Using Sprint’s EVDO Rev. A network, Virgin Mobile USA announced today the launch of their wireless broadband service, Broadband2Go.
When the service goes live later this month you’ll be able to purchase a Novatel Ovation MC760 USB dongle for $150 sans contract. Pay-as-you-go VM Top-Up cards can be purchased in the following increments: 100MB, 250MB, 500MB and 1GB. Here’s where it gets a little confusing; 100MB will cost you $10, but you have to use that within 10 days. For $20 you get 250MB, 600MB for $40 and 1GB for $60, which have to be used within 30 days.
$60 for a 1GB of data is quite a bit considering you get 5GB for the same price from the major carriers but you’re not locked into a two-year contract either. VMU will provide an online portal to keep tabs on how much data and time you have left as well as a handy activity chart of sorts that lets you know how much browsing is allocated for your pre-purchased data.
Finally. It’s about time. I can’t say I care for the time limit or the relatively high pricing, but it’s a step in the right direction.
I do like the fact that you have no contract, it’s something that someone who needs it temporarily can afford.
So, according to the chart, $60 buys you 4 hours of video viewing. That means that I can instant-stream two Netflix movies for ‘only’ $30 each.
Makes even a night at the movies with $7 cokes look cheap!
I agree – totally the right direction – unfortunately it’s Windows only for now.
Is there any way to avoid the high cost of the hardware? Is the USB dongle available elsewhere (eBay?) for less?
Is there any way to avoid the high hardware cost? Is the dongle available elsewhere – say ebay?
You’d have to be mentally retarded to pay that much for data service. Cricket, $40 a month, no limit.
Bam.
Yeah, providing you have the coverage….. which isn’t in Eastern Oregon…….
BAM!
maj–cricket isn’t available in seattle.
Doesn’t WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Complete crap!
British have definitely got the right idea. Up to 5GB for 15 British Pounds per month! Approx $25-$28 for us. We are so sadly lacking in the USA.