The Cell Phone Junkie

AT&T Tuesday announced its first LTE and HSPA+ capable LaptopConnect Devices with 3 new laptop dongles.

First is the LG Adrenaline modem, which will be the first to allow for LTE upgrading in 2011.  The device will also provide HSPA speeds, and has a microSD slot supporting 32GB and GPS.  Pricing is $50 on a 2 year agreement.  Available on October 17th.

Next is the Sierra Wireless USB Connect Shockwave.  It will be the first HSPA+ USB modem on AT&T, and will be free on contract.  Release date has not been released.

Finally, the Huawei USBConnect 900, which will be compatible with AT&T’s prepaid DataConnect Pass plans ranging from $15 to $50 per month.  Available on October 17th.

Source: Engadget

Press Release:

AT&T Introduces Its First LTE and HSPA+ LaptopConnect Devices

Company to also make available its first LaptopConnect Device that supports a pre-paid data plan option

Customer Benefits

With the introduction of the AT&T USBConnect Shockwave and Adrenaline, AT&T is introducing two devices that will not only operate on AT&T’s HSPA mobile broadband network today, but also the company’s upgraded network in the future. The Adrenaline will be AT&T’s first LTE-upgradeable device and the Shockwave the first HSPA+-capable device from the company.

“With the planned deployment of HSPA+ technology later this year, combined with the continued rollout of expanded backhaul, AT&T will have increased our 3G download or upload speeds multiple times in five years,” said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “We have purposefully planned our path to LTE to create a wireless network where the transition from 3G does not give customers wireless whiplash.”

AT&T has the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network. And with plans to make it even faster, the upgrades when complete are expected to be two to three times faster than most other 3G networks.

The AT&T USBConnect Adrenaline from LG will be AT&T’s first LTE-upgradeable device. While it can take advantage of the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network today, a simple software upgrade via AT&T Communication Manager or AT&T Global Network Client will be all that is required to enable it to work on the LTE network when available. Featuring a sleek casing and smooth finish, Adrenaline is equipped with an internal antenna, plug and play functionality and multiple OS support that will keep users connected and on-the-go. Adrenaline also features built-in GPS for enterprise applications, a multi-color LED status indicator and a MicroSD memory card slot supporting cards up to 32 GB of storage. Like all of AT&T’s LaptopConnect devices, the device can be used to access Wi-Fi hotspots, including access to AT&T’s more than 23,000 hotspots, a benefit of a corresponding DataConnect and/or DataConnect Pass plan.

Built ready to run on AT&T’s planned HSPA+ network upgrade, the AT&T USBConnect Shockwave from Sierra Wireless is the first LaptopConnect device from AT&T to do so. AT&T expects to upgrade to this next evolution of 3G network technology by the end of 2010.

In addition to allowing cutting edge speeds, the Shockwave will get users off to a quick start, installing in about 60 seconds, and the Shockwave will be available at a cutting-edge price – free with a two-year contract, data plan and mail-in-rebate.

For customers who want the flexibility of a LaptopConnect device without a contract, the AT&T USBConnect 900 from Huawei is compatible with the AT&T DataConnect Pass pre-paid service – the pay-as-you-need it data service that does not require a long-term contract.

Pricing and Availability

* AT&T USBConnect Shockwave – Free after a two-year service agreement, minimum data plan and mail-in-rebate
* AT&T USBConnect Adrenaline – $49.99 after a two-year service agreement, minimum data plan and mail-in-rebate
* AT&T USBConnect 900 – $79.99 without a contract. Users select one of AT&T’s DataConnect Pass options to access mobile broadband data.

AT&T DataConnect Pass Options:

* DataConnect Day Pass (100 MB) – $15
* DataConnect Week Pass (300 MB) – $30
* DataConnect Month Pass (1GB) – $50