Verizon offers global data access with new USB modem

Verizon Wireless launched a new USB modem that will give customers global access to mobile data by offering support for CDMA networks in North America and GSM networks abroad.

[1]The modem, called the USB1000 Global Modem, is made by Novatel Wireless and will cost $150 with a new two-year service agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate. The modem joins a few other devices from Verizon that are global, including Research In Motion's Blackberry Storm and the Samsung Saga.

The modem has support for EV-Do Rev. A (800/1900 MHz), WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA bands (850/1900/2100 MHz) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). The data plans, however, do not come cheap.

The minimum global plan costs start at $130 per month, offering 100 MB allowance in 31 destinations (with $0.005/KB overage charges). That price also gives customers in the U.S. and Canada a 5 GB allowance (with $0.05/MB overage). And, for $220 per month, customers can get a 200 MB allowance in those 31 select destinations and a 5GB allowance in the U.S. and Canada, with the same rates for overage as the $130 monthly access plan.

Verizon is also offering a global access pay-per-use plan with the USB modem, but said customers must sign up for its 5GB mobile broadband service plan in the U.S. for $60 per month if they choose to take that option. The carrier said the pay-per-use rates are $0.002/KB in Canada, $0.005/KB in Mexico and $0.02/KB in more than 175 other destinations.
 
For more:
- see this release [1]
- see this Information Week article [2]

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