T-Mobile’s Rocket Blasts Off

In the ongoing race for fast internet speed, the tortoise doesn’t stand a chance, unless of course, it hitches a ride on T-Mobile’s new Rocket. According to Engadget, web heads looking to improve their computer’s mobile broadband speed should run not walk over to T-Mobile. The company’s new webConnect Rocket USB modem went on sale yesterday. The Rocket is T-Mobile’s first USB modem to operate on their shiny new HSPA+ network.

The new network “offers theoretical peak throughput speeds of 21Mbps”, which means users will be able to download and upload faster and watch videos withouth that oh-so-annoying buffering message. Sort of like the digital version of nitrous oxide (nos) for your broadband, HSPA+ is approximately three times faster than your run of the mill 3G network.

The T-Mobile webConnect Rocket will set you back $99.99 with a two year contract. If you don’t want to be tethered to T-Mobile for two years, expect to pay $199.99 for the modem. T-Mobile will also be offering a number of data plans to suit your web browsing needs.  Starting at $19.99/month with no annual contract for 200MB the prices are as follows:

· Even More webConnect data plan (two year contract):
· $59.99/mo. for 5GB per month ($0.20/MB overage)
· $29.99/mo. for 200MB per month ($0.20/MB overage)
· Even More Plus webConnect data plan (no annual contract):
· $49.99/mo. for 5GB per month ($0.20/MB overage)

The data plans include unlimited wi-fi access on T-Mobile’s HotSpot network.

So the question is, should you start plunking down your money for some rocket power? Well, unless you’re a Philly native, the answer might be a resounding not just yet. As of now, the only people that can reap the benefits of the new HSPA+ network are residents of the city of brotherly love. Apparently Philly is currently the only location with a fully operational network (There’s always a catch, isn’t there?).  According to the press release, T-Mobile is on it.

“In the coming months, we’ll be lighting up HSPA+ in major cities on both coasts. Our network upgrade efforts are well underway and we’ll share more details as the service becomes available to more customers.”

So there you have it. If you’re not in Philly expect to continue to navigate the same old 3G until T-Mobile works out all the kinks. We’ll keep you posted.

About the Author
Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
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