Verizon today unveiled a new "SmartHub" LTE router that lets users enjoy unlimited cellular broadband in the home via WiFi. According to the full Verizon announcement, the unit itself will cost you either $200 outright, or $100 with a two year contract (with an early termination fee of $175). Data plans for the unit start at $40 per month for 4GB of LTE data, up to an unlimited data option for $110 per month (plus a $20 monthly "line access fee").
All told, $130 per month for unlimited data isn't cheap, but it's likely an interesting option for customers who can't get fixed-line broadband at all, or are stuck on expensive, capped satellite broadband plans.
According to Verizon, there's an LED display at the top of the device that lets you quickly access data usage and Wi-Fi passwords. There's also an included battery for when the power goes out.
Verizon also says there's an app that lets the unit become the heart of a connected home. Of course if you're on a capped data plan and not named Verizon, you may not enjoy having every internet of things device in your home eating up your previous usage allotments with firmware updates.
"To make your smart home even smarter, download Verizon Home, a companion app for SmartHub that lets you conveniently monitor and control smart home accessories from your smartphone," says the company's release. "Get notifications and schedule routines like adjusting lights, setting thermostat temperatures and more, from your sofa or on the go."
You can find more detail in Verizon's full
release, and additional information on the hardware itself over at the
Verizon Wireless website. There's also an
ongoing thread in our Verizon Wireless forum where users discuss what it's like using a Verizon cellular connection as your only broadband line.
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