TIS, My husband has one through work. It is a monthly plan, just like a cell phone. I think it's $50/month. He was given two different ones to try out, one from Verizon and one from Sprint. Although we've used both companies for cellphones and found that Verizon's coverage to be MUCH better, he's found Sprint wireless card to offer better coverage. I think it would depend where you live, and who has the best coverage.