11-25-2011, 05:42 PM
By "mobile wifi hotspot", I assume you're really referring to a cellular based internet service combined with a MiFi like device, and not referring to access to WiFi hotspots in places like coffee shops.
You might look at Virgin's pre-paid MiFi plan, it's on the Sprint network so your coverage should be the same, but it can be as low as $20/mo.
The speeds are often throttled.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-br...nd2go.html
I got it a year ago and at that time there was an advantage to buying the device from WalMart, if the device was purchased from WalMart, when you activated it, Virgin would offer an additional plan of 1GB/mo for $20. I know that plan is still offered to me, but it might be because I'm grandfathered. They also had a $40/mo unlimited plan when they first introduced the device/plan, which they later started severely throttling if you go over 5GB, you can't buy that plan anymore.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Virgin-Mobile-...e/14321312
Edit: This seems to be confirmation that the 1GB/Mo $20 plan still exists for devices purchased at WalMart.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Virgin-Broadba...y/15443368
Edit2: You don't need to buy those refill cards, there is also an option when you activate it to have the monthly cost charged directly to a credit card.
You might look at Virgin's pre-paid MiFi plan, it's on the Sprint network so your coverage should be the same, but it can be as low as $20/mo.
The speeds are often throttled.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-br...nd2go.html
I got it a year ago and at that time there was an advantage to buying the device from WalMart, if the device was purchased from WalMart, when you activated it, Virgin would offer an additional plan of 1GB/mo for $20. I know that plan is still offered to me, but it might be because I'm grandfathered. They also had a $40/mo unlimited plan when they first introduced the device/plan, which they later started severely throttling if you go over 5GB, you can't buy that plan anymore.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Virgin-Mobile-...e/14321312
Edit: This seems to be confirmation that the 1GB/Mo $20 plan still exists for devices purchased at WalMart.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Virgin-Broadba...y/15443368
# Provides 1GB of data over 30 days exclusively for Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go devices purchased from Walmart or Walmart.com
# Provides 500MB of data over 30 days for Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go devices not purchased at Walmart or Walmart.com
Edit2: You don't need to buy those refill cards, there is also an option when you activate it to have the monthly cost charged directly to a credit card.