3G Data Plans: EVDO, HSDPA, UMTS, Cheap?

[elray]

I'm shopping for a standalone high-speed data plan for my X31 - I think the best way to go is with a USB Aircard device, though I find Cardbus devices more reliable.

But when it comes to monthly cost, it would appear that most carriers want between $50 and $80, except Alltel and Cricket, which aren't available here.

Rumor has it that one can use AT&T prepaid GoPhone Sim, at $20/month, in an Aircard. Has anyone done so, successfully?

Are there any other reasonably-priced medium-to-high-speed wireless plans available, that I don't know about? (5G cap is fine for me.)

[NorrisCell]

Rumor has it that one can use AT&T prepaid GoPhone Sim, at $20/month, in an Aircard. Has anyone done so, successfully?

Are there any other reasonably-priced medium-to-high-speed wireless plans available, that I don't know about? (5G cap is fine for me.)

You may very well be able to load $20 onto a prepaid SIM and use it in an aircard. Expect your $20 to be gone in an hour or so. Data usage charges by the KB, which goes quickly.

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint don't offer month to month aircard plans. T-Mobile doesn't offer UMTS aircards, mainly because their network is still launching. If you just need basic (Not high speed) internet, you could get a T-Mobile Flexpay plan and use it for tethering. You won't be streaming movies on it, but it will function fine for normal surfing. Speeds will be120-150 kbps. You are more than welcome to email me if you have questions on this.

[GomJabbar]

AFAIK, NorrisCell is correct. I have an AT&T broadband connect unlimited plan (about $75/mo including taxes and fees), for my Sierra Wireless 860 AirCard. Unlimited doesn't mean unlimited anymore. There is a 5 GB cap these days.

My wife has a T-Mobile data card (Sony Ericsson GC-83) which contract expires next month. The people I ordered the card from (I got it on ebay) just offered me a new card at the new rate of $39/mo with a contract (not including taxes and fees). The card would be a Sony Ericsson GC-89 (includes WiFi, but is still 2G EDGE service). If you are interested, I could give you their number. However, EDGE is considered rather slow these days.

[NorrisCell]

The card would be a Sony Ericsson GC-89 (includes WiFi, but is still 2G EDGE service). If you are interested, I could give you their number. However, EDGE is considered rather slow these days.

That would be the one. GC89 combo EDGE/WiFi.

Who do you have cell service with? Is there a reason you don't tether the phone you have?

[qviri]

Rumor has it that one can use AT&T prepaid GoPhone Sim, at $20/month, in an Aircard. Has anyone done so, successfully?

Are there any other reasonably-priced medium-to-high-speed wireless plans available, that I don't know about? (5G cap is fine for me.)

You may very well be able to load $20 onto a prepaid SIM and use it in an aircard. Expect your $20 to be gone in an hour or so. Data usage charges by the KB, which goes quickly.

The AT&T GoPhone has "MEdia Net" packages available for purchase. "Unlimited" use for a month is $20. You can use it as a standard 3G SIM card; I'm not sure what are the requirements for an "Aircard". I don't know how far "unlimited" really goes. Mine came in a $10 Nokia and I've been using it liberally in a Blackberry Pearl (EDGE), no problems yet.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 468#445468

[NorrisCell]

Works well, until they catch you. The carrier agreement specifically forbids tethering on a Media Net plan. You may be able to sneak it by for a month or so, but the way the data is transferred will eventually raise a red flag. If you choose to go that route, I would recommend an LG CU400 or Samsung A707. They're readily available and inexpensive. The Samsung has the benefit of charging over USB while connected and Samsung's PC Studio software is free on their site. It has all the items you need to tether it.

[GomJabbar]

Who do you have cell service with? Is there a reason you don't tether the phone you have?

I use AT&T BroadbandConnect Unlimited with a Sierra Wireless 860 AirCard. I do not tether because I go weeks where this is my only internet access. As you state above, tethering on MediaNet over prepaid or personal plans is verbotten.

There is a MediaNet plan that includes tethering with a PDA or Blackberry, but I would not save any money on that plan. The only advantage of that plan over mine is that I would have internet access on my phone for no additional charge - but that does not really matter to me. I prefer to carry a smaller, less expensive cell phone.