Pem’s Tech Blog

The general impressions I got are:
* All 4 are $60/mo 5 GB/mo cap ($720/yr); the only real differences are speed and coverage
* AT&T is fastest, at least if you are in an AT&T 3G coverage area
* Verizon probably has better overall coverage (AT&T is second), but that can depend on the specific location(s)
* International roaming from US carriers is basically a scam (absurdly expensive); but you can just get a prepaid data card from a carrier in the country you travel
* AT&T (and T-Mobile) use GSM with SIM card

In the US (not everywhere), the carrier also determines your choices for devices (typically discounted and locked, which sometimes means partially-crippled).  For example, AT&T has iPhone, Sprint will be first to have Palm Pre, T-Mobile was first to have Android, everyone has Windows Mobile and BlackBerry, Nokia Symbian is only available unlocked only for AT&T and T-Mobile (GSM), MiFi is for Verizon and Sprint.  You also can’t have a smart phone on Verizon’s network anymore without at least the $30/mo data plan; while for AT&T you could at least use an unlocked phone.

Here’s the full post: http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/engadget-labs-the-best-mobile-broadband-carrier-in-america/

Pem (Admin) :: Jun.05.2009 :: Mobility :: No Comments »

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