Unlimited pre-paid 3G data via USB stick for $39 per month might sound like a rather unexciting deal for many Europeans but for the U.S, this is a long-overdue breakthrough. Prices for 3G data in the US have been too high for too long.
The service is being brought to the market by DataJack with very few strings at all. On the contrary, it’s promoted as a truly flat data service (on a GSM/UMTS network judging by the mention of ‘EDGE’ in the marketing material) along with a free moth of service after using it for 12 consecutive months.
We suspect that this is a locked service but fingers crossed that DataJack brings out a SIM-only version of the product. It would make a nice partner for an unlocked MiFi unit.
DataJack to Launch Unlimited Prepaid Mobile Broadband for $39.
December 30th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
New article: DataJack Puts Pressure on U.S. 3G Data Services. http://bit.ly/62CuJy
December 31st, 2009 at 2:17 am
That’s pretty exciting! I’ve been so put off by 3G plans, but I was about ready to bite the bullet and get a Sprint Sero plan with a MiFi. If this turns out to actually be as good as it seems then this could do big things for the US 3G market.
COCOViper Reply:
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:41 am
Well it’s actually a 2G device (EDGE/UMTS), but it would be nice to see more inexpensive 2G devices and data plans to provide some options for users that don’t need or want 3G.
EC Reply:
January 2nd, 2010 at 5:37 am
It is a 3G device on TMoUSA’s data network including 3G, how much of that there is, is another story though.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:47 am
I’d still get this even if their coverage and speed is as bad as AT&T’s.
December 31st, 2009 at 4:37 am
They should offer a mifi as an alternative to the USB modem.
And they should offer to bundle with Cradlepoint devices as well.
But, yes, a “SIM only” would be good.
I’m trying to figure out whose network they actually use. They give 4 frequencies, one of which is “AWS”, which implies T-Mobile USA. But it also looks like they use AT&T frequencies (1900MHz), so it’s hard to tell.
December 31st, 2009 at 3:04 pm
If I’m not wrong, this must be the icon 452 from the Belgian supplier “OPTION”
http://www.option.com/en/products/products/usb-modems/icon452/specifications/#start
PS: thanks jean1
EC Reply:
January 2nd, 2010 at 5:39 am
I don’t see any 1700Mhz mentioned in there TMoUSA 3G is on yes odd freq 1700Mhz. Why there is hardly any HW out there to support it, I believe including no MiFi?
j Reply:
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:39 pm
If you believe Wikipedia, “3G (UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+) service by T-Mobile exclusively uses the AWS 1700/2100 MHz frequency-band” which is supported by the device.
January 1st, 2010 at 12:11 pm
DataJack Puts Pressure on U.S. 3G Data Services http://bit.ly/7kVo1K (via feedly)
January 5th, 2010 at 12:09 am
I think we’ll see some wimax coming out at around the same price, so I don’t really see this as being much of a value, especially since 3G coverage on t-mo is just as spotty as wimax.
January 6th, 2010 at 6:20 am
T-Mobile just updated their entire 3G network to 7.2 MB/s. Just wanted to point that out.