AT&T USBConnect Modems Refreshed: HSPA+ And Pre-Pay Options

AT&T has outed its latest range of USB modems, and while the carrier doesn't actually have an active HSPA+ network at the moment, two out of the three new models will support the high-speed connectivity when service goes live in early 2011.  The AT&T USBConnect Shockwave and USBConnect Adrenaline each offer HSPA+, while the AT&T USBConnect 900 lacks the higher-speed support but will be sold contract-free.

The primary difference between the Shockwave and the Adrenaline is that the latter has GPS and a microSD slot content with up to 32GB cards.  The Shockwave is free with a new, two year agreement, while the Adrenaline is $49.99 with the same agreement.

Alternatively, $79.99 gets you the USBConnect 900, and you can then pay for your mobile broadband as and when you need it.  A 100MB day pass is $15, 300MB for a week is $30 and 1GB for a month is $50.

Press Release:

AT&T Introduces its First LTE and HSPA+ LaptopConnect Devices

Company to also make available its first LaptopConnect Device that supports a pre-paid data plan option

Key Facts

AT&T* will offer its first LTE and HSPA+-upgradable devices

AT&T USBConnect Adrenaline from LG will be LTE-capable while the AT&T USBConnect Shockwave from Sierra Wireless will offer HSPA+ connectivity

In addition, AT&T will also introduce the AT&T USBConnect 900 from Huawei, which will be the newest LaptopConnect device from AT&T to work with DataConnect Pass prepaid data plans

Customer Benefits

With the introduction of the AT&T USBConnect Shockwave and Adrenaline, AT&T is introducing two devices that will not only operate on AT&T's HSPA mobile broadband network today, but also the company's upgraded network in the future. The Adrenaline will be AT&T's first LTE-upgradeable device and the Shockwave the first HSPA+-capable device from the company.

"With the planned deployment of HSPA+ technology later this year, combined with the continued rollout of expanded backhaul, AT&T will have increased our 3G download or upload speeds multiple times in five years," said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We have purposefully planned our path to LTE to create a wireless network where the transition from 3G does not give customers wireless whiplash."

AT&T has the nation's fastest mobile broadband network. And with plans to make it even faster, the upgrades when complete are expected to be two to three times faster than most other 3G networks.

The AT&T USBConnect Adrenaline from LG will be AT&T's first LTE-upgradeable device. While it can take advantage of the nation's fastest mobile broadband network today, a simple software upgrade via AT&T Communication Manager or AT&T Global Network Client will be all that is required to enable it to work on the LTE network when available. Featuring a sleek casing and smooth finish, Adrenaline is equipped with an internal antenna, plug and play functionality and multiple OS support that will keep users connected and on-the-go. Adrenaline also features built-in GPS for enterprise applications, a multi-color LED status indicator and a MicroSD memory card slot supporting cards up to 32 GB of storage. Like all of AT&T's LaptopConnect devices, the device can be used to access Wi-Fi hotspots, including access to AT&T's more than 23,000 hotspots, a benefit of a corresponding DataConnect and/or DataConnect Pass plan.

Built ready to run on AT&T's planned HSPA+ network upgrade, the AT&T USBConnect Shockwave from Sierra Wireless is the first LaptopConnect device from AT&T to do so. AT&T expects to upgrade to this next evolution of 3G network technology by the end of 2010 which

In addition to allowing cutting edge speeds, the Shockwave will get users off to a quick start, installing in about 60 seconds, and the Shockwave will be available at a cutting-edge price – free with a two-year contract, data plan and mail-in-rebate.

For customers who want the flexibility of a LaptopConnect device without a contract, the AT&T USBConnect 900 from Huawei is compatible with the AT&T DataConnect Pass pre-paid service – the pay-as-you-need it data service that does not require a long-term contract.

Pricing and Availability

AT&T USBConnect Shockwave – Free after a two-year service agreement, minimum data plan and mail-in-rebate

AT&T USBConnect Adrenaline – $49.99 after a two-year service agreement, minimum data plan and mail-in-rebate

AT&T USBConnect 900 – $79.99 without a contract. Users select one of AT&T's DataConnect Pass options to access mobile broadband data.

AT&T DataConnect Pass Options:

DataConnect Day Pass (100 MB) – $15

DataConnect Week Pass (300 MB) – $30

DataConnect Month Pass (1GB) – $50

1Limited 4G availability planned in select markets beginning 2011".