Verizon Wireless rolled out its broadband on a stick Sept. 27 with the introduction of the USB727 Modem. Developed by Novatel Wireless, of San Diego, Calif., Verizon Wireless claims the device is the worlds smallest EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) modem.
The USB modem is designed to work with any computing device equipped with a Type A USB port—including most desktops, notebooks and tablet PCs—and provides access to Verizon Wireless national wireless broadband network. The device also comes with storage space of up to 4 GB of files, photos or videos.
In addition, the modem includes an integrated dual-band diversity antennae system with flip-up antennae to improve data-speed performance and provide better network signal reception. Verizon Wireless claims average download speeds on its broadband network of 600K bps to 1.4 megabits and average upload speeds of 500-800K bps.
The company said customers using the new broadband modem could download a 1-megabyte e-mail attachment—the equivalent of a small PowerPoint presentation or a large PDF file—in about 8 seconds; it said the device uploads the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.
The modem sells for $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and new two-year agreement. Service plans begin at $60 a month. Currently only available online, the USB727 hits stores on Oct. 5.
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