AT&T's USBConnect Lightning USB WWAN Card To Support 7.2Mbps 3G

While AT&T struggles to stop Verizon Wireless from calling out its 3G network on national television, the company is still plugging along by selling more and more devices that can be used on it. Sierra Wireless has had a long standing relationship with the US carrier, and that relationship seems to be growing with the introduction of the USBConnect Lightning.

This is the company's newest USB WWAN card, which enables any USB-equipped machine (which is pretty much all of them made within the last decade) to hop online wherever an AT&T signal is found. It won't actually be on sale until November 22, but it will enable users to surf at up to 7.2Mbps (HSPA) where available.

"The Lightning is a high-performing device compatible with our latest HSPA technology," said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "As we continue our 3G network evolution, we are building a solid portfolio of HSPA 7.2 devices to meet the future needs of our customers."

"The USBConnect Lightning offers an innovative, eye-catching lighted design with a swivel hinge for flexible use in horizontally or vertically oriented USBHSPA 7.2 coverage," said Dan Schieler, senior vice president of Worldwide Sales for Sierra Wireless. "People continue to expand their use of mobile broadband in their everyday routines wherever they are, and the evolution of the AT&T 3G network and devices like the USBConnect Lightning provide them with the flexibility and freedom to do so."

The Lightning comes pre-loaded with AT&T Communication Manager (ACM) 7.0 software to help customers manage their connections. The newly revamped Communication Manager will automatically connect users to an AT&T Hot Spot at no cost on eligible rate plans when the application is running. Customers can also download the latest version of AT&T Communication Manager at www.att.com/communicationmanager. ACM 7.0 is compatible with Microsoft Windows 7. ports, and we are pleased to offer it exclusively to AT&T customers as the company deploys

The Lightning will be available at no cost after a $100 mail-in rebate with a DataConnect Plan of at least $35 a month, and speaking of which, the available plans include one with 200MB per month ($35) along with a 5GB plan for $60 per month.