VZW to offer prepaid data card plans

Verizon Wireless is expanding the availability of its mobile broadband rate plans to those afraid of a long-term commitment. The carrier is now offering pay-as-you-go plans for daily, weekly or monthly access without the need for a contract.
The plans include a daily plan for $15 that includes access to 75 megabytes of data transmission; a weekly play for $30 for 250 MB; and a monthly plan for $50 that includes 500 MB. Verizon Wireless’ current postpaid plans offer 5 gigabytes of data transmission for $60 per month or 250 MB for $40 per month.
The prepaid plans will be compatible with the Verizon Wireless USB760 modem that will sell for $130 in a “grab and go” package in carrier stores beginning Nov. 15 and national retail partners on Nov. 20.
The plans look to cater to the increasingly popular prepaid space that in the mobile data card market has so far been practically ignored by the industry’s big 4 players.
Leap Wireless International Inc. offers a no-contract wireless data card solution through its Cricket subsidiary at $40 per month for 5 GB of data throughput or a grab and go package that provides 10 GB for $50 per month. Virgin Mobile USA Inc. also offers a no-contract option that provides 100 MB of data over 10 days for $10; 250 MB over 30 days for $20; 600 MB over 30 days for $40; and 1 GB over 30 days for $60.