DataJack, launching next month at CES, is a dongle with a difference — it offers 3G high speed cellular data for just $39.99 a month, without any contract commitments.
DataJack promises no early termination fees, no deposits, no credit check, and their USB modem costs just $99 at signup. The modem has a micro-SD slot so that you can use it as a USB storage dongle as well.
Whether their “unlimited” data plan doesn’t have the standard 5GB a month limit that Sprint, T-mobile, Verizon and AT&T all maintain on their wireless broadband plans, remains to be seen.
If you stay connected to the service for 12 consecutive months, DataJack will also offer subscribers one month free.
DataJack operates over a GSM network and operates on “850/1900/2100/AWS” with upload up to 5.76Mbps and downloads up to 7.2Mbps.
Once installed, the DataJack USB automatically connects to the 3G network. You will notice a 3G indicator on your Connection manager screen. If 3G is not available then you will still be in service with Edge or 2.5G service. If the Edge network is not available, the DataJack will search for local Wi-Fi networks.
Of course what DataJack defines as “unlimited” needs clarification.
Sprint’s dual mode U301 USB modem (left) supports both WiMAX and EV-DO. Sprint’s 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Plan costs $69/month (on a 2 year contract), but includes both 3G and 4G data access. It works on both Macs and PCs.
DataJack is not the only prepaid data service:
- Cricket Broadband costs $40 a month with no signed contracts and no overage fees. It uses Sprint’s CDMA network and their coverage map shows similar coverage to Sprint. Cricket’s A600 Modem, also with a microSD storage slot, is free with a new activation. It provides 3G (EVDO Rev A) & 1X speeds, and the $40 per month service is capped around 5 MB per month.
- Virgin Mobile’s 2Go plan has prepaid 3G data, but their $60 plan only provides 1GB per month. Virgin’s $99 Modem, a Novatel Wireless MC760 has an optional external antenna for enhanced performance on the fringe areas of networks and works with Macs and PCs.
- Millenicom has an unlimited prepaid data option for $69.99/month. It requires the purchase of a Sierra Wireless 598U modem for $99.99. The unlimited service is for personal and family use and is not to be used as a public WiFi, broadcast to multi-dwelling units. Their BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Account works with mobile WiFi routers such as the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile router which costs $298 at Amazon (without a service plan). It works over the Sprint mobile broadband network. The standard Millenicom Mobile Wireless Broadband account, with a 5-gigabyte usage cap, is $59.99/month, along with a one-time fee of $49.99 and a $15.00 shipping fee to get the account started.
Perhaps Sprint’s WiMAX phone, expected to be announced next week at CES, might also work as a tethered modem. While a $300 MiFi mobile router or $200 Clear Spot can be handy for small groups, a 4G phone tethered to a computer might also provide 3G phone service most anywhere.
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