SAN FRANCISCO–They’re not phones, but AT&T has announced its first HSPA+ and LTE-compatible devices: the USBConnect Adrenaline and USBConnect Shockwave mobile broadband modems.
The Adrenaline, which is made by LG, will be the first LTE-upgradeable device. A software update will be made available for the USB modem when AT&T rolls out LTE in mid-2011, which will allow it take advantage of the faster speeds. Till then, you can use it on AT&T’s current 3G network.
It also offers built-in GPS and a MicroSD slot, so you can use it as a storage device. The USBConnect Adrenaline costs $49.99 with a two-year contract and after a mail-in rebate.
Meanwhile, the Shockwave by Sierra Wireless will work on AT&T’s HSPA+ network, which is expected to launch at the end of the year, and is free with a two-year service agreement and mail-in rebate.
In addition to the Adrenaline and Shockwave, AT&T introduced the USBConnect 900 by Huawei, which is available through the carrier’s pay-as-you-go DataConnect Pass option. Plans for the prepaid service start at $15 for a day pass (100MB data cap) and go up to $50 for a month pass (1GB data cap).