Last in the 3G race, T-Mobile finally unveils its USB modem

If you happen to be in one of the 130 US Cities with T-Mobile 3G coverage, you're in luck. The perennial last horse in the 3G race today unveiled its first 3G USB modem, called T-Mobile webConnect.

The device is made by Chinese telecommunications equipment manufacturer Huawei, which specializes in UMTS/HSPA products, and due to the current sparseness of T-Mobile's 3G network, webConnect carries a modicum of additional features to add value.

In addition to the HSDPA connectivity, it also can connect to worldwide EDGE/GPRS 2G networks, and the built-in Connection Manager software determines the best connection automatically, relatively standard features on 3G modems. Unique to the device, however, it its ability to act as a MicroSD reader, supporting up to 8 GB of removable storage. So the device can also double as a memory stick when not being used to connect to the Web.

T-Mobile webConnect is available today in T-Mobile stores and online for $249.99 with no contract, or for $49.99 with a two-year agreement. The accompanying 5 GB monthly service plan costs $59.99 per month, with speeds generally hovering around 1.5 Mbps.

Currently, the device only supports Windows machines, but that will have to do, until there's a more comprehensive solution fortethering your G1.