Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) revealed how much Verizon Wireless' (NYSE:VZ) LTE connections will cost on its new high-end Chromebook Pixel laptop. The gadget stands as another mechanism for Verizon to sell data services, and highlights carriers' continuing efforts to encourage users to try wireless data on devices beyond smartphones.
According to GigaOM, which cited an unnamed Google representative, LTE Chromebook customers will get 100 MB of data usage for free each month for two years. Beyond that, the no-contract LTE data pricing for the Chromebook Pixel breaks down as follows:
- $9.99 for an unlimited day pass
- $20 for 1 GB of data for a one-month period
- $35 for 3 GB of data for a one-month period
- $50 for 5 GB of data for a one-month period
A Verizon spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The $1,449 Chromebook ships April 8. The gadget is the latest in a long line of laptops with built-in cellular connections, including LTE. For example, AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) supports postpaid LTE connectivity for the $600 Asus-made VivoTab, which runs Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows 8 RT operating system.
Verizon is no stranger to backing Google's Chrome vision. In late 2010 the carrier launched a set of prepaid data plans, including a free 100 MB per month for two years, for Google's first line of Chrome OS laptops.
Verizon also isn't the only carrier offering a free bundle of data to laptop and tablet users as a way to encourage them to purchase more data. T-Mobile USA earlier this year launched its 4G Connect program, which provides 200 MB of free data to notebook, tablet and ultrabook users. And Clearwire MVNO FreedomPop offers 500 MB of free data per month.
AT&T Mobility too is exploring innovative pricing structures. For $50 per year, Kindle Fire HD tablet owners can access 250 MB of LTE data per month through AT&T's network.
For more:
- see this Google Play post
- see this GigaOM article
- see this The Verge article
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