HP launches 3G mobile broadband service

Hewlett-Packard has stepped out as an internet service provider in the United States with a no-contract 3G data service aimed at mobile fleet workers.

The DataPass service is not "currently" available internationally, according to an FAQ [pdf].

An HP Australia spokesman told iTnews: "There are no plans to extend this service to Australia at this time."

A brief statement posted to HP's corporate site overnight indicated DataPass was a "pre-paid 3G mobile broadband service that allows users to purchase wireless broadband data using major mobile carriers in the United States without being tied down by contracts, hotspots and set-up fees."

Initial plans included 75 MB for US$5.00 (expiring in five hours), 100 MB for US$14.99 (expiring after a week), 300 MB (US$29.99, two weeks expiry) and 1 GB ($US$39.99, three weeks).

The plans appeared to be tailored towards travelling users of HP notebooks as they were broadly competitive against purchasing short-term internet access in a hotel room.

HP said it would offer discounts to fleet users. Those with between 11 and 99 accounts would save 5 percent; those with 100 users or more could save 10 percent.

The service worked on HP computers with an internal un2400 series mobile broadband module.

The internet services were provided by US service provider Peregrine Network.