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Mobile broadband operator 3 has announced the pricing and launch date for its new mobile broadband WiFi router – MiFi.
MiFi is a battery powered wireless router that lets you share your mobile broadband connection over WiFi. So if your family or mobile workplace is armed with several laptops and you want to share one mobile broadband connection between you whilst on your travels the MiFI is perfect.
The MiFi is due to launch on Thursday 17th September online and in stores a day later.
The MiFi will initially launch only as part of a new mobile broadband contract, although I expect it will be offered as a standalone product once within a month or two.
The 2 plans for the MiFi are:
- Mobile Broadband 5GB – 5GB of data, a one month minimum term for £15 a month just like SIM Only mobile pone tariffs. The wireless modem costs £69.99. Read more about SIM Only mobile broadband
- Ready to Go mobile broadband – For £99.99 upfront you get a wireless modem and 3GB worth of data which lasts up to 3 months. You then top up with pay as you go mobile broadband.
Marc Allera, Sales & Marketing Director at 3 UK says:
“Mobile Wi-Fi is the future of internet access on the move and we’re bringing it to customers at price points that make it accessible and affordable. It’s the perfect gift for people after genuine wireless internet access on the go to complement the laptops and iPod touchs that will undoubtedly make their way onto Christmas lists across the UK this December.”
The point on iPod Touchs is a good one. Having WiFi access during extended stays when visiting relatives or on a UK holiday can be a great way to keep the kids entertained on a rainy afternoon.
Expect WiFi router gadgets to become more widespread with other operators over the coming 12 months.
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A dedicated 3G router is a great idea a lot of people who want a roaming lifestyle and live off grid but want to access the internet.
The only drawback is the limited amount of data available 5GB so you are still limited. come on 3 upgrade your data speeds and give us more bandwidth then we may have truly mobile internet.
The combination of one of these portable WiFi routers and the iPod Touch offers a much more economical solution to those who cannot afford the iPhone (and associated constraining 24 month contract).
I suspect that the 5GB constraint is not a really major one, as most iPod users will use WiFi when at home or at their place of work – the mobile WiFi is only really needed when mobile (as I am at the moment, on a train)!
I will defininately get one of these devices; I have seen (and used) the Novatel MiFi, and it is most impressive; but as it is priced such that one needs to take out a second mortgage to afford the thing! This Huawei built device is much more affordable – and hopefully the build quality is not comprimised by the low price tag!
@James Body
Hi James
5GB is a huge limit if you’re using it just for an iPod Touch. You shouldn’t get close to breaching that limit in a month unless you download serious amounts of emails and movies every day. Pay as you go mobile broadband may work out better value over time.
Huawei build quality seems to be very good in my experience. Better than some of the big brands in fact.
If anyone gets one or perhaps has a pre-launch test sample please let us all know how it works!
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