Data plans for two months in the US?
 

I have an unlocked data card, and shouldn't have a problem picking up a SIM off of eBay. However, I can't find any US providers that don't require a one or two year contract for data (with a $175 - $200 cancellation fee). Nor can I find any prepaid data providers in the US.

I was hoping to have GPRS or 3G data for a couple of months in the US.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Kelly.

I think you can get a prepaid Blackberry/Sidekick plan from T-Mobile that costs you $1/day for unlimited. That' s a tad spendy but it is an option. I think you just get a T-Mobile SIM and when you activate it tell them you have a Sidekick.

Unfortunately, I don't have either a Blackberry or a Sidekick, and I've heard that these plans won't work on a regular data card? I'll see if maybe I can find a Sidekick somewhere...

Thanks!

Kelly.

Sidekick use a special APN. Blackberry uses a special APN, but contract Blackberries include unlimited data. I don't think they legally include tethering, but I know people who have done it.

Here is a link to a similar thread going on Howard's Forum:

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1266163

Hello,
i am also in need of a data/voice solution for about 4 weeks in Juyly of this year in the western USA (Cal, Nevada, ARizona).
I'm searching for a way to use my current GSM phone (TyTNII) for both voice and data (connected to my laptop) for the time period we will be in the US.
I've searched the net for some clearer advice, but have not really found any.
So, does anyone have any tips for me?
thanks in advance for any help...

ok, got a bit smarter now.
Just spoke to ATT. Basically, i can get a monthly plan, that i can cancel after one month.
In this plan i can choose how many monthly minutes i want (300 $39,99, 400 49,99, etc.), and then on top of that i can choose a data flatrate plan for an additional $20 per month.
The SIMS can be sent to my hotel as i arrive.
This sounds pretty good.
I'll keep searching.
Still looking.

Zgadgeter,

Do you have established US credit? I've known about several month to month options, but I assumed that they were not an option for most non-residents. I've passed British and Canadian credit checks, but had some indicia of residency for these countries.

yes i do.
What sort of options would you suggest for month to month?

ATT which you all ready discovered. Sprint has one for $10 more a month. You have to pay the unsubsidized rate for the data card. Helio has an option but it is limited to its PDA phone. ATT will let you do a data card on their month by month plans.

Ok,
so ATT is probably the best? When i rang them they said i can orde the card a few days before we arrive, an have it sent to the hotel. Then i can cancel the card prior to the next month's charge getting on my credit card.
The plan would be for both data and voice.
When i arrive in the US, and put the card into the phone, the voice part works automatically.
But, i need to setup the phone to use the data options.
Here in Europe there are cab files for the different data carriers in the various countries to help set up the phone.
Do you have any idea how i would set up the phone in the US to use ATT?
thanks.