While it probably has a limited future after mobile WiMax starts operating, small prepaid carrier Cricket may really shake things up in the EVDO wireless broadband space. Touting their $40/month prepaid service as one for the lower income customer, it could also be very successful with the upscale as well. Priced competitively with out a bleeping contract is a message that will sell well across income groups. The only limiter to broad success, and it’s a big one, is Cricket’s lack of national coverage.

While Cricket’s $40/month rate is lower than other cell phone carriers’ wireless Internet charges, the key isn’t just price. It’s that Cricket is the only carrier offering wireless PC Internet on prepaid, without credit checks or a contract commitment, Toig said.

Cricket’s broadband service is available in several Texas cities, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City and St. Louis right now, and it’s coming to all of Cricket’s other cities by the end of the year. (PC World)