USB modem in the USA

[Kilroyquasar]

Hello !

one of my friends is on a voyage, and he will be making rounds to the USA. he mailed me asking advice on buying a USB modem from there. am not much knowledgeable on networking aspects/hardware, etc, and hence earnestly seek advice from our members here. following are his requirements :

1. he needs a USB modem just to browse social-networking websites, internet banking, etc. while he's at ports, so even low speeds would do.

2. his laptop is wifi enabled and he was wondering whether he could make use of that in any manner :S

3. he would be glad if he could get an UNLOCKED modem to be used with any network provider, and at any port/city, just anywhere.

4. the two US port-cities he would be visiting are oakland, and long beach (if that's of any help).

5. should be cheaper.

please let me know whether his requirements are realistic, and any advice on the purchase.

many thanks !

 

[vivek.krishnan]

He could use his laptop's wifi if he finds a hotspot.

The thing with a modem is that 1. 3G frequencies there and ROTW are differant. 2. CDMA or GSM?

Best is to use his phone as wifi device / tethering.

 

[Kilroyquasar]

He could use his laptop's wifi if he finds a hotspot.

The thing with a modem is that 1. 3G frequencies there and ROTW are differant. 2. CDMA or GSM?

Best is to use his phone as wifi device / tethering.

thanks for that !

i understand that tethering could be done with smartphones, but his cell isnt a smartphone (its samsung's champ).

yes using the laptop itself in a wifi hotspot is the best thing he could do IMO. but dont know how if its possible it is for him to do so. will mail and ask him that.