Yeah, that Mobile Broadband Connect is what the rest of the world calls “tethering”. its nice to be able to do (legally, unlike TetherBerry) but it doesn’t help the “road warrior” type that needs phone and data same time.

I would LOVE to see Verizon offer a data card secondary line plan. And it shouldn’t cost any more than adding another BlackBerry service costs.

Alltel Wireless’ new bundle saves customers almost $250 a year by adding Wireless Internet as a secondary line of service

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – For customers seeking to cut their bills and save during these hard economic times, Alltel Wireless today announced that they can now add Wireless Internet as a secondary line of service on a Smart Choice Pack for only $40 a month. Typically $60 a month, this option will save new and existing customers almost $250 a year while delivering fast wireless access from the convenience of a laptop or personal computer.

Alltel’s Wireless Internet makes it easy to stay connected, access email and update schedules while on the road. With fast and secure connections at speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps, customers can also wirelessly shop and work online at broadband speeds.

“Alltel is always looking for new ways to deliver convenience to our customers, and the new bundle of Wireless Internet with a Smart Choice Pack allows our customers to save $20 a month and still receive the fastest wireless service available,” said Angela Rittgers, director of product management for Alltel Wireless. “Our customers will be able to enjoy the efficiency and ease of Wireless Internet, and our numerous Smart Choice Packs provide a wide range of options for customers based on their needs and budgets.”

Alltel’s Smart Choice Packs provide customers with national voice minutes, an unlimited data plan and all their favorite features, including “My Circle,” all for one low monthly price. Packages start as low as $69.99 per month including 5 “My Circle” numbers, 500 anytime calling minutes, unlimited nights and weekends and more. For heavy users, Alltel offers the Smart Choice Pack 5500, providing 20 “My Circle” numbers, 5,500 anytime minutes, unlimited texting and a wide variety of additional features.

In addition to providing high speed wireless Internet access to laptops and PCs, Smart Choice Packs also provide service for a variety of Alltel smart phones such as the BlackBerry Pearl and BlackBerry Curve. These two popular smart phones feature the iconic BlackBerry design, trackball navigation and more. The BlackBerry Pearl is now free at http://www.shopalltel.com after online discounts and a mail-in rebate for customers signing a two year contract.

Alltel Wireless continues to be an industry-leader, providing choice and flexibility with its exclusive “My Circle” feature, giving Customers unlimited, free calling to and from any five, 10 or 20 numbers on any network. Alltel Wireless was also the first to offer Anytime Plan Changes, giving Customers the flexibility to change their calling plans at any time, without extending their contract.

From the Alltel site;

Smart Choice 500

Keep your smart device working harder with voice and data solutions. Get national voice minutes with an unlimited data plan and your favorite features – all for one low monthly price.

Alltel Smart Choice 500 also includes:

-Unlimited E-mail and Internet Access on Primary Line
-500 National Freedom minutes
-Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Minutes
-Unlimited Night and Weekend Minutes starting at 7 PM
-Unlimited Messaging
-Domestic Long Distance and Free Roaming on the
-National Freedom Network

Included Plan Features:
Basic Voice Mail, Caller ID, 3-Way Calling, No Answer Transfer, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting

For 89.99, that is unless Alltel just hasn’t posted the deal on the site offering it for a laptop card as I haven’t found it to date.