[jsh1120]

For those who need 3G/4G internet access for the wifi-only Kindle Fire, Verizon has just introduced a new pre-paid monthly access plan for a Mobile Hotspot (i.e. "Mifi') that does NOT require a long-term contract.

The process works like this. You purchase a Mifi device (4510L) from Verizon for $130. Not coincidentally, this is the additional cost for 3G/4G functionality on the iPad.

Once you've purchased the device, you can purchase 1-10 gigabytes of download access for $20-$80 per month. Unlike a long-term contract, however, you can purchase the service on a monthly basis when you need it and turn it off when you don't. For those who travel occasionally and want to avoid the need to find wifi access, this can be a worthwhile option.

In effect, this is the same kind of plan offered by Verizon and other carriers for the new iPad. Other carriers offer similar plans but may not guarantee high speed performance or access to the Verizon 4G/LTE network. If you're considering a mobile hotspot be careful to read the fine print about the actual performance of the device and the total cost.

For the record, I've been using one of Verizon's "Jetpack" Mifi devices for about a year with my iPad, laptop, and more recently the Kindle Fire. Works like a charm even for simultaneous connections of all three devices. The Verizon 4G/LTE network is very fast. Coverage is the best available even in places I wouldn't expect. For people like me who travel extensively the "no contract" month-to-month option is not a big money saver. But for others, it may well be very attractive.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Verizon Wireless (other than contributing an absurd amount of money to their coffers each month). Nor do I think this is an ideal plan for everyone. However, considering the number of Kindle Fire users who want/need internet access at locations where a wifi connection is not easily available, it can be a relatively economical high speed access option.