Verizon Adds First Global Wireless Modem

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 6/18/2009

Basking Ridge, N.J. — Verizon Wireless will offer a global data modem for the first time with the Friday launch of Novatel’s USB1000 Global modem, a 3G USB modem priced at $149 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

In the past, Verizon offered customers a global-modem package consisting of two separate 3G modems, one

Verizon’s Novatel-made USB1000 Global Modem.

for North American CDMA networks and one for foreign GSM networks, both in the PC Card form factor, a spokeswoman said. “It is the first single device for both technologies,” she said, noting that Verizon is probably the only carrier offering such a modem, which operates in 3G modes in North America and overseas.

In North America, the device it operates in CDMA 1x EV-DO Rev. A 3G networks. It operates in quadband EDGE 2.5G networks in North America and overseas, and it operates in 3G W-CDMA HSPA networks in the U.S. 850/1900MHz bands and overseas 2100MHz band.

The carrier already offers devices that can be used as 3G data modems globally, including the BlackBerry Storm smartphone and the subsidized HP Mini 1151NR netbook. Other Verizon global phones, such as the BlackBerry 8830 and Samsung Saga, operate as 3G data modems in North America but default to 2.5G EDGE mode overseas.

The USB1000, available for order on June 19 in Verizon-owned stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com, features Type A USB port compatibility, pre-installed SIM card, VZAccess Manager software for laptops, external antenna connector and VPN compatibility.

It can be purchased with global monthly or pay-per-use data plans. The GlobalAccess monthly plans start at $129 monthly access, offering a 100MB allowance in 31 select destinations as well as access in the U.S. and Canada with 5GB allowance. For $219/month, customers get a 200MB allowance in 31 destinations and 5GB in the U.S. and Canada.

GlobalAccess Pay Per Use must be purchased with a 5GB monthly allowance Mobile Broadband service plan in the U.S. for $59.99 monthly access. The Pay Per Use rate is $0.002/KB in Canada, $0.005/KB in Mexico and $0.02/KB in more than 175 other destinations.