Verizon Wireless rolled out its <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2190111,00.asp">broadband on a stick</A> Sept. 27 with the introduction of the USB727 Modem. Developed by Novatel Wireless, Verizon Wireless claims the device is the world's smallest EV-DO modem.

The USB modem is designed to work with any computing device equipped with a Type A USB port--including most desktops, notebooks and tablet PCs--and provides access to Verizon Wireless' national wireless broadband network. The device also comes with storage space of up to 4 GB of files, photos or videos.

In addition, the modem includes an integrated dual-band diversity antennae system with flip-up antennae to improve data-speed performance and provide better network signal reception. Verizon Wireless claims average download speeds on its broadband network of 600K bps to 1.4 megabits and average upload speeds of 500-800K bps.