Verizon and Novatel launching USB720 Rev A modem tomorrow

Again, Verizon isn't really all about the surprises today, with an inconspicuous Rev A launch, and now the release of this USB720 Rev A modem from Novatel more or less right on target, but there ain't nothing wrong with that. Sure, they're playing catch-up to Sprint on this front as well, but everybody's gotta start somewhere, and Verizon has picked tomorrow to start handing out these USB modem dongles. And by "handing out" we of course mean charging $150 to people who sign up for a new two-year customer agreement, and $200 to the one-year types. Plus you'll need to pick up an unlimited data plan for all those gigabytes you'll be pulling, which will run you $60 a month on top of an existing $40 voice plan, or $80 a month all by its lonesome. Not cheap by a long shot, but just think of all those neat things Verizon wants you to do with that bandwidth, like blaze through torrents, make p2p Skype calls, share your connection with friends and email your mom! The modem will be available immediately on line and in B2B channels, to be followed by a retail launch on the 20th.

[Lucas @ Feb 1st 2007 12:25PM]

So now you can max out your "unlimited" access even quicker! :rolleyes:

[sean @ Feb 1st 2007 2:18PM]

Screw mobile technology! Too expensive. All the more reason to take up a public phobia.

[Ladderless @ Feb 1st 2007 2:32PM]

I agree... It's NOT an "Unlimited Data" account -- It's and "Unlimited Access" account. There's a HUGE difference.

From what I've heard, Verizon cancels any account that uses more than 10 Gig of bandwidth in any billing cycle.

It's a lot, but it's NOT unlimited data.

[Veriander @ Feb 1st 2007 4:17PM]

I subscribe to Verizon's wireless broadband, and yes, at $60 per month it's expensive. But I would never give it up. And Verizon will sell me an upgrade ($100) to an AirCard 595, which works with both the old and Rev A networks. Well worth the bucks.

[alex @ Feb 1st 2007 4:29PM]

Though Verizon launched their Rev-A network, the cities they've officially listed aren't the only places they have Rev-A turned on at. There are quite a few major markets they aren't announcing yet, for whatever reason. See for yourself by checking out a cool new google mashup at http://www.EVDOmaps.com

[nikster @ Feb 1st 2007 5:57PM]

So... all I need to do to get out of their 2 year contract is download 10GB? Sweet!

[AndrewNeo @ Feb 4th 2007 1:40AM]

While that would be great.. when Verizon terminates your contract they still charge you the early termination fee.

[T221 @ Feb 1st 2007 8:36PM]

I've been with verizon for a couple years now using their EVDO service and a voice account I do not use because my business pays for cingular. Anyway, i got out of my contract due to the text message increase (see engadget's post on how to get out of your contract without an early termination fee before March 1). I am going with Sprint where I do not have to have a voice plan to get the $59.99 a month. Bye Bye verizon.

[B-Mo @ Feb 1st 2007 11:38PM]

@ Ladderless:

I was looking into Verizon as a Data provider for my laptop, and It's not even 10Gigs, it's only 5. I'm still looking around for a mobile data provider, I was looking to see if T-mobile had similar restrictions, but I see "Unlimited data" on their site... anyone know if there's a certain bandwidth cap on their service?

[chris lo @ Feb 2nd 2007 4:40AM]

I download this program from download.com recently.

Author said that I could set up unlimited file distribution network with this program.

I had a lot of large size outdoor movie files in my computer and want to send to friends and my students.

Would you please review the product?

This is something, but I don't know how to implement this program to my blog.

Sincerely yours,

Andy

[Spineless Coward @ Feb 3rd 2007 3:59PM]

Debates on the VZW data plans aside, I can say that Rev-A is pretty slick. I got to play with the USB720 (in a non-official Rev-A city, no less), and the speed test was impressive. 1.1mbps down, 432kbps up. Not bad at all.