T-Mobile's webConnect USB modem launching March 25?

By all accounts, it looks like T-Mobile USA will be offering the Huawei-sourced webConnect USB Laptop Stick, starting March 25 -- but there's a catch: according to some internal documentation, it'll only be available to existing customers. In other words, go ahead and get ready to sign up for a T-Mobile phone if you want T-Mobile data, because it looks like they're trying to scam two lines of service out of anyone wanting in on the action. Perhaps more notable is the fact that service will run $59.99 monthly, which will give you the same 5GB AT&T and Verizon give you for the same price. You get HotSpot access for that rate, but still, T-Mobile's historically been known for undercutting the big guys -- wouldn't it have been great to see this go for $49.99 instead?

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2009 12:16AM]

do they have "connection manager" software for the Mac yet?

[(Unverified) Posted May 14th 2009 6:07PM]

I have gotten the Tmobile Webconnect USB stick to work on my mac.
Here is what I did:

http://technifinds.com/software/mac/t-mobile-webconnect-usb-laptop-stick-works-with-mac-osx

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2009 12:32AM]

they should make it 39.99 and it would pretty much murder the competition as there is little stress on the 3g network which means its fast as can be.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2009 12:51AM]

I say it's gonna be a flop
the price has no difference from other 3, so is the 5GB
if T-Mobile is serious to bring out data card service, they should keep current Total Internet Data Card plan, not this shit!

[periks19 Posted Feb 22nd 2009 1:14AM]

lol true to that not to mentions their weak ass 3g coverage. Whoever signs up to tmobile because its priority is data must be mentally retarted

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 23rd 2009 5:29PM]

T-mob this is not a good look at all......I definitely agree with mingkee.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 23rd 2009 2:44AM]

It is spelled "retarded". *eye roll*

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2009 6:19AM]

Isn't it funny, in Australia we get 5gb on 3G mobile broadband for around $19.99aud.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2009 1:52PM]

Yes but the Australia offer covers only... how many people? Not even 1/10th that of the US. You have to take into consideration the fact that if you pay $60 here, you get access to travel in areas that cover close to 300 million people, not some much smaller number on an Island far away. My point isn't at all T-Mobile-specific, but rather applies just as much to Verizon, AT&T and Sprint.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2009 7:24AM]

T-Mobile. 3G. This is an early April Fools, right?

Half of my T-Mobile data in Connecticut is good old GPRS...not to mention that T-Mobile Wi-Fi is out of Starbucks (yes you can still roam but you have to know to sign on to attwifi).

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2009 11:50AM]

if the CEO and leaders still have head, they MUST provide the data/tethering service EXACTLY what I suggested, NO EXCEPTION

if T-Mobile wants to get money from 3G service, they should provide more attractive product for lower price; not just follow the other 3, if not, they can't sell 3G products well
if the leaders can understand what I post, they should do EXACTLY what I suggested
keep current Plain Total Internet Data Card for $50, and should keep unlimited, or at least 10GB limit
bring Total Internet back with voice, and add messaging, it should be same price as other data
$25 with 400 messages
$35 with unlimited messages
this should support smartphones, tethering, G1, even data card
and add $10 for additional line for data option, and provide 2 different contract options
1. if customer wants to buy device with discounted price, the customer will agree contract extension
2. if customer wants to buy device with full price, or customer will bring its own device, no contract extension
overage: upon customer's consent, T-Mobile will charge in bulk rate, that $2 per extra GB after 10GB, or if customer doesn't agree, the speed will be reduced to 100kbps till the next billing cycle

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 22nd 2009 11:52AM]

So, I can wait a month to get 5GB/mo of 3G data for $60/mo on a USB stick that only covers half of my area (where I live, but not where I work), and may or may not end up being compatible with a Cradlepoint router... if I go with T-Mobile for my data access.

or I can, today, go get 5GB/mo of 3G data for $60/mo on a USB stick (or Express Card) that covers all of my area, and is definitely Cradlepoint compatible, from AT&T. $50/mo after discount through my job...

Gee, T-Mobile, way to sweeten the pot...

(though, in all honesty, I'll probably wait to see who gets the Mifi devices, and see what their rates and coverage are)

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 23rd 2009 6:29PM]

I've been a T-mobile customer for years. I also have a $60/mo unlimited mobile broadband data card from Verizon.
I don't see the reason to use T-Mobile's mobile broadband if it costs more than $30/mo.