Virgin Mobile relaxes limits on prepaid broadband offering
More Virgin news this afternoon, but this time it is from another of the Virgin brands - Virgin Mobile. Last year, we reviewed the Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go adapter, and as a quick reminder - this prepaid no-contract 3G service allows you to get online anywhere you are within the Sprint coverage area. Unlike most other products, the Broadband2Go service does not use contracts, and you are free to use the service whenever you want, by using a Virgin "TopUp card".
Back when we reviewed the service, the most expensive plan cost $59.99, and came with a paltry 1GB of data transfers within 30 days. Virgin just loosened that limit, and now offers 5GB for the same price. This puts the Broadband2Go service on the same price point as "postpaid" or contract 3G services, making it a very interesting deal.
The adapter also dropped $50 - and now costs just $99.99. The adapter is available at your local Best Buy or directly from Virgin Mobile (with free shipping and no activation fees).
The US has long been lacking in the prepaid data marketplace, so it is refreshing to see a company finally introduce a decent prepaid data product. As we mentioned in the review, the speeds are great, coverage is fantastic, and the adapter itself performs very well.
Filed under: Internet Tools, Gadling Gear Review
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tina Mar 4th 2010 2:07PM
This is a very interesting product. The 10-day level seems like it could be very useful on a vacation where the hotel is charging your $15-20 per day for internet usage.
Wish they had something like this that worked worldwide. Or even just Europe, where I find it more difficult to get consistent broadband access. Do you know of a comparable service for Europe?
Medina Mar 5th 2010 2:27AM
I love it. I was really struggling with my 1gb, now more hrs means more fun. Good for understanding the needs of internet users
PrepaidWirelessGuy Mar 7th 2010 1:47PM
It's definitely great to see some better value in prepaid broadband. Though I'm still hoping someone will come out with a pure pay as you go product that will allow you to use your MBs over a period of at least 90 days.
Anyway, it's a better value, and I look forward to others taking note and upping the competition! In the meantime, you can compare plans here: hwww.prepaid-wireless-guide.com/prepaid-wireless-broadband-plans.html
Jonathan Mar 8th 2010 10:47AM
@Tina, Most of the UK Mobile phone companies offer Pay as you go USB internet "Dongles". They start at about £20.00 to buy and then you just add your PAYG credit.
Coffeeplease Apr 14th 2010 12:53PM
I am very please with this service! This is better than Verizon Wireless who also has a 5GB limit for 60$. When I used them I had the "unlimited plan" and they slowed my speed to almost non-usable when I broke the terms and conditions by watching streaming video. Virgin Mobiles prepaid internet works great- the speed is good, no stipulations, I can watch plenty of video, play FB games, etc... 5 GB for 60$ and when I use it up I can just top up again! I haven't had any problems- I love it. Thank you Virgin Mobile!!