People sometimes think the real "problem" with broadband is that it isn't available. In fact, there is growing recognition that adoption (demand) is the primary issue. And about all it takes to boost broadband usage is to make it easy, affordable and even a bit fun.
AT&T, for example, has announced it is adding mobile broadband equipped Acer, Dell and Lenovo netbooks to its standard line of products this summer. AT&T began testing sales of 3G-equipped netbooks in its retail stores in April. Based on the successful results, AT&T is going nationwide.
Pricing for the nationally-available offer are not yet available, but AT&T in "limited trials" has been offering a netbook for a $49.99 in Atlanta and Philadelphia test markets. To get that price, users sign a two-year contract for wireless and wired Internet access.
In the test markets the Acer Aspire One, Dell Inspiron Mini 9, Dell Inspiron Mini 12 and LG Xenia were available.
Prices for the netbooks start at $49.99 and go up to $249.99 with a purchase of AT&T's Internet at Home and On the Go plan, which starts at $59.99 per month. Customers who just wanted the netbooks could buy them for $449.99 to $599.99.
A third option, DataConnect only, allowed users to buy netbooks starting at $99.99 and going up to $349.99, with purchase of a 3G DataConnect plan costing $40 to $60 a month.
“It’s clear there’s a demand for mini laptops,” says Ralph de la Vega, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets president and chief executive officer says. “We’re getting interest from tweens, teens, young adults, moms on the go and small business owners."
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