Broadband from US Carrier without Contract

[katzalex]

I just purchased a Macbook and need to access the internet while traveling. I am optimistic that iPhone tethering will be available within the next 2 years, so I don't want to sign a contract. Are there any options to go month to month? I assumed it was like cell phone contracts so I bought a Sprint USB thing on eBay and called to activate and they told me I could only do it with a year contract.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[r.j.s]

I think you'll have to check with each carrier to see what they offer. Everyone I know is contract only.

 

[alphaod]

All of them require contracts.

 

[Skystar]

Actually depending on the location, there are some providers that allow non contract pre-paid broadband access. For instance, in Las Vegas, I saw ads for cricket wireless:

http://www.mycricket.com/broadband/

I believe it only works in some areas though.

 

[8767092]

All of them require contracts.

Most of them do or it is really expensive to get started.

http://www.millenicom.com/mobilebroadband/index.html
http://www.mycricket.com/broadband/

I think Verizon has a no contract option for their plans now (not sure).

The bottom line is there are no really decent options to set this up. They either have absurdly limited coverage or the prices are far too high.

Edit: katzalex, check with millenicom to see if you can activate your adapter with them. I think they use Sprint so they might be able to support your device.

 

[8767092]

Follow up to yesterday.

Verizon/Alltel seem to offer a month to month option for their mobile products now. You just need to pay the activation fee and buy the device you're activating at retail price. You might also be able to buy a used device that is compatible with them (Verizon/Alltel branded I assume) to activate, but I'm not sure.

I just signed up with Verzion/Alltel yesterday with the no contract option so I'll see what happens with the paperwork when I receive the device in a few days.

 

[Jackhole]

Has anyone used Cricket broadband? I'm considering it for work, but reviews online are hit and miss.