http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobileoptions/broadband/index.jsp?action=broadbandAccess
"$79.99 monthly access gets you unlimited Verizon Wireless NationalAccess and BroadbandAccess service"
However, when you click on "Sign up for BroadbandAccess today" and get taken to http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=planFirst&action=viewPlanDetail&sortOption=priceSort&catId=327
you will learn that "unlimited" may not mean what you think it means. Note what uses are prohibited.
"Unlimited NationalAccess/BroadbandAccess cannot be used (1) for uploading, downloading or streaming of movies, music or games, (2) with server devices or with host computer applications, including, without limitation, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, telemetry applications, automated functions or any other machine-to-machine applications, (3) as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data connections. NationalAccess and BroadbandAccess data sessions automatically terminate after two hours of inactivity unless used with a Mobile IP-capable device. We reserve the right to deny or terminate service, without notice, to anyone who uses NationalAccess or BroadbandAccess in any manner prohibited above or whose usage adversely impacts our network or service levels. We also reserve the right to terminate service upon expiration of Customer Agreement term."
The main reason I might want to use this service, to listen to streaming audio while I am mobile, is banned. Listening to streaming audio doesn't even require the bandwith of EV-DO (BroadbandAccess). 1XRTT (NationalAccess) is fast enough. VZW offers NationalAccess plans for which minutes may be used for either voice or data at prices ranging from $35 for 150 minutes to $300 for 3000 minutes.
For about the same price, Ricochet used to offer unlimited broadband access without those restrictions VZW imposes, but of course, they went bankrupt. (Now Ricochet is only available in Denver and San Diego and the price has been reduced to $24.95. The present owners, YDI Wireless, say they are negotiating to get back on the other 21 cities, but who knows how long this might take.)
Sprint used to offer an unlimited plan for use with their "PCS connection cards" for $80, but I see that they now restrict this to 300 MB.
Stan Slonkosky
