In the United States alone, there are more than nine nationwide wireless internet providers. Reviews of these companies require constant updating because services, plans, and pricing are always changing. Important things to look for in a wireless internet provider review are: information about the company, what each wireless plan includes and for what price, how fast the Internet connection is, and how satisfied other customers are with the service. Here is the most current information available on a handful of wireless internet service providers.

Verizon

Verizon offers a mobile broadband service called BroadbandAccess. Due to a merger with Alltell, Verizon is now the single largest wireless Internet provider in the United States. This means that Verizon has the biggest coverage area and they can offer very competitive prices. You can choose the 250 MB plan for $39.99 a month or the 5GB plan for $59.99 per month. Overage charges are 25 cents per MB, so you will want to gauge your data transfer needs accurately. If you do not need mobile wireless on a regular basis, you also have the option of purchasing a single day pass for $15 that is good for wireless internet access for 24 hours. Access speeds are generally 500KBps to 1.4Mbps, depending on whether you are uploading or downloading the data.

The only complaint that turned up for this wireless internet provider reviews online is that BroadbandAccess requires a 2-year contract and also carries an activation fee of $35. Some customers reported outrageous overage charges and they also point out that you will be charged for roaming outside of your “home” area within the United States.

Clearwire

Clearwire is a small wireless provider founded in 2003 and owned in part by Sprint. A strong partnership with Google allows Clearwire to use the Google application interface for their web platform. With faster speeds (1.5MBps) than other companies and competitive pricing, Clearwire is a great option if it is available in your area. Additionally, signing a service contract will save you from paying any activation fees, which can range from $50 to $100. An unlimited data transfer plan will cost you only $59.99 per month.

Unfortunately, due to its infancy, Clearwire has a limited coverage area. Customers also expressed their dissatisfaction through wireless internet provider reviews with the fact that Clearwire offers only one PC Card for $229.98 or a $6.99 per month lease, lacking a variety to choose from.

AT&T

Wireless internet provider reviews highlight AT&T DataConnect as the best wireless service in terms of global coverage, making it great for international travelers. AT&T bought out Cingular Wireless in 2005 so they have a huge network with many broadcasting towers. If you sign a DataConnect contract, you can get a free modem for your service.

One thing that AT&T has mastered with its huge network is exclusivity. You must have an AT&T brand LaptopConnect card in order to receive wireless internet access and even with a contract, there is a $36 activation fee. The prices for AT&T wireless plans are pretty high, with $60 getting you 5GB of month data transfer and $109.99 gives you an additional 100MB/month to use in Mexico or Canada.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Communications is a small company in San Diego, Calif. that focuses on the prepaid wireless market. They now provide wireless Internet service at a very low price of $40/month for unlimited access with a one time $25 activation fee. The speeds are not blazing fast but are reasonable, settling in the 400-700KBps range. There are no cancellation or roaming fees with Cricket Wireless.

Wireless internet provider reviews from customers reveal that the access is more sluggish than the reported 400-700KBps and that it is insufficient for downloading email attachments. The company is still growing so the coverage area is currently limited and some users report being dropped frequently.