Commitment stinks.  In the wireless and Internet service provider industries, where technology, device hardware, and product offerings continue to evolve at an ever increasing pace, the notion of being locked into a stagnant two year contract with any particular service provider is difficult to willingly accept.  And for those who may only occasionally require something like wireless 3G Internet access on their laptop, paying for a long term phone data plan with tethering is pointless.

Fortunately, a company called DataJack has a product for the non-committal or infrequent data user.  The service, which requires purchase of the company’s $99 USB 3G modem, costs $39/month without activation fees or long term contracts.   You simply purchase the USB modem and wireless 3G Internet access on a monthly basis as needed.  The USB modem, which with its integrated microSD card slot doubles as an up to 8GB portable storage device, simply plugs into a USB port on any Windows or Mac portable device for quick and easy setup and operation.

DataJack 3G Coverage Map

Unlike other data plans, DataJack claims its service is truly unlimited and without usage limits or overage charges.  The DataJack service, which utilizes the high speed 3G network of a major US wireless carrier, reverts to an EDGE 2.5G network offering moderate speed data service when users are outside 3G covered areas (see the map).  And for those thinking of using the DataJack service as their primary Internet connection, the company is offering a free month of service to users who stay connected for 12 consecutive months.

So next time your on vacation desperately scanning for an unsecure local WiFi network to steal borrow, think about how much easier it would have been to just spend the $40 for your own 3G connection.