U.S. cellular operators have been rolling out 3G coverage nationwide over the past few years. Many of them already have updated those 3G networks to use HSPA technology, which is even faster. While T-Mobile hasn’t moved as quickly as other carriers, it’s making up time with its new HSPA+ network and its hot new webConnect Rocket USB modem for laptops.

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The webConnect Rocket enables customers to take full advantage of T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network, where available, initially in Philadelphia with broad national deployment planned for the end of 2010. Available starting March 14, the modem and related services are expected to deliver home broadband-like experience with mobile broadband speeds that are significantly faster than T-Mobile’s standard 3G network.

T-Mobile’s 3G high-speed data network is available in more than 273 U.S. cities covering more than 206 million people. HSPA 7.2 is now enabled across the entire T-Mobile 3G nationwide network, and the company is working to put the necessary backhaul in place to support these faster speeds. While other carriers are waiting to deploy Long-Term Evolution (LTE), T-Mobile is the only national U.S. carrier upgrading its existing 3G network to support HSPA+, which can deliver significantly faster download/upload speeds than T-Mobile’s standard 3G network.

With three times the speed capabilities of HSPA 7.2, HSPA+ offers theoretical peak throughput speeds of 21 Mbits/s. In the coming months, T-Mobile will launch HSPA+ in major cities on both coasts. The network upgrade efforts are well underway, and more details will emerge as the service becomes available to more customers. With speeds like this, who needs LTE? Or who’s even ready for it? It’s no wonder carriers are going for this lower-cost upgrade while we’re waiting for backhaul improvements and ultimately LTE.

When surfing the Web, downloading large files, or watching video from a laptop on the go, customers in HSPA+ coverage areas will benefit from lightning-fast mobile broadband. Compatible with PCs and Macs, the webConnect Rocket simply plugs into the laptop. The built-in webConnect Manager software installs and automatically finds the best available Internet connection. Additionally, webConnect Manager lets customers monitor how much data is being used to avoid overages. The webConnect Rocket is also compatible with T-Mobile’s nationwide 3G network and Wi-Fi, including T-Mobile HotSpot network locations.

The T-Mobile webConnect Rocket is a USB modem for 3G cellular data service. It can deliver rates up to 21 Mbits/s using HSPA+ where available. It’s also backward compatible with standard HSPA and WCDMA 3G technologies.

The T-Mobile webConnect Rocket USB Laptop Stick sells for $99.99 (plus taxes and fees), with a two-year contract.

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