The MiFi modem is smaller than the average mobile phone
Mobile firm 3 to launch Wi-Fi dongle
/v3-uk/news/1964517/mobile-firm-launch-wi-fi-dongle
06 Aug 2009, Dave Neal , V3
Mobile operator 3 has announced a new mobile 3G Wi-Fi dongle, which it is calling MiFi.
The firm said that the device could be used to set up a Wi-Fi connection that can be shared by any number of users or devices. No fixed line is needed, but users must be in a 3 network 3G coverage area.
"There are millions of Wi-Fi devices out there, but they can only be used in fixed locations. Consumer demand for easy and affordable internet access on the go is growing fast and we are responding to that by announcing the UK's first wireless modem," said Marc Allera, sales and marketing director at 3 UK.
"Using Mobile Wi-Fi from 3, consumers can connect to the internet wherever they have a 3 signal, whether at home or on the move. They can download a track onto their iPod touch, or tweet their latest updates to their mates, or both. Either way it's simple to set-up, without the need for wires."
The modem is smaller than the average mobile phone, according to 3, and automatically searches for enabled devices in its area. Once a connection is found, access is granted through an eight-digit network key.
The MiFi will be available shortly before Christmas, when pricing information will be released.
© Incisive Media Investments Limited 2010, Published by Incisive Financial Publishing Limited, Haymarket House, 28-29 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RX, are companies registered in England and Wales with company registration numbers 04252091 & 04252093
Do you agree?
How is this news?
I'm not sure how this qualifies as news, since Vodafone has had the exact same thing available for the last 2 and a half years. It isn't even a secret-just go on their business shop website and you can find it in about 2 minutes. Seriously, "company does something someone else has done for several years" should not be news.
Posted by Callum McGavin, 07 Aug 2009
This is not a dongle, it is a mobile wifi hot spot
This is different from the 3G access that has been around for the last few years, that worked by connecting a dongle to your laptop and using this in turn to connect to the 3G network. This is a stand alone devise that will connect directly to the 3G network and then allow any device that has wifi connectivity to link through it and obtain access onto the internet without the need to be connected via any wiring, provided there is a 3G signal in the area.
Posted by Eddie Spence, 07 Aug 2009
Is it really?
I have checked the Vodafone Business web site as you suggest, and many others too. Far from being available for 2.5 years, it seems it is not yet available in the UK.
Posted by Chris Holmes, 18 Apr 2010