Quantcast
Subscribe to magazine
0
0
Monday, March 31, 2008 4:00 PM PDT

Roaming Service Pins 3G and Wi-Fi for Heck of a Deal for Travelers

iPass is best known as a corporate aggregator of dial-up, Wi-Fi, and hotel Ethernet service, but they've moved into the mainstream today, with a new roaming service that directly competes with Boingo Wireless's individual roaming plans. iPass offered up four plans from $29.95 to $84.95 for all comers, although they expect mostly business travelers to sign up. iPass has 95,000 hotspots in their aggregated network worldwide, along with dial-up in nearly 90 countries.

The plans are split into North American service and global service: you can buy unlimited North American dial-up, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, or the global version of same, and add U.S.-only unlimited 3G on top. North American Wi-Fi is $29.95 per month, while global service runs $44.95 per month. Add U.S. 3G to either plan for $40 per month additional ($69.95 and $84.95, if you'd rather not do the math).

The 3G option uses a domestic EVDO network, and requires an iPass-branded PC Card. The connection software for any of the four plans requires Windows XP, 2000, or Vista. (A Mac version and USB or ExpressCard adapters may come in the future.)

For travelers who lusted after the ubiquity of 3G, and settled for Wi-Fi where available, the $40 add-on for unlimited 3G with the extra benefit of having access to dial-up service when that's the only option for connectivity--especially outside of the U.S.--makes the pricing and set of services particularly attractive.

Carriers charge $60 to $80 per month for unlimited 3G, typically requiring a 2-year commitment and a voice plan for the best price. iPass's 3G card runs $125 (including shipping and handling), and has a 1-year term, with a $100 early-cancellation penalty. Wi-Fi service purchased by itself is month to month, with no cancellation fee.

Previously, Boingo Wireless--with about 100,000 hotspots in its global network--had the best deal by far for coverage and cost, with a $21.95 domestic and $39 global plan. iPass aces Boingo slightly at the moment by including all the T-Mobile Starbucks hotspot locations, which aren't included in other aggregated network footprints. By this fall, most Starbucks will be under AT&T's operation, and AT&T has reseller agreements with Boingo, iPass, and many other roaming aggregators.

TAGS:

Community Comments
Recommend this story?
Yes
No
News
More
Featured Resources

Premier Content From Our Sponsors

Featured Whitepapers

White papers, case studies and product info from top brands

  • Free 802.11n Wireless Poster This wireless technical reference poster includes channel frequencies and appropriate worldwide channel selections for 802.11abg, typical indoor WLAN coverage range with data rates, and more. 24" x 36" (61 x 91 cm). Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery....
  • The Frontline LAN Troubleshooting Guide This comprehensive, 115 page guide provides frontline network troubleshooters with practical advice on how to maintain LANs and solve common layer 1 and 2 problems. This guide addresses the challenges network professionals face when it comes to netw...
Featured Webcasts

Watch webcast presentations and videos from industry thought leaders on today's most important business and technology topics. For free.

More webcasts