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After freeing up spectrum from the Nextel shutdown, Sprint will use the 800 MHz band for LTE coverage. This week, three new devices will be able to use it, along with Sprint’s other bands.
If you want a mobile hotspot that will last all day, the MiFi Liberate is the device for you. Although it has some puzzling features, this is a device I wouldn’t mind toting around with me in case I need a connection on the go.
The next generation MiFi device from Novatel Wireless doesn’t just create a 4G hotspot for 10 devices for a few hours; it provides 11 hours of continuous use, has a touchscreen for configuration and doubles as a media server for smart televisions and other DLNA devices.
Umpteen hardware and software brands are re-making Android in to their own mobile operating system, scrubbing any trace of Google. Russia’s government could be the next to jump aboard.
Verizon calls its line of LTE MiFis “Jetpacks” and one of the newest is the Novatel 4620L. I used one for a few days and found it to be a vast improvment over my old original MiFi, also built by Novatel Wireless.
Windows Phone owners may want to connect their device to a computer and check for updates. I just did and found a software release that added the long-awaited Internet sharing feature for my HD7 handset. So now the question becomes: MiFi or handset as personal hotspot?
Introduced in 2009, Novatel Wireless’s MiFi sales topped the 3 million mark on Monday. The big number is no surprise because of the MiFi’s simplicity and utility: press a button and share a mobile broadband connection over Wi-Fi. Smartphones and software could mute future sales, however.
T-Mobile announced its first two smartphones capable of fully utilizing the operator’s 42 Mbps mobile broadband network. The carrier’s version of the Samsung Galaxy S II and the HTC Amaze 4G were introduced along with a new 42 Mbps MiFi, the T-Mobile Sonic 4G Mobile Hotspot.
MiFi mobile hotspots aren’t new, but not everyone wants the two-year data contract that comes with one. TruConnect launched a new 3G MiFi on Monday for $90 that uses Sprint’s 3G network, doesn’t require a contract and costs $0.039 per megabyte; great for a Wi-Fi tablet.
AT&T is getting ready to launch its LTE network, and the first two devices that can use it have been introduced. One is a mobile hotspot, while the other is a USB data stick, but both should handle seamless transitions between 3G and 4G networks.
How does Verizon’s MiFi 4510L stack up on the carrier’s LTE network? Quite well, after my hands on testing that covered every connected activity I could think of. Aside from the faster network speeds, this MiFi has some nice upgrades over the prior 3G models too.
Comcast today announced that it will offer a 4G MiFi device, but what I found curious was that in the release about the device and Comcast’s Xfinity Wireless2Go product there’s no mention of the WiMAX protocol, an omission that’s becoming more common.
Virgin Mobile provides a MiFi option that doesn’t require a contract, ideal for use with your iPad. It even uses the same hardware as Verizon’s. Best of all this gives you access to a whole new network (specifically, Sprint’s). Too good to be true?
Only 7 percent of customers recently polled are interested in a mobile broadband data dongle, down from 20 percent just three years ago. Wi-Fi and the Mi-Fi are reducing demand for single-device data sticks, but smartphones with mobile hotspot capabilities show potential of a larger impact.
As mobile broadband subscribers are about to surpass those on wires, you’d think that sales revenue for Novatel Wireless’s MiFi would be up. But it’s not and it’s about to face challenges from an increasing number of smartphones that will double as personal mobile broadband hotspots.
Mobile hotspots, devices that share a mobile connection with other devices, will approach $500 million in revenue this year according to a report. This is a combination of the sale of mobile hotspot devices and the fees that networks charge for the service.
Notebook makers are still adding embedded 3G and 4G radios in laptops, but in a world of MiFi devices and Wi-Fi gadgets, does the embedded mobile broadband model still make sense? MiFi sales are up and consumers simply don’t want a data plan for every device.
Nearly 17.3% of Europe’s PC-based broadband connections are using some form of high-speed wireless broadband. In North America, mobile broadband accounts for just 7.1% of the total number of connections, but by 2015 this will change to 34.8 percent (or 42 million subscribers) by 2015.
Traveling internationally can be expensive when it comes to data plans. Each country has different requirements and different pricing, and roaming charges are exorbitant. Xcom Global is now offering the daily rental of a Novatel MiFi 2372, and the rate includes unlimited data in 21 countries.
We told you about the Bell Mobility recall of the Novatel MiFi 2372 due to the potential for batteries swelling and causing serious problems. We just received word from Rogers that it too is recalling the MiFi 2372 for the same reason so contact them ASAP.
Novatel MiFi 2372 owners have been notified by Bell Mobility that a potential danger exists due to swelling batteries and a recall has been issued. The issue is considered serious enough that Bell Mobility shut MiFi accounts down yesterday to prevent the usage of the MiFi.
Novatel Wireless today has announced the securing of a trademark for the MiFi name for its brand of wireless hotspot devices. Brand awareness is certainly important, but customers also need to understand the value brought a MiFi device, which shares a data connection with five devices.
While global sales of mobile broadband devices are up 55 percent in 2009, there’s was a surprising drop in sales of personal hot spots — a reported decrease of 28 percent from 2008. Two key reasons are the likely driving force behind the lower sales numbers.
Verizon is coaching sales staffers to encourage consumers to pick up Apple’s iPad and connect it to its network via a MiFi. It’s an expensive proposition for users, but it’s a reminder that the MiFi will be a powerful tool as more tablets come to market.
It’s definitely iPad Mania, with information about the new slate from Apple everywhere you turn. Steve Jobs dashed the hopes of those wanting to tether the iPad to the iPhone. That won’t stop me. I will be tethering my iPad from day one. So can you.
Sprint’s Overdrive isn’t going to be the only game in town when it comes to sharing 4G WiMAX with multiple devices. Novatel Wireless tested it’s new MiFi prototype and it offers great speeds. Will more and faster 4G devices bring bandwidth caps sooner?
Working outside the office is a staple for the home worker, but it can be a refreshing change for anyone. Having a work break is vital to stay fresh, but it can be combined with simple techniques to turn it into a productive work session.
Because I hail from Massachusetts, where our politicians are famous for being against something before they are for it, I’ll just state…
One exciting new feature of the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus is the Mobile Hotspot support. The ability to use either phone like a MiFi is certainly appealing, as long as it works well. Unfortunately, it looks like it might not.
[digg=http://digg.com/tech_news/Novatel_s_Big_Fat_MiFi_Bet]For Novatel, (s nvtl) the maker of cellular modems, the introduction of the MiFi wireless router has added a little shine to…
Verizon (s VZ) will start selling the MiFi 2200, a nifty, credit card-sized 3G router this Sunday, May 17th. It’s definitely worth…
Have a MacBook that is a hottie, literally? Today’s laptop computers, from the 1.6 GHz MacBook Air on up, have more performance…
