Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/09/vodafone_spins_pebble/
Vodafone has rolled out Pebble - the nickname by which it's latest HSDPA modem is known. Officially the USB Modem 7.2, the Pebble provides 'super 3G' connectivity for PCs and Macs at up to 7.2Mb/s.
Vodafone's USB Modem 7.2: super 3G add-on
That's the maximum download speed - uploads are expected to run to 384Kb/s. Vodafone said it has already started upgrading its 3G network to the 7.2Mb/s.
Vodafone wants £49 for the Pebble if you're willing to sign up for an 18-month £25- or £95-a-month contract. The up-front price rises to £99 for 12-month contract, or £170 if you want pay-as-you-go.
Pay-as-you-go option
The PAYG deal bills access time on a daily basis: £8.50 for 24 hours' online time.
Inevitable a so-called 'fair usage' policy applies: the cut-off is 3GB for a monthly plan but a mere 500MB if you're a PAYG customer, in a given month.
Vodafone also said will be offering two Pebbles for the price of one to buyers who sign up for an 18-month contract over the Christmas period. Pebble can be purchased at Vodafone's website (http://www.vodafonebusinessshop.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=MobileEmailAndData.UsbModem72&planDuration=18).
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• Novatel Merlin XU870 ExpressCard 34 'super 3G' datacard (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/01/02/review_novatel_xu870/)
• Vodafone Mobile Connect 'super 3G' USB modem (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11/21/review_vodafone_mobile_connect_modem/)
• Vodafone Mobile Connect 'super 3G' data card (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/14/review_vodafone_hsdpa_datacard/)
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