For the most recent info, check out the 2011 AT&T Prepaid Mobile Broadband Review
Hop back to AT&T Postpaid Mobile Broadband Plans
Prepaid mobile broadband is like a prepaid cell phone.
It’s good for just about anywhere but you’ve got to remember to ‘top up’ or pay in advance. In addition to this, you buy (as opposed to rent) the actual cell phone”.
While Verizon was the first of the major providers to offer up prepaid mobile broadband, AT&T quickly followed suit with their own plans to rival their largest competitor.
If you were hoping for a price-war to cause less George Washington’s flowing out your pocket then unfortunately you’ll have to think again.
They simply duplicated Verizon’s offerings to prevent existing and potential new users to leave ‘em for the big red.
Here’s what they copied:
AT&T Prepaid Mobile Broadband Plans (aka DataConnect Pass)
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Plan
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Cost
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Data Included
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Overage Charges
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Cancellation Fee
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$15
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75 Megabytes for 1 Day |
250 Megabytes for 1 Week
500 Megabytes for 1 Month (30 Days)
Unlike Verizon, they don’t have a lingering ‘DayPass’ plan of yesteryear that gives you unlimited usage for a day.
75 MB, 250 MB, & 500 MB Prepaid Plans
75 MB, 250 MB, & 500 MB Prepaid Plans differ not only in the amount of data but the length of time available to use it. You’ve got a day, a week and a month (30 days) respectively to use them up. As such, you’ve got to have a pretty good grasp on how long you’ll be needing it for:
- One shot use in an airport?
Get the 75 MB plan DataConnect Day Pass plan. - Out of town for a business conference, vacation or visiting relatives for a few days?
Get the 250 MB DataConnect Week Pass plan. - Need light access to the web for work in the field intermittently over the course of the month?
Get the 500 MB DataConnect Month Pass plan.
The key to making these plans work is to already have a broadband card, mobile hotspot, or 3G netbook / notebook ready to get the job done. Without the equipment, you’re going nowhere online fast.
While it may cost you more upfront, over the long-term it’ll save you money.
If you know you’ll need it only once every 3 months or so and don’t wish to purchase any equipment, it’ll probably make sense to take a look at mobile broadband rental.
To purchase sessions, you’ll need a new SIM card or existing SIM card info (super tiny numbers scribbled printed on your card). You’ll need to access this specific page to buy data plans.
To purchase AT&T Prepaid Mobile Broadband, you’ll need a compatible device. If you don’t already have one, check out AT&T AirCard & Broadband Card Review for help on picking one out.
So How Fast Is It?
AT&T is the “nation’s fastest 3G network“. Two recent independent speed tests conducted by Gizmodo & PC World back up that claim.
In doing so, however, they uncover some juicy tidbits like AT&T’s lack of reliability.
Expect speeds to feel like DSL (not the high tier kind). It can get the job done but don’t go downloading movies in High Definition.
What About 3G Coverage?
AT&T 3G Coverage is good for urban areas and some interstates.
It works best if you live in a city.
However, when outside major markets, their mobile broadband coverage comes up severely lacking in comparison to Sprint & Verizon (who rank highest for the best 3G coverage).
What Broadband Cards or Devices Can I Get?
AT&T only offers USB broadband cards at this time.
While refurbished PC Cards and ExpressCards are available from their website, support is being phased out & you definitely don’t wanna be stuck with obsolete technology.
Buyer beware, buying a broadband card without a contract is about as pricey as a new shiny netbook.
Looking For A Comparison?
If you’re looking to see how AT&T prepaid mobile broadband matches up to other prepaid 3G providers, check out the Prepaid Mobile Broadband Comparison.
It may help put things in perspective when you see what all of your options are whether you plan to use prepaid mobile broadband regularly or occasionally.
Hop back over to the full AT&T Mobile Broadband Review.
