There are all sorts of pre-paid data services on the market today and just about every major carrier has one. HP has announced today that it has a new pre-paid service that will be launching soon called DataPass. The service will run on the Sprint network and will carry the HP brand.
HP apparently purchased extra bandwidth from Sprint and is setting its own prices on the service. There are all sorts of offerings on the plan starting as low as $5. That cheap price gets you 75MB of bandwidth, which is enough for about five hours of web use apparently. If five hours isn’t enough time for you, there are other plans too.
Plan Options and Pricing
The most expensive plan is a 1GB offering that sells for $30. That will get you online quite a bit longer than the $5 offering. I wonder if you have to use all that bandwidth in a month. I would like to see a carrier offer a plan with data that is there as long as you need until you use it all.
In addition to the $5 and $30 plans, HP DataPass offers several intermediate options to cater to different user needs. For instance, there is a $10 plan that provides 150MB of data, which could be ideal for light users who primarily check emails and browse social media. For moderate users, a $20 plan offers 500MB of data, which is sufficient for streaming music, browsing the web, and occasional video calls.
Advantages of HP DataPass
One of the significant advantages of HP DataPass is its flexibility. Unlike traditional data plans that require a long-term contract, HP DataPass allows users to pay only for the data they need. This is particularly beneficial for travelers, students, and individuals who may not require constant internet access but need reliable service when they do.
Moreover, the service’s reliance on Sprint’s network ensures broad coverage and reliable connectivity in most urban and suburban areas. Sprint’s network is known for its extensive reach and robust performance, making it a dependable choice for HP’s new service.
Another noteworthy feature is the ease of activation. Users can quickly activate their data plans through a simple online process, eliminating the need for lengthy setup procedures. This user-friendly approach makes it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The data caps on the lower-tier plans may not be sufficient for heavy users who stream videos or download large files regularly. Additionally, while the service is competitively priced, the cost per megabyte can be higher compared to some unlimited data plans offered by other carriers.
Furthermore, the question of whether unused data rolls over to the next month remains unanswered. Many users would appreciate a rollover feature, allowing them to maximize their data usage without feeling pressured to consume it within a specific timeframe.
In conclusion, HP DataPass presents a compelling option for those seeking flexible, pre-paid data services. With a range of plans to suit different needs and the reliability of Sprint’s network, it stands out as a viable alternative to traditional data plans. However, potential users should carefully consider their data usage habits and the plan’s limitations before making a decision.
via Engadget
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