Seeking suggestion on ways to get temporary mobile Internet access

[mikets]

One of our issues during build season is to get temporary mobile Internet access for checking updates, searching for datasheets etc in the field. We usually need Internet connectivity in two places: our school, for which although the school district has Internet connectivity, students are not allowed to access it. At the Joint Practice Field that several schools in our region built in some sort of warehouse where there is no Internet. In the past, if we are luck, some mentors may have a 3G/4G link on their phone that we may be able to tap into. We also consider a temporary subscription to 3G/4G/WiMax type of connectivity. But we are not able to find a service provider that will not charge you an arm and a leg for it. They usually involve activation fee, a 1 or 2 year contract etc. We just need it for the season (about 3 months). What is the most cost effective way to get temporary mobile Internet?

[alectronic]

I know we were looking at this a little earlier, and I decided to look more into the teather / phone options, etc.
Clear has a plan that has 4G coverage + month-to-month for $45, not such a great price, but at least it is not stuck with 2 years:
http://www.clear.com/plans
(Mobile Internet > On The Go plan)

Also, it looks like the iPhone / Blackberry option is available from ATT (which in iteself may not be so great) for $60 / month. 5GB inc.
http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?solutionId=KB102856&t=solutionTab

Sprint, which is one of the more popular for mobile connect that I have seen, found here:
http://www.wirelessbroadbandinternet4laptops.com/dyncat.cfm?catid=2399
Seems to also be $60. I am not able to tell about contracts at the moment.

Maybe other teams have had more luck?

[Foster]

I have the Verizon Mifi, $60 a month, but it has a year round plan.

Virgin Mobile has the same device for $149, and a month to month plan

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/mifi-2200.html

I'd suggest that. The Mifi supports up to 5 wireless users at one time.

[synth3tk]

All I can think of is either finding an open WiFi signal (highly unlikely), or going the 3G/4G route. I'm almost certain at least one of the providers offer prepaid data per month, but again, it will cost you quite a bit.

[Mike Copioli]

Try this http://www.millenicom.com/. They have month to month plans starting at 59.99/mo. You do not need to purchase their harware if you already have a 3g or better device. They don't tell you this but the service is sprint.

[mikets]

Excellent info. I just checked T-Mobile and they have a pre-paid mobile web plan. You pay $100 upfront to buy a device. I guess you may be able to skip it if you have your own device. They have a $10/7days for 100 MB plan or $30/month for 300 MB plan. The nice thing about it is you can stop after season ends. The SIM card is valid for 365 days but then you can purchase another week or month pass the next season. You can do week to week or month to month so you can fine tune the precise amount of time you need it.
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/prepaid-plans.aspx#MobileBroadbandpasses
Verizon and AT&T also have similar plans but more expensive.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobilebroadband/?page=plans
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/netbooks.jsp