AT&T Ups 3G to 7.2Mbps, Followed by New HSPA USB Dongle

AT&T rolls out this week a new HSPA USB dongle for its 3G network this week, the Lightning. The new modem is set to connect on its HSPA 3G band. This band promises 7.2Mbps speeds which doubles the previous maximum of 3.6 Mbps. They are only rolling this out in limited areas so you may have to wait to get it in your area but Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami will be knee deep in new speeds by year end. Hong Kong is currently rolling in 21Mbps, but this isn't a competition right? The Lightning stores its connection software on flash memory within itself so all you have to do is plug in the card and it will start installing the software automatically.

The Lightning has a swivel hinge on its USB connector for convenient connection and LED indicators to show connection status. A dual function device, the Lightning will also switch between HSPA 3G and Wi-Fi. Customers with eligible plans will also get free access to AT&T's 20,000 Wi-Fi hot spots. If you lock yourself into a 2 year contract your total cost will be $99 - $100 gift card for a net total of -$1. Their minimum data plan is also being lowered to $35 per month for 200MB usage. Speeds going up, prices going down and free stuff, what could be better?