Verizon Wireless Adds Promotions For Wireless Data Users

Verizon Wireless

The carrier announced Thursday the Get Started Package, which provides the one-month free option for customers signing a one- or two-year contract. Also included in that package is a $20 mail-in rebate for a kit to connect notebook computers to cell phones, and a $50 mail-in rebate for a Sierra Wireless Aircard.

Verizon Wireless' Express Network is based on Qualcom's 1xRTT technology. It runs, on the average, at speeds of 40 Kbps to 60 Kbps with bursts up to 144 Kbps.

The promotion comes at a time of increased marketing activities among carriers. AT&T Wireless, for instance, announced this week an agreement with Microsoft to jointly sell Windows CE-based devices and wireless services. T-Mobile, also known as VoiceStream Wireless, announced a T-Mobile-branded Pocket PC Phone Edition device, which is priced at $549 and includes a $50 rebate with service activation.

T-Mobile, a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, also operates about 650 Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the United States. The company in July launched branded wireless cellular service in California and Nevada, and plans to transition the VoiceStream name to T-Mobile over the next few months.