Sprint Nextel has re-constructed the pricing structure of its dual-band 3G/4G mobile broadband offerings weeks after curtailing unlimited data access to its “4G” service. The new plans combine data access to both networks, which differs from previous plans that offered capped data transmission for 3G access and unlimited access to its WiMAX-based “4G” service.
The carrier’s mobile broadband devices, which include tablets, wireless modems and hot spot devices now have access to a combined 1 gigabyte of data for $20 per month, 3 GB for $35, 6 GB for $50 and 12 GB for $80. For the carrier’s mobile hot spot devices, which allow multiple connections through a Wi-Fi connection, the carrier also offers a separate $60 per month plan that includes 5 GB of 3G data transmission and unlimited access to its 4G service. Overage is set at 5 cents per megabyte for capped plans.
Sprint Nextel continues to offer unlimited data access for its smartphones and feature phones.
Competitively, T-Mobile USA recently unveiled “value” mobile broadband plans that offer 2 GB of data for $30 per month, 5 GB for $40 and 10 GB for $70 per month for access to its HSPA-based “4G” network. The carrier does not charge overage fees, and instead limits network speeds once a customer surpasses their data allotment.
Verizon Wireless has remained stable with its mobile broadband pricing, continuing to offer 2 GB for $30 per month, 5 GB for $50 and 10 GB for $80 for access to both its CDMA-based 3G and LTE-based 4G network. Overage fees are charged at $10 per gigabyte.
AT&T Mobility continues to make mobile broadband shopping more difficult with 3G access for laptops, netbooks, wireless modems and hot spot devices priced at $60 per month for 5 GB; “4G” access to either its HSPA+ or LTE network prices at $50 for 5 GB; or $35 per month for 3 GB of access to either 3G or 4G for its tablet devices. For those looking to go sans-contract, AT&T Mobility offers a 250 MB plan for $15 or 2 GB plan for $25 for its tablet devices.
Carriers have had a love/hate-relationship with mobile broadband services as they balance pricing plans to draw consumers to the services with data caps that prevent those customers from clogging those networks. Most of the nationwide operators, save for Sprint Nextel, have begun to limit smartphone data access to their data services through either data caps in the case of Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility or by throttling data speeds in the case of T-Mobile USA.
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