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.
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
- see this Information Week article
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