I currently use an iPhone with an O2 Simplicity SIM in the UK but I'm shortly going on a 3 month road trip around the USA. What I would like advice on is which service provider and tariff to go for in the USA which will allow me to continue to use data functions of the iPhone.

Obviously I wont be able to sign any contracts so I assume the only option is PAYG. Are there any PAYG tarrifs in the USA with cheap data plans?

Many thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by technoshrimp

I currently use an iPhone with an O2 Simplicity SIM in the UK but I'm shortly going on a 3 month road trip around the USA. What I would like advice on is which service provider and tariff to go for in the USA which will allow me to continue to use data functions of the iPhone.

Obviously I wont be able to sign any contracts so I assume the only option is PAYG. Are there any PAYG tarrifs in the USA with cheap data plans?

Many thanks in advance.

I have cingular/AT&T's pay as you go. You buy a prepaid one (e.g. for 50 $) and transfer lets say 10$ for data use. Check here
https://www.paygonline.com/websc/index.jsp

hope that helps
volkspost

What are the data charges like on AT&T PAYG - is that going to be my cheapest option?

Originally Posted by technoshrimp

What are the data charges like on AT&T PAYG - is that going to be my cheapest option?

Well I cant recall it. One thing I remember. Once you setup eith AT&T you will get phone number and access to the website. In there you can transfer a part of the prepaid amout you paid for data use. If you dont, they charge you like hell cause its charged to the voice plan. If you do, its not much. Last time I had a 14 day busines trip, started with 100$, 20 for data and when getting back I still had like 3 or 4 for data use. Just make sure to transfer some bucks for data usage.

v.

Cool. I just found this on AT&Ts website:

MediaNet Unlimited for $19.99 per month.

Can that only be applied to GoPhone 'Pick your tarriff' or can it also be applied to GoPhone 'Pay as you go'?

Originally Posted by technoshrimp

Cool. I just found this on AT&Ts website:

MediaNet Unlimited for $19.99 per month.

Can that only be applied to GoPhone 'Pick your tarriff' or can it also be applied to GoPhone 'Pay as you go'?

Huh, I am not sure. I did not use MediaNet Unlimited cause I did not need this one. I used regular GoPhone 'Pay as you go' and after having it activated (have to be in the US, no roaming in Europe, I got data for accessing "my pay as you go" where your just transfer some bucks. Can do it on the phone aswell, pretty easy.
once set up you can reload the account via Webinterface and creditcard any time or just hit wallgreens etc and buy a refill. One more tipp: I am in the US quite often, so I wanted to keep the us phone number they gave me the first time I used the service (way before iPhone ;-)
As far as I remember if you pay 100 Dollar you can keep the number for one year, then just refil another 100 - one more. Check the information on their website. cause most of my clients and friends are on AT&T it is even cheaper for me, calling other AT&T users is free as far as I remember.

v.