Verizon to Offer 3G International USB Modem

Word is trickling out about a new USB modem coming from Verizon that offers 3G connectivity for international travelers. The Novatel USB1000 Global Modem is Verizon’s first USB modem solution that works abroad, but not much else is known about the features yet.

The new USB modem will work on Verizon’s EVDO network here in the U.S., in addition to HSPA networks prevalent abroad. The USB1000 is expected to cost $150 after rebates, and contract signing and data plans will be relatively expensive. A $60-per-month plan is required to use the modem abroad with a pay-per-KB rate for data consumption. A GlobalAccess plan is $130, which extends Verizon’s 5 GB data plan to Canada and adds 100 MB of data in 31 other countries abroad. That foreign data capacity can be doubled up to 200 MB of data for a staggering total fee of $220 per month, but the 5 GB cap likely remains in place for the U.S. and Canada. The new modem is expected to be available online tomorrow, says electronista.

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