Verizon Wireless Launches New USB Modem - Now with World Coverage

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 started tipping the scales first with introduction of USB1000 global modem (manufactured by Novatel Wireless), and now – AD3700 Global USB Broadband Modem from ZTE.

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.

AD3700 from ZTE is first and for all, and EvDO modem optimized for Verizon’s EvDO broadband data network. Global connectivity is reported to be disabled by default, which is just as good, since we would not recommend connecting unless you’ve done thorough and diligent research in the data roaming pricing in your target destination. Otherwise you may be unpleasantly surprised with the total amount of you wireless data bill.

The AD3700 is built on Qualcomm Gobi chipset – adding to EvDO the radio part for UMTS/HSPA networks, which is a really global standard, and coveres not only North and South Americas, but also all Europe and even parts of Asia (e.g it will work with some operators in Japan).

To make the modem globally capable, Verizon provides you with an additional SIM card (required for GSM/UMTS/HSPA networks), which works with their GlobalAccess application and VZAccess connection manager.

The modem is rather large by today’s standards for USB mobile broadband sticks at 3.1” (H) x 1.7” (W) x 0.5” (D) and it’s up to the user to decide if it’s worth it for the global mobile connectivity.

Verizon’s announced price is $129.99 bindled with 2-year contract. However after $50 discount, it will only set you back $79.99.

All in all, if you are not on AT&T network, this is the only Global Connectivity broadband data option currently on the US market outside of AT&T.

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Source: PC Magazine

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