T-Mobile Brings 3G Connectivity To Laptops
The WebConnect USB Laptop Stick, built by Huawei Technologies, is a small modem that lets users connect to T-Mobile's 3G network or available Wi-Fi networks (802.11 b/g) from their laptops wherever the services are available. The device also offers access to T-Mobile Connection Manager, software that finds the best available network connection when the USB stick is plugged in.
The swivel-style WebConnect USB Laptop Stick weighs in at 1.1 ounces and measures 3.4 x 1.1 x 0.4 inches.
The WebConnect stick is tri-band 3G, meaning it will also work on comparable high-speed networks overseas. When there is no 3G coverage, the USB stick works on T-Mobile's 2G GPRS/EDGE networks.
While Internet connectivity is the main focus of the WebConnect laptop stick, it can also be a portable storage device. It is equipped with a microSD/SDHC expansion slot for SD cards of up to 8 GB, eliminating the need to carry one USB stick for connectivity and one for storage.
"Our customers are increasingly accessing a wider variety of information, entertainment and services through their laptops while on the go," said Jeremy Korst, T-Mobile's director of broadband products and services, in a statement. "The T-Mobile WebConnect USB Laptop Stick provides a true plug-and-play experience for customers to stay connected—virtually anytime, everywhere on the T-Mobile-owned network."
The T-Mobile WebConnect USB Laptop Stick is expected to be available Wednesday in T-Mobile stores, online and through third-party retailers in areas with 3G coverage. Pricing options include $49.99 with a two-year contract after rebate or $249.99 with no contract. The WebConnect USB stick will also require a monthly service plan, starting at $59.99 per month for 5 GB of wireless data.
T-Mobile is continually expanding its 3G wireless coverage in the U.S. It is currently available in 130 U.S. cities. In 2009, T-Mobile plans to double the population covered by its 3G network, reaching more than 200 million people in the U.S. while expanding to 100 more cities by the end of the year. For Wi-Fi connectivity, T-Mobile currently offers more than 10,000 hot spots nationwide.
