Verizon's Gobi Global Offers CDMA & GSM World Notebook Access Soon

By Editor Wireless and Mobile News on August 4, 2008 1:28 PM

Verizon Wireless customers will soon benefit from the Gobi module from Qualcomm, the first global mobile wireless broadband Internet embedded solution that leading notebook manufacturers will introduce this month. This embedded Internet solution works with Verizon Wireless' GlobalAccess and BroadbandAccess services to provide streamlined global mobile broadband access on both CDMA and GSM wireless networks in over 125 destinations worldwide

Available in August on select laptops, users must visit the connection manager on their device and switch from CDMA to GSM. Once switched, this embedded solution detects the network technology available where the customer is working and seamlessly transitions the configurations to provide high-speed access to the Internet, customer's calendar, e-mail and other business-related information residing behind the corporate firewall. BroadbandAccess built-in Internet is an ideal embedded solution for enterprise, government and other business customers who want to streamline the number of devices they carry while traveling around the globe because it supports wireless network technologies for CDMA 1x, EV-DO Rev. A, GPRS, UMTS, HSDPA and HSUPA networks.

To activate global wireless access, customers can purchase a BroadbandAccess or GlobalAccess data plan from Verizon Wireless. BroadbandAccess is Verizon Wireless' high-speed wireless data service that lets customers work at broadband speeds when traveling throughout the U.S. With GlobalAccess, customers can use an international PC card, such as the XU870 Global ExpressCard, or a laptop with embedded BroadbandAccess to connect instantly to their e-mail and the Internet outside of the U.S.

BroadbandAccess and GlobalAccess Pricing

BroadbandAccess is available as a monthly plan at $39.99 (50 MB allowance) or $59.99 (5 GB allowance) monthly access on eligible PC cards, ExpressCards, USB Modems and notebooks with embedded modules. GlobalAccess is available as a monthly plan at $129.99 for monthly access (5 GB allowance for the U.S. and Canada with $0.25/MB after allowance), 100 MB allowance in Mexico and select destinations ($0.005/KB after allowance) and the ability to connect in many other destinations around the world ($0.02/KB). For occasional use, customers can add a pay-per-use GlobalAccess plan. GlobalAccess pay-per-use plans must be purchased with a $59.99 (5 GB allowance) monthly access BroadbandAccess service plan in the United States. The pay-per-use rate is $0.002/KB in Canada, $0.005/KB in Mexico, and $0.02/KB in more than 125 other destinations.

To learn more about international services from Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com/international, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store or call 1-800-2 JOIN IN. Business customers should call 1-800-VZW-4BIZ or contact their Verizon Wireless Sales Representative.