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Virgin Expands 'Broadband2Go' Availability
Unfortunately, the underwhelming pricing remains

Back in June, Virgin Mobile announced a new wireless broadband service dubbed "Broadband2Go." Broadband2Go operates over Sprint's EVDO network, offering users the choice of buying pay-as-you-go cards in 100MB ($10), 250MB ($20), 500MB ($40) and 1GB ($60) increments. Not only are those not particularly impressive prices -- given Sprint itself offers 5GB of connectivity for $60 -- but Virgin Mobile puts an expiration date on the cards. While these caps are downright silly, such connections are marginally useful from a convenience perspective, assuming you don't have a 3G connection or can't find a (usually free) Wi-Fi hotspot. According to an announcement today, those of you not put off by the pricing can get the service from over 1,000 Best Buy Mobile stores, over 4,300 Radio Shack stores, Sam's Club kiosks via Radio Shack, Walmart.com and Target.com as of December 1, 2009.

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fiberguy2
My views are my own.
Premium Member
join:2005-05-20

fiberguy2

Premium Member

"Unfortunately, the underwhelming pricing remains"..?

"ot only are those not particularly impressive prices -- given Sprint itself offers 5GB of connectivity for $60"

I don't see this is a problem with this.

As usual, Karl is leaving an important piece out here and it's frustrating to read... the PAY AS YOU GO plans are always going to be higher than the post paid commitment customers are going to pay.

People want the lower prices and all the convenience, luxuries, and options as those of us that commit to the term plans... you don't want to be in a commitment, then you're going to pay more.. you want the lower $59.99 5/gb plan, then sign up for that option.. but, if pay as you go people want cheaper rates.. then I'll be the first to ask for an ever LOWER rate than them.
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: "Unfortunately, the underwhelming pricing remains"..?

Here's the thing: while VMobile's rates are lower than Verizon's, they're still 5x or more what people would pay otherwise for the same exact service. Prepaid voice/messaging isn't like that, because there's enough competition in the market.

All that said, I can get *unlimited* non-contract EvDO on Sprint via Millenicom for $70 per month. Or $60 per month for 5GB on Verizon the same way...

Swingerhead
Premium Member
join:2004-04-06
Richmond, VA

Swingerhead to fiberguy2

Premium Member

to fiberguy2
Its a plan that works for me. The inital investment is high as the hardware is over $100, not having a contract easily outweighs this as I only need the service 4-5 times a year for a few weekends each time. If you can get me the same deal that equals the same $ amount per year Ill go for it.
zipjay
join:2003-03-11
South Williamson, KY

zipjay to fiberguy2

Member

to fiberguy2
I use boost mobile and have more or less the same (if not better) pricing than nextel customers. Why can't we just get rid of contracts completely??

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

4 edits

FFH5

Premium Member

Good for USA visitors avoiding roaming fees

This can be a good plan for visitors from the EU or elsewhere who want some laptop access and to avoid the roaming fees charged by their home country carriers. While EU roaming fees have dropped by regulator fiat, they still are higher than what you would pay for this service. The EU caps data fees while roaming of 1 euro(approx $1.50) / MB. Rogers in Canada charges $6/MB while roaming in the US. Clearly the Virgin plan is way better, even after the one time $99 cost of the USB device. Just an example, the $10 for 100MB Virgin plan would cost you $150 in EU roaming charges.

And if you are a very occasional US resident traveler in the US and just want to have laptop access for that rare trip, this can be good also.

But, obviously, if you need cell access for your laptop all the time, then this isn't for you.
iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Austin, TX

iansltx

Member

Re: Good for USA visitors avoiding roaming fees

Agreed, though rates should probably adjusted downward on price-per-GB to get more customers.
Your20G
join:2009-06-30

Your20G

Member

are there any prepaid

wireless broadband plans in United States with true unlimited usage, no hidden tricks, available?

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

1 edit

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: are there any prepaid

said by Your20G:

wireless broadband plans in United States with true unlimited usage, no hidden tricks, available?
None that I know of. Walmart sells something called "Straight Talk" »www.pcmag.com/article2/0 ··· 9,00.asp that advertises unlimited data, but the TOS has lots of gotchas:
»www.publicknowledge.org/ ··· ode/2705
Your20G
join:2009-06-30

Your20G

Member

Re: are there any prepaid

thank you very much i will take a look at it

SAVirginMob
@209.236.250.x

SAVirginMob

Anon

Forgot to mention...

Hey folks,

Just one more thing to add. Virgin Mobile has also reduced the price of the broadband device from $149 to $99.

Thanks!

SA @ Virgin Mobile