AT&T Unveils 3G USB Modems – Analyst Blog

AT&T (T) has announced that it will launch two USB modems that will enable customers to stay connected on their laptops while accessing the carrier’s high-speed 3G network. Come March 7, 2010, the devices will be available online and at AT&T’s nationwide retail stores.

 

One of the new modems, the USBConnect Velocity, has a built-in GPS functionality. Manufactured by the wireless technology company Option, the device is the first GPS-enabled modem from AT&T. Velocity promotes user access to location-based applications and can be used for tracking and mapping.

 

The other modem, USBConnect Turbo, is AT&T’s first USB modem from LG. The device has been fine tuned to access AT&T’s new 3G HSPA 7.2 network.

 

AT&T is increasingly focusing on extending its 3G wireless capabilities from smartphones to a wide range of emerging devices in order to expand the market penetration of its 3G data services.

 

The carrier is expanding its subsidized netbook and laptop range to strengthen its wireless device portfolio. The new USB modems will help AT&T to lure more customers to its data plans.

 

AT&T has completed the software upgrade across its nationwide 3G cell sites that enable the deployment of the 3G HSPA 7.2 network. The carrier has already begun network deployments in six US cities − Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami, which will enable download speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second (Mbps), double the existing network speeds.

 

The company targets deploying the 3G HSPA 7.2 network in 25 largest US cities by the end of 2010 with plans to cover roughly 90% of its 3G network footprint by 2011. The advancement to HSPA 7.2 will significantly benefit AT&T’s existing and upcoming high-end smartphones and other 3G devices.

 

The new modems will enable laptop users to connect to the 3G HSPA 7.2 network and access AT&T’s industry-leading Wi-Fi (wireless broadband) hotspots. USBConnect Turbo is available for free after a $100 mail-in-rebate with a two-year $35 per month data plan contract. USBConnect Velocity has been priced at $29.99 (after mail-in-rebate) with a similar data plan contract.