Phil Baker pointed to a new company RovAir that is in the business of short term, contract free rentals of broadband cards.
The idea has lots of merit, but may be short-lived as I expect the USA GSM operators T-Mobile and AT&T to roll out pay as you go data plans in 2009. Why? The weak dollar is bringing many international business travelers to the USA. The ability to unlock a Data Card or to market an inexpensive, high quality Chinese made mobile broadband card like THREE in the UK offers is too great of an opportunity to pass up.
The other hurdle is that the two networks available are Sprint and Verizon. While they're great in metro areas, I've found they both drop off in more rural communities.
That said, for those that need a bunch of cards for a short term project this is a GREAT opportunity, and the founders would be wise to sell heavily into the trade show and event market; establish a kiosk in Las Vegas' McCarren Airport for inbound travelers, and make the return process as easy as pie by affiliating with UPS stores which can establish a nationwide drop off, pack, ship and return program easier than anyone..
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