If a Wi-Fi version of the Nexus 7 doesn’t cut it for you road warriers, perhaps the new LTE model will: Google is now selling the Nexus 7 with integrated LTE on the Google Play store for $349. This version includes 32 GB of storage, so the addition of LTE connectivity is just $80 over the comparable Wi-Fi only model.
That’s pretty aggressive pricing on Google’s part. For that matter, the entire Nexus 7 line is priced well when compared to Apple’s iPad mini, which starts at $329 for a 16 GB Wi-Fi model. The Nexus also has a much better display with 1920 x 1200 resolution fit in a 7-inch screen.
The new LTE model is unlocked but comes with a T-Mobile SIM card. Sweetening this deal is one month of free mobile broadband data, up to 2 GB, on T-Mobile’s LTE network. The slate also supports frequencies for AT&T’s network covering LTE in these bands — 700, 850, AWS, 1900 MHz — and HSPA fallback in the 850, 900, AWS, 1900, 2100 MHz frequencies.
After the free month of T-Mobile service, Nexus 7 owners can get month-to-month service ranging from 500 MB to 10.5 GB costing between $20 and $70 a month. It’s a clever move on T-Mobile’s part to get people to try its new LTE network; if the carrier delivers on performance and coverage, it’s sure to benefit from folks who sign up for additional service.
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