No-contract broadband great idea for the infrequent traveler

Consumers are getting more options for buying mobile broadband, with Clearwire Corp. launching in another 10 markets, and AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless launching prepaid mobile broadband plans last month. But a closer look at the actual plans left me thinking I would buy my no-contract service from carriers whose names may be less familiar to customers.
Prepaid mobile broadband plans are perfect for the infrequent traveler or the person who wants to work outside the office once in awhile. You get mobility when you need it at a reasonable price without having to commit to a two-year contract.
A quick spin of the Web found no-contract services offered by the nation’s two largest carriers, Virgin Mobile, Cricket and Clearwire. Sprint Nextel Corp. requires a contract for its Sprint-branded mobile broadband services, but offers no-contract services via Virgin Mobile USA and Clearwire. T-Mobile USA Inc. does not offer no-contract mobile broadband plans at this point.
AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless offer virtually the same plans. And although both carriers offer no-contract monthly connectivity for $50, with data caps of 500 MB, AT&T Mobility makes you pay $250 for a USB stick and $300 for PC cards. VZW’s USB stick costs $130; you can’t use PC cards with its prepaid plan. Virgin Mobile users can buy a NovAtel USB for $100, and get 600 MB of data for a month for $40, which is $10 less and 10 MB more than what you pay for service at AT&T and Verizon, and you get nationwide 3G coverage ala Sprint. The real bargain is that the USB is cheaper. Leap Wireless International Inc.’s Cricket 3G Broadband service runs $40 per month, but the first month is free. However, Cricket requires a $25 activation fee, which somewhat offsets the first-month-free enticement. Cricket’s USB modems are priced on sale now at $70.
Clearwire offers faster connectivity but less coverage if you want to stay on the 4G-only plan. Clearwire’s USB in on sale now for $50. It offers three month-to-month plans, running between $25 and $45, depending on the connection speed desired. To get Clearwire coverage that roams on Sprint’s network when Clearwire’s is unavailable, the modem will set you back $225.
Sprint just completed its acquisition of Virgin, but if the carrier is wise it will keep Virgin’s mobile broadband plan intact, as consumers begin to embrace mobile broadband services.