Verizon USB1000 Global Modem: EVDO and HSPA

Verizon are wising up to the fact that data subscribers want to keep using their WWAN modems even when outside the reach out EVDO Rev.A networks, hence this: the USB1000 Global Modem.  As well as CDMA service while in the US, the Verizon USB1000 supports triband HSPA for when you're abroad; there are also global data plans for regular travelers.

The USB1000 Global Modem itself is priced at $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and assuming you're willing to sign a two-year agreement.  After that, you can choose from a range of pay-per-use or monthly plans, depending on your likely usage.  GlobalAccess Monthly starts at $129.99 for 100MB in 31 destinations ($0.005/KB after that) plus 5GB in the US and Canada ($0.05/MB after that); alternatively there's a $219.99 plan which gets 200MB in those foreign destinations.

If you're traveling less often, the GlobalAccess Pay Per  Use plan might be more cost-effective.  Verizon require a 5GB monthly US data plan, at $59.99 per month, but after that you'll pay $0.002/KB in Canada, $0.005/KB in Mexico and $0.02/KB in more than 175 other destinations.

The flexibility is good, but we can't help but think that you'd be better off picking up a pay-per-use SIM card in whatever country you're traveling to, and using a local network direct rather than roaming.  That certainly seems like it would work out cheaper than Verizon's service.

Press Release:

Globetrotting This Summer? International Services From Verizon Wireless Keep Customers Connected From The Beach To The Boardroom

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — More than 220 destinations for voice calling; more than 175 destinations for global data connectivity; 24-hour customer support; and a unique-to-the-industry relationship with Vodafone, one of the world's largest wireless carriers, means Verizon Wireless customers get the best of wireless while traveling internationally. Added to this state-of-the-art global service portfolio is the new USB1000 Global Modem from Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), which gives customers high-speed data connectivity whether in the U.S. or beyond its borders.

The Verizon Wireless USB1000 Global Modem can be ordered beginning Friday in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. The USB1000 Global Modem joins a host of sophisticated global devices that include the BlackBerry® Storm™ smartphone and the HP Mini 1151NR netbook. Verizon Wireless global devices use the latest technology for multiple frequency bands and multimode operations on CDMA and GSM networks. Customers can browse the Web, access the Internet, download files, and send and receive e-mail wirelessly whether they are on Chicago's Magnificent Mile or in Paris on the Champs-Élysées.

The Verizon Wireless portfolio of global services includes:

GlobalEmail – Access personal or corporate e-mail and attachments on a global-capable smartphone like the BlackBerry Storm smartphone or the Samsung Saga™ in the U.S. and abroad.

Global Travel Program – Customers traveling for fewer than 21 days in countries with GSM coverage can use a "no rental fee" voice or data device. Customers keep their Verizon Wireless phone numbers and voice mail passwords and transfer their contact lists to the phones they are using with Backup Assistant(SM). There are no daily rental fees or security deposits required.

Global Value Program – For frequent international travelers the Global Value Program offers discounted rates from approximately 150 GSM destinations for just $4.99 per line a month.

Take your Verizon Wireless phone with you – Customers can stay connected while traveling outside of the U.S. in more than 40 destinations. In addition, Verizon Wireless' Cruise Ship Services allow customers to make and receive calls while traveling on most major cruise lines.

Pricing

GlobalAccess is available either as a monthly plan or a pay-per-use plan. GlobalAccess Monthly Plans start at $129.99 monthly access, offering a 100 MB allowance in 31 select destinations ($0.005/KB after allowance) as well as access in the U.S. and Canada (5 GB allowance in the U.S. and Canada and $0.05/MB overage). Additionally, for $219.99 monthly access, customers can have a 200 MB allowance in 31 select destinations and a 5 GB allowance in the U.S. and Canada with the same rates for overage as the $129.99 monthly access plan.

GlobalAccess Pay Per Use must be purchased with a 5 GB monthly allowance Mobile Broadband service plan in the U.S. for $59.99 monthly access. The Pay Per Use rate is $0.002/KB in Canada, $0.005/KB in Mexico, and $0.02/KB in more than 175 other destinations. Verizon Wireless' GlobalEmail Plans begin at $20.00 monthly access when added to a Nationwide Email Plan. Corporate e-mail and Web access is available as are data only plans for $64.99 and $69.99 monthly access respectively.

To learn more about international products and services from Verizon Wireless, customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/international. Business customers can contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representatives by calling 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.