Verizon Wireless USB720 Modem Broadband Access Review

The Verizon Wireless Broadband Access USB720 is a wireless USB Modem that can be connected to any computer with a Type A USB port. This is truly wireless internet access.

The USB Modem is accompanied with a CD Rom and can easily be installed. As long as you have the CD Rom and modem, you can install it on any computer.

I came from the dial up world. I know what you're thinking. Who has dial up these days? Well, if I wanted any internet access at all, I had to have dial up. Satellite was an option but the equipment cost well over $500.00 plus an additional $100.00 + per month. Seeing that I didn't need the internet to run a business, it was definitely not an required expense. There is no DSL available to my area. This is common in rural settings.

Previously, most wireless carriers had a form of wireless internet that you could get through a data card. This was only available for use on laptops. With this new USB Modem, I have the flexibility to use this where I choose.

USB720 Modem Details

Supports Mac OS X10.3.9 (or higher), Windows 2000 (SP4), or Windows XP (SP2 or higher).

Capable of typical download speeds of 600 kbps to 1.4 Mbps and typical upload speeds of 500 to 800 kbps.

Built in antenna to maximize throughput and network connectivity in fringe areas.

Supports 2-way text messaging.

Connectivity

I have a laptop that I was not able to use this modem with because it has a Windows ME operating system. I feel the representative should have asked which operating systems I had, before purchasing this product to make sure I was not wasting my time. I have a PC with Windows XP and it works well with that. I don't get very much reception but it is so much faster than dial up so I'm ok with that. Another laptop we own is Winows Vista based and the reception is better. It could have better reception because it isn't under a desk like my PC. Other than the disappointment with not being able to use it on one of my laptops, I give this product thumbs up.

Pricing/Contract

Cost varies depending on what plan you have and if a company you work for has a deal made with Verizon. Because of the company I work for, I paid just over $50.00 for the modem and pay $59.99 per month. To get this pricing, I was required to sign a 2-year contract. I could have paid more for the modem and $79.99 per month if I only wanted a 1-year contract. I note the box indicates there's no long-term contract required because they offer daily session pricing which I didn't even want to discuss with them.

Satisfaction

I am allowed 30 days from date of purchase to return the equipment. If returned within those 30 days, I have no charges and no contract obligation. Even though I could not use this with my laptop, I feel this purchase is well worth the expense.

Cons

This really has nothing to do with Verizon or their product however, I purchased this with the intention I would cancel my $10.00 dial up internet access and my home telephone. This was to offset the monthly cost of the wireless internet. I disconnected the dial up but found out from our Satellite TV company that if I disconnected the phone line, my TIVO would not dial for updates and shows would stop recording over time. As a result, I'm not able to cancel my home line. I have got to have my TIVO!

In conclusion, I rate this product high. I don't have DSL to compare this product with, however, anything is better than dial up. I believe this is a great product and love the flexibility of taking it anywhere I go.