals, Operator and Infrastructure IOT
• Microsoft WHQL certifi ed drivers

Compatible Rate Plans

• Device Supports AT&T Data Plans
• Available For Purchase Without Service Plan
• AT&T Data Card Plan Options – Yes

Where to Buy…

• Buy AT&T USBConnect Velocity - Option Velocity 3G HSDPA 3-in-1 Mobile USB Modem from
  AT&T Online Store

• Buy AT&T USBConnect Velocity - Option Velocity 3G HSDPA 3-in-1 Mobile USB Modem from
  Amazon Online Store