You'd better be darn sure AT&T's data service is solid in your neck of the woods before making the leap, but if you've managed to survive this long sans a USB WWAN dongle... well, here's your chance to grow that much more connected to your inbox. Ma Bell has just issued its latest USB modem, the USBConnect Force 4G. Priced at a downright delicious $0.00 with a two-year contract (or $89.99 straight-up), the Huawei-built stick supports the carrier's "4G" (read: HSPA+) services and offers a microSD slot for good measure. Interestingly, AT&T's allowing users to buy this with post-paid and prepaid options, and of course, data roaming's available in over 200 nations for those insane enough to pay for it. If you're going post-paid, you'll get 5GB of data for $50 / month, while prepaid buyers can select 100MB for $15 (day package), 300MB for $30 (weekly package) or 1GB for $50 (month package). It'll operate with both Mac and PC platforms, and should be on store shelves by July 17th.
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Connect On The Go With New AT&T USBConnect Force 4G
USB Modem Debuts at No Cost with Contract July 17
Dallas, Texas, July 07, 2011
* Customers can purchase the USBConnect Force 4G* at no cost with a two-year agreement starting July 17** at AT&T***.
* Customers who prefer a pre-paid DataConnect Pass can choose the USBConnect Force 4G for $89.99 and can choose data plan options via a built-in activation process.
* Expandable memory slot supports microSD cards up to 32 GB.
* Unlimited Wi-Fi access to more than 24,000 AT&T Hot Spots, with a qualifying domestic data plan.
* Data roaming services (email and Web browsing) available in more than 200 countries.
Customer Benefits
Developed by Huawei, the AT&T USBConnect Force 4G connects your laptop to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, allowing customers to access email, browse the Internet, download presentations, attachments and more when they're on the go.
Customers simply plug the AT&T USBConnect Force 4G into a USB port on a laptop and follow the intuitive installation instructions to get started whether activating a prepaid DataConnect Pass or after signing up for a post-paid plan. In addition to 4G speeds and an expandable memory slot, the device supports unlimited Wi-Fi usage on the entire national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network with a qualifying domestic data plan****. AT&T customers traveling abroad also enjoy data services in more than 200 countries*****.
Available Data Plans
With a two-year agreement, customers can access 5G of data for $50/month. Prepaid customers can choose one of the following DataConnect Pass packages with no long-term contract.
* Day: $15 for 100MB
* Week: $30 for 300MB
* Month: $50 for 1GB
The data package purchased can only be used for the corresponding duration associated with that value. Customers can pay with credit, debit or a refill card depending on their preference*****.
Quotes
"The AT&T USBConnect Force 4G is a very affordable option for customers who want to quickly access the Internet while they're mobile," said Mike Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Whether surfing the web or working on the go, AT&T customers can rely on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network."
Specifications
* HSPA/HSPA+ (850/1900/2100 MHz)
* EDGE/GPRS (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
* 3.43" L x 1.16" W x 0.64"D; 1.13 ounces
* LED status indicators
* Integrated microSD card slot (up to 32 GB)
* Windows® XP SP3, Windows Vista®, Windows 7 compatible
* Mac® OS X v10.5 or later
Learn more about AT&T USBConnect Force 4G at www.att.com/ATTUSBConnectForce4G.
*4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Requires 4G device. Learn more at att.com/network.
**Limited-time offer. Mobile broadband and other coverage not available in all areas. Requires two-year agreement with a minimum $50 a month 5 GB DataConnect Plan with an overage rate of $10 per GB provided, if the monthly data allowance is exceeded. Up to $36 Activation Fee applies. Subscriber must live & have a mailing addr. within AT&T's owned wireless network coverage area. Other restrictions apply. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to $35 restocking fee may apply to returns; thereafter up to $325. Some agents impose additional fees. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.
***AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc
****Wi-Fi enabled device required. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. Other restrictions apply. See attwifi.com for details and locations.
***** DataConnect Pass domestic plans can only be used on AT&T's wireless network and not with other domestic wireless networks. Requires laptop or netbook with aircard/connect card capable of working on AT&T's wireless network; Internet access to sign up; and a new SIM card. Time begins expiring immediately upon activation, whether you are using the service or not. DataConnect Pass session fees are non-refundable. Refund policy may vary by place of purchase. Once your time expires or the allotted data is used, whichever occurs first, your data access will cease. For complete terms and conditions, see a store representative or see Session Based Wireless Data Services Agreement at att.com/wirelesslegal.
*****AT&T offers data services in more than 200 countries. International session-based packages also available for laptops/netbooks/tablets in more than 100 countries.
