Helio announces "Hybrid" 3G / WiFi service

A Boingo pass for when you're near a hotspot, EV-DO for when you're not. That's the gist of Helio's latest product, dubbed "Hybrid" -- only their third since launching earlier this year -- and the first dedicated to data device from the MVNO (and among the first data devices from any MVNO, so far as we know). Technically, Hybrid is more of a package than an actual device, composed of a rebranded Sierra Wireless Aircard 580, EV-DO service, and WiFi access (provided by Helio pal and Sky Dayton venture Boingo, of course) with Helio's "Hybrid Connector" software calling the connectivity shots. Though the concept doesn't seem to go after the same core demographic as the MVNO's handsets, the $85 package deal could still be a compelling one for folks that maintain separate WiFi and 3G data accounts. Look for Hybrid to be available for a nice, round $0 on two-year contract through Fry's locations and Helio's site directly.

[Matt O @ Oct 4th 2006 7:40AM]

great idea!!

[Samuel McConnell @ Oct 4th 2006 8:40AM]

Not that the two year contract matters, seeing as I don't see Helio lasting a whole lot longer.

[Tony @ Oct 4th 2006 9:16AM]

ExpressCard por favor.

[josh @ Oct 4th 2006 9:26AM]

So does that $85 include your handset with minutes?

If not why even go for this.

I wish Helio would pull out a WM5 device and offer a good price point for phone and data, i.e. cheaper than verizon.

[rolfo87 @ Oct 4th 2006 9:52AM]

the EULA says that "unlimited use does not mean unreasonable" yadda yadda yadda..their "unlimited" service only gives you a 160 MB allowance...http://www.helio.com/page?p=terms...chapter 10

[rolfo87 @ Oct 4th 2006 9:53AM]

http://www.helio.com/page?p=terms the last one got messed up

[Mrfreezie @ Oct 4th 2006 12:07PM]

Meh, their just using the buzz word "Hybrid." I'm surprised it's not the "HD Dual-Core Vista Pod Blu HDDVD Super Res 360 Wee...service"

[Matthew Medrano @ Oct 4th 2006 2:34PM]

rolfo87

The EULA is for device/"phone" users, and does not apply to the EVDO/WiFi Hybrid Card.

[rolfo87 @ Oct 4th 2006 9:54PM]

"---> ALL

[Balagan @ Oct 5th 2006 2:05AM]

Yeah thats a load of bull......upload is sub 56k. With sprint and usb cable I get the same thing for $15 bucks!

[alex @ Oct 18th 2006 9:07AM]

Watch out! Helio's 'Unlimited' plan, is TERRIBLE!
Read "Hell No, Helio!" at http://evdoinfo.blogspot.com/2006/10/hell-no-helio.html

Gain even more EVDO INFO at http://www.evdoinfo.com and http://www.evdoforums.com !