H2O Wireless brings no-contract wireless broadband with international roaming to Best Buy, prices it into oblivion

And this, folks, is why Engadget will be first in line once the Occupy International Roaming convention gets underway. Truth is, it’s not H2O Wireless’ fault that its latest mobile broadband launch is priced in a way that would only appeal to those who spend their spare time printing money — it’s just the way the (crooked) industry works. Outside of picking up a rental MiFi or procuring a local SIM card from well-appointed international airports, your options for Facebooking, Google Mapping and VoIPing whilst abroad are limited. At any rate, the aforesaid company will be teaming up with Best Buy in order to deliver a no-contract mobile broadband plan that includes global roaming in 100 nations. The Worldwide Wireless Internet on-the-go package includes the USB device and H2O Broadband SIM card for $99.99, but you’ll need a $30 international roaming data card in order to get — wait for it — ten megabytes of international data. For the big spenders, a $50 card is also available to provide 1GB of domestic data. In case we didn’t make it crystal clear already, that’s entirely too much for too little; we’d still recommend a local SIM upon arrival, or an Xcom MiFi if you’ll be departing from the US of A. Full release is after the break, should you feel the need to explore further.

Continue reading H2O Wireless brings no-contract wireless broadband with international roaming to Best Buy, prices it into oblivion

H2O Wireless brings no-contract wireless broadband with international roaming to Best Buy, prices it into oblivion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US leads global LTE adoption, rides Verizon’s coattails

There’s no doubt the demand for mobile broadband has skyrocketed worldwide, but the US is leading the LTE charge(s) — plural, ’cause you know, battery life sucks on a… nevermind. According to Pyramid Research, by the end of the year, the United States will claim 47 percent of LTE subscriptions globally. This is thanks in large part to three mobile operators: Verizon, MetroPCS and AT&T have created seven million connections across the country. Combine that with the fact that 71 percent of all LTE handsets will be in the pockets of Yanks by year’s end, and you’ve got a formula for domestic LTE domination. It comes as no surprise that VZW is the largest LTE operator in the US as it’s been making money hand over fist lately — which has allowed it to expand its high speed network at a dizzying pace. We salute you, Big Red, for carrying the banner for the ol’ US of A, blazing the trail littered with dead batteries and over-worked phone chargers.

US leads global LTE adoption, rides Verizon’s coattails originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot bringing OLED display, HSPA+ connectivity this October

It feels like just yesterday that we saw T-Mobile’s original 4G Mobile HotSpot at CTIA (our review is here), and already the purgatory-presiding US carrier is ushering out a successor. Alongside the Galaxy S II and Amaze 4G, the Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot is being revealed at Mobilize, and it’s hailed as the carrier’s fastest ever in the category. Predictably, it’ll enable five WiFi devices to hop onto T-Mob’s HSPA+ 42 network, and there’s a microSD card slot for handling file transfers. The wow factor comes courtesy of the embedded OLED indicator display, which shows signal strength, number of devices connected, number of unread text messages, connectivity to the internet, battery level and network connection type. Lips are zipped on pricing, but it’ll be available at your nearest Magenta retailer next month.

Keep up with our Mobilize 2011 coverage here!

T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile HotSpot bringing OLED display, HSPA+ connectivity this October originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK plans White Space mobile internet by 2013, while analog TV gently weeps

As if there weren’t enough reasons to move to Britain. Free from the wrangling that has dogged things in the States, Ofcom has released plans to make the UK the first country in Europe to implement white space mobile internet. For the unaware, white space is the general term for unused but allocated spectrum, in this case it’s frequencies normally reserved for analog TV. White space offers vastly increased range, speed and signals that penetrate areas where 3G fears to tread. There are already trials taking place to try to connect the remote Scottish Isle of Bute and Ofcom is aiming to have things rolled out nationally by 2013. Brits clinging to their old-school FM radios be warned, Ofcom is coming after those frequencies next.

Continue reading UK plans White Space mobile internet by 2013, while analog TV gently weeps

UK plans White Space mobile internet by 2013, while analog TV gently weeps originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xcom Global opens LAX service center, the jetset get data without borders

We’ve sung Xcom Global’s praises to the heavens before, and that’s because it’s made our always-on internet addiction an easy fix abroad. Well, prepare to add the international wireless convenience to your list of last minute carry-ons. Announced today, the company has opened its first satellite service center at Los Angeles’ LAX airport, bringing unlimited roaming data to US-based travelers starting at $12.95/day. The rental MiFi Hotspot units, available prior to boarding, come packaged with an Unlimited aXcess plan, and can feed up to five of your data-hungry devices. So, if you’re headed out on that next Eurotrip, or just a terminal-bound refugee from Krakozhia, you might want to give this internet lifeline a whirl.

Continue reading Xcom Global opens LAX service center, the jetset get data without borders

Xcom Global opens LAX service center, the jetset get data without borders originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile: overages on 200MB data plan in, throttling out

Bad news T-Mobile fans: AllThingsD just confirmed that throttling on the 200MB plan is going the way of the dodo, with the carrier opting to charge overage fees instead. Under the new entry-level plan, those exceeding their monthly allotment will face a $0.10 overage per megabyte, until their penalties reach $30 — the capped surcharge. The switchover won’t happen until midnight tomorrow (the 13th), so those of you seeking to get grandfathered into the throttled plan better hop to it. Or you could just splurge on a pricier data plan, just like Little Magenta would want you to…

T-Mobile: overages on 200MB data plan in, throttling out originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile to begin charging overage on its 200MB plans on August 14th?

Say it isn’t so! T-Mobile, flooded by larger-than-expected demand on data, may be just a matter of days away from making a polarizing change to its 200MB internet plans. As the feature currently stands, going over your limit results in a throttling of broadband speeds, forcing your browser to surf and download at a ridiculously slow pace. The rumored adjustment to the plan, however, would take away the option completely and replace it with usage charges. Each additional MB used, according to the leaked docs, will tack an extra dime onto your monthly bill. Fortunately, the overage is capped at $30 — preventing several potential panic attacks at the mailbox — and only affects the lower plan; additionally, anyone currently on the 200MB plan will be grandfathered, thus retaining their unlimited (albeit throttled) internet. Those on the 2GB plan can breathe easily for now, but there’s no telling when the policy will spread like wildfire throughout the remainder of T-Mobile’s data offerings. The change, slated to take place on August 14th, has yet to be officially confirmed by Bellevue. Meanwhile, we continue to watch as our options for limitless internet slowly fade away into the darkness.

T-Mobile to begin charging overage on its 200MB plans on August 14th? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: what should visitors to the USA do for mobile internet?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Mustafa, who’d love to visit America… if only the internet were cheaper. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“As someone who doesn’t reside in the USA, I was wondering what would be the best way to get internet for my computer in the US for a couple of weeks? If it were Europe I know I’d look for some prepaid data. Is there anything similar offered by American carriers? A MiFi or a data SIM that I can tether from would work, but I’m trying to maintain a tight budget. Help!”

Truthfully, young Mustafa could probably round up an old AOL dial-up disc and at least connect from a family’s house, or just camp out at a Starbucks all day and enjoy the sweet spoils of gratis WiFi. But when it comes to getting temporary mobile data in the States… well, let’s just say we’re keenly interested in hearing any tricks you readers may know. Xcom Global certainly rents a US modem (nice for folks with family in America that can order for them), but otherwise, we’re drawing a blank. Toss your suggestions in comments below!

Ask Engadget: what should visitors to the USA do for mobile internet? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 22:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Complete Guide to Getting Online Anywhere, Any Time

In a very short time frame we’ve become constantly connected, able to get our internet fix anytime, anywhere. Most of us are more than a little reliant on our Internet connections. MaximumPC breaks down some of the different devices and services that provide internet access across all fifty states, delivering that delicious online content you crave. More »

Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably

Consider yourself a New Yorker? If so, you could find yourself underneath Sprint / TWC / Clearwire’s 4G umbrella, as the trio has announced a 21 percent coverage expansion in the greater New York City area. Folks in Alpine, Bayonne, Elizabeth, Fair Lawn, Newark, Paramus, Secaucus, Union, NJ; and Hartsdale, New Rochelle, New York, Rockville Centre, Yonkers, NY will now be covered in the regional Clear network, and as of last count, that amounts to an extra 91,363 people. ‘Course, a few newcomers will be born every minute, so maybe we’ve breached 91,369 by now. Or maybe more. Talk about confusing.

Continue reading Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably

Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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