2010 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Comparison
AT&T, Cricket, DataJack, Millenicom, Verizon, Virgin Mobile & a couple others provide nationwide prepaid 3G service. The question is, who'll be the ace up your sleeve?
There's an important difference between prepaid wireless broadband and prepaid mobile broadband:
Prepaid wireless broadband is like having multiple phone booths across cities you visit (think WiFi hotspots). Prepaid mobile broadband, however, is like a prepaid cell phone. It works anywhere you get a signal.
In this review, we'll cover prepaid mobile broadband options.
Since our visitors hail from all 50 states (and even other countries at times), we'll only review providers that are nationwide or cover multiple states. To keep things predictably organized, we'll cover:
- Prepaid Provider Comparison for 'Regular Use'
- Prepaid Provider Comparison for 'Occasional Use'
- So Who Do You Pick?
With 'regular use providers', you'll pay for the service a month at a time (similar to postpaid cellphone plans) instead of refreshing your credit when it runs out.
On the flip side, 'occasional use providers' work like traditional prepaid cell phones (when your prepaid credit / data runs out, you can buy more if needed).
Since last year's review, a number of new and not so new providers have stepped up to fill the demand for prepaid mobile broadband.
For each provider you'll find summaries of their plans, prices, speed, coverage and broadband cards. Click on any specific provider for its detailed review.
Let's hop to it.
Also, if you're traveling overseas, take a look at the Prepaid Wireless Guy's prepaid international wireless broadband comparison.
He's put a lot of work into categorizing mobile broadband based on which area of the world you'll be heading off to. For US-based providers, continue reading.
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Comparison (Regular Use)
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| Plans |  |
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| Plan Options & Prices | 5 GB for $40 |
5 GB for $60 | 10 GB for $60 | Unlimited Data for $70 |
2 GB for $35 | Unlimited 4G Data for $45 | Unlimited 4G Data & 5 GB of 3G for $55 |
Unlimited Mobile Broadband for $40 |
| Speed | |
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| (average download) |
600 Kbps - 1.4 Mbps |
600 Kbps - 1.4 Mbps |
600 Kbps - 1.4 Mbps (3G) 3 - 6 Mbps (4G) |
700 Kbps - 1.4 Mbps |
| (average upload) |
350-500 Kbps |
350-500 Kbps |
350 Kbps - 500 Kbps (3G) 1 Mbps (4G) |
350-500 Kbps |
| Coverage |  |
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| Network | Possibly Sprint or Verizon |
Sprint / Verizon |
Sprint / Clearwire |
T-Mobile |
| Devices | |
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| Device Options | USB Broadband Cards |
USB Broadband Cards / Mobile Hotspot |
USB Broadband Cards / Mobile Hotspot |
USB Broadband Card |
| Best For | Regular Use |
Regular Use |
Regular Use |
Regular Use |
| Comments | Cricket's 5 GB limit is a 'soft cap'. If you exceed 5GB your speed might be limited but there are no overage charges. |
Millenicom plans can be expensive to start (over $150). Their 10 GB plan is exclusive to the MiFi mobile hotspot. |
Clear's 4G coverage (that gives you unlimited data) is limited. If you're not in a 4G area, you'll rely on the plan that includes 3G and be limited to 5 GB. |
As a very new company, they isn't any track record. Read the full review before hopping on the bandwagon. |
| Rating | A | B+ | B | B- |
Click Here To Display "How These Ratings Were Calculated"
The factors that really set each regular use provider apart are:
- Plan Options & Prices
- Coverage
While there are differences in mobile broadband speed and device options (available at great length in individual reviews), the price of data you can get and coverage where you need it will make a much bigger difference.
Let's take a closer look.
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Plan Prices (Day-To-Day Use)
At a glance, DataJack seems like it gives the most value for money while only offering one plan. However, if you need 5 GB, then Cricket may fit the bill. If money is pretty tight, and you know you don't use much internet but still need it regularly, you could save an extra $5 with Clear's 2 GB plan.
Not sure about about all this gigabyte (GB) talk? Check out "How Much Is 5 GB and Is It Enough?" for a couple minutes and pick back up where you left off.
Since most people use either less than or more than 5 gigabytes, chances are you'll be making a choice between a 5 GB plan and an unlimited plan. Looks, however, can be deceiving.
If seeking a 5 GB plan, Cricket is the cheapest with the least of penalties. If you go over their 5 GB 'soft cap', there is a chance they might reduce your speeds but will not charge you anything extra. You also won't get disconnected if you don't overdo it (which will be hard to with reduced speeds anyway).
Clear's 5 GB plan includes 5 gigabytes of 3G service alongside unlimited 4G service (their highest tier of speed). Unfortunately, their achilles heel is 4G coverage. If you fall outside of their limited coverage areas, you'll be using the 5 GB's they've allotted to you. Unlike Cricket, if you go over, you'll be charged $51.20 per extra GB ($0.05/ MB). As a side note, the overage charge for their 2GB plan is $10/GB.
Millenicom's 5 GB plan is the most expensive of the bunch (and the most expensive to startup). To their benefit, there aren't any overage charges. Sure they've got a 10 GB plan for the same price but it's exclusive to the MiFi mobile hotspot. If you go that route, you'll want to be sure if that's the device for you.
"DataJack has the best unlimited plan right?"
Well...err...yes...but...
Only if you made a decision based on price. When writing the DataJack review, there was a basic lack of information surrounding the company and services. Since I make it my business to only recommend services that I trust can deliver on quality, I say the jury is out on this one. By far there were many more indicators of reliability surrounding Clear and Millenicom (as evidenced in their reviews).
While Clear has a strong price offering of $45 for unlimited data, their coverage is in select areas. Unlike the previous 5 GB plan, there is only 4G coverage in this plan (and so the places you can use it are drastically reduced).
Millenicom's unlimited mobile broadband plan is the most expensive at $70, but also has nationwide coverage. You get what you pay for eh?
After getting a good grasp on regular use plans (unless you're considering the occasional use plans below), the next logical question is:
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Plans' Comparison (Occasional Use)
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| Plans | |
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N/A |
| Plan Options & Prices | 100 MB for $10 | 300 MB for $20 | 1 GB for $40 | 5 GB for $60 |
200 MB for $25 | 600 MB for $45 | 1 GB for $75 |
75 MB for $15 | 250 MB for $30 | 500 MB for $50 | *Unlimited for $15 / day |
75 MB for $15 | 250 MB for $30 | 500 MB for $50 |
N/A |
| Speed | |
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| (average download) |
600 Kbps - 1.4 Mbps |
600 Kbps - 1.4 Mbps |
600 Kbps - 1.4 Mbps |
700 Kbps - 1.7 Mbps |
N/A |
| (average upload) |
350 - 500 Kbps |
350-500 Kbps |
500 - 800 Kbps |
500 Kbps - 1.2 Mbps |
N/A |
| Coverage | |
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N/A |
| Network | Sprint |
Sprint |
Verizon |
AT&T |
N/A |
| Devices | |
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| Device Options | USB Broadband Card |
USB Broadband Card |
ExpressCards, USB or Mobile Hotspots |
USB Broadband Cards |
N/A |
| Best For | Occasional Use |
Occasional Use |
Occasional Use |
Occasional Use |
N/A |
| Comments | Airtime is purchased as needed through 'top-up' cards like a prepaid cell phone. |
Airtime is purchased as needed through 'top-up' cards like a prepaid cell phone |
While plans aren't spectacular, they have the widest range of devices available. |
AT&T's prepaid plans are identical to Verizon. Their only advantage is having the fastest 3G network. |
Due to a current lawsuit with Sprint, Slingshot cannot make any sales. A full review is still available. |
| Rating | A | B | C | C | N/A |
Click Here To Display "How These Ratings Were Calculated"
Since 3G speed, 3G coverage and the number/variety of broadband devices are easy to compare at a glance, I won't spend much time on them (they mostly piggyback on the same/similar network(s)).
The factor that really sets each occasional use provider apart here is price.
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Plan Prices (Occasional Use)
While AT&T & Verizon prepaid mobile broadband have brand recognition to bolster confidence, ReadyBroadband & Virgin Mobile are cheaper at every level.
Not sure about about all this gigabyte (GB) talk? Check out "How Much Is 5 GB and Is It Enough?" for a couple minutes and pick back up where you left off.
Virgin Mobile Broadband is always cheaper and provides the same or better quality service than everyone else. Even at the lowest tier of plans, they provide more data than AT&T & Verizon prepaid mobile broadband for a lower price.
To drive the nail into the coffin further, their underlying network provider, Sprint, ties with Verizon for the best 3G coverage. In put it plainly, Verizon has no advantage over Virgin Mobile except for device options.
While AT&T has the fastest 3G network, the difference in speed doesn't justify a higher cost especially when it comes to prepaid mobile broadband. It makes more sense and saves dollars to spend less and still receive 3G speed that's not drastically different.
Where does ReadyBroadband fall in all of this?
In the doghouse.
ReadyBroadband's underlying network is also Sprint. That means they provide precisely the same quality of service (3G speed & 3G coverage) as Virgin Mobile...for a higher price. Not looking too good for them.
If you're looking for prepaid mobile broadband to use occasionally, the buck stops here with Virgin Mobile. For info on where you can pick it up hop down to:
Need prepaid mobile broadband occasionally?
Get Virgin Mobile Broadband (affiliate link).
Cost To Get Started: $99 + data airtime
($99 broadband card. Free activation and shipping)
Want reliable but still the cheapest mobile broadband to use on a regular basis?
Get Cricket Broadband for $40 a month (First month of service is free) (affiliate link).
Cost To Get Started: $75
($25 Activation + $50 Modem [free after mail-in rebate])
Backup Provider? Get Virgin Mobile's 5 GB plan for $60 if there's no Cricket coverage in your area.
Need unlimited mobile broadband regularly without restrictions?
Get Millenicom for $70 a month.
Cost To Get Started: $155*** if leasing equipment. $255*** if purchasing equipment.
(Leasing: $30 pro-rated 1st month bill + $69.99 next month + $49.99 Setup + $5.15 Shipping)
(Owning: $30 pro-rated 1st month bill + $69.99 next month + $49.99 Setup + $5.15 Shipping + $99.99 Device)
***based on starting service halfway through the month since Millenicom bills for the current month (pro-rated) and a month in advance when starting service
Prepaid Mobile Broadband Reviews
'Regular Use' Prepaid Mobile Broadband Providers
Cricket Broadband offers sort of a unlimited mobile broadband plan for $40/month. Like manna falling from the heavens it seems almost too good to be true. There are some stipulations we'll get into here.
Clear 4G WiMAX promises unlimited mobile broadband, speeds up to 10 Mbps (on par with cable internet) & city-wide coverage. In areas where 4G isn't available they've teamed up with Sprint to provide 3G coverage. Here's where the interesting loophole comes in:
Sprint offers the same plan for the same price under a 2-year contract. However, contracts are optional for all Clear's plans. The end result? Prepaid mobile broadband.
DataJack promises unlimited mobile broadband without a contract for only $40 a month. That would make it the cheapest mobile broadband. However, the lack of a 3G coverage map, a few typos across the website & reports of several users being unable to reach them can raise eyebrows. While this may be a result of really high demand for such a product, it's also unsettling. If these issues change, then DataJack will be one tough cookie to beat.
The claim to fame of Millenicom is its unlimited prepaid mobile broadband. For $70 per month, you've got mobile broadband with no contract, deposits or early termination fees. They've got multiple mobile broadband plans to choose from and broadband device rent/purchase options.
'Occasional Use' Prepaid Mobile Broadband Providers
AT&T prepaid mobile broadband mirrors exactly what Verizon offers.
With 3 data plans (75 MB, 250 MB, & 500 MB), it's something to be used only if in a pinch or very occasionally (a few times per year). Otherwise, you'll be spending more than the cost of a regular monthly plan.
Readybroadband (also branded as ReadyMobile PCS), runs their prepaid mobile broadband service on Sprint's network. With better pricing than AT&T and Verizon, they aren't to be discounted. Unfortunately, they provide the exact same speed and coverage as Virgin Mobile for a higher price.
Due to a current lawsuit with Sprint, Slingshot cannot sell prepaid mobile broadband. Read the full review for what could have been.
Verizon prepaid mobile broadband offers up data in sizes of 75 MB, 250 MB, & 500 MB.
The astute observer will quickly realize those data sizes were selected and priced specifically not to compete with its flagship postpaid mobile broadband.
Even so, it can save the occasional user money. If you plan to use mobile broadband regularly however, you're better off with their 5 GB plan.
Virgin mobile broadband created quite a stir when they announced their entry into the prepaid mobile broadband arena. With Sprint as their underlying network, speed and coverage are solid.
They currently provide the cheapest prepaid mobile broadband for occasional use.
Related Reviews:
2010 Wireless Broadband Comparison
2010 Mobile Broadband Rental Comparison
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