3 to launch MiFi personal 3G/Wi-Fi hotspot in UK

UK mobile network operator 3 has announced that it will launch a pocket 3G wireless router in time for Xmas. Dubbed “MiFi”, the gadget connects to the 3 mobile network much like a mobile phone and allows other devices to piggyback onto the 3G network via Wi-Fi.

The supposed advantage of such devices is that Wi-Fi consumes far less power than 3G. This means that an iPhone or other wireless device connected to the MiFi via Wi-Fi for web browsing will last for longer on battery power than if it was connected to the 3G network directly. The MiFi still needs battery power of its own, of course…

Devices like the MiFi have been available in the US since earlier this year , but 3 is the first to announce a battery-powered pocket device in the UK (mains-powered 3G routers are old news).

Though they make little sense for single users (it’s just one more gadget to charge, carry and pay a subscription for) much of the appeal of devices like the MiFi is that support simultaneous connections. Devices that require internet access imply connect to the hotspot and provide the eight-digit security code, which means that a group of people can get online in places that lack Wi-Fi internet access.

How cost-effective this is remains to be seen, since 3 has yet to announce any pricing information for the MiFi. So, in the meantime, here’s the 3 press release.

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Mobile Wi-Fi – coming soon to 3…

05 Aug 2009 09:18: 3 UK will launch a Mobile Wi-Fi service - also known as MiFi® - in time for Christmas this year, allowing you to use Wi-Fi wherever you can access the 3 network with a small wireless modem.

The wireless modem sends out a Wi-Fi signal so that you can connect a range of Wi-Fi enabled devices to the internet without the need for wires or a USB connection. No fixed-line is needed; customers simply require 3’s 3G coverage to connect.

The wireless modem - smaller than your average mobile phone at just 86 x 45 x 10 mm - allows you to create your own personal mobile Wi-Fi connection. You can connect multiple devices to the internet at the same time so while you are checking e-mails on a netbook, you can also download a track from iTunes onto your iPod touch.

Set-up is simple.  No software installation is required. Simply switch on the wireless modem and connect to the Mobile Internet using a Wi-Fi signal.  A Wi-Fi enabled device will automatically pick up the signal and ask for an eight-digit network key which you will be asked to input just once for every new device you want to connect.

Mobile Wi-Fi will join 3’s award-winning Mobile Broadband and Mobile Internet services, providing consumers with another hassle-free, great value way to get online.

Like other Wi-Fi style services in markets across the world, Mobile Wi-Fi from 3 is an ideal solution for both consumer and business use. It offers the UK market the most flexible and convenient way to get online since the arrival of the Mobile Broadband dongle over 2 years ago.

Marc Allera, Sales & Marketing Director at 3 UK says, “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’re responding to that by announcing the UK’s first wireless modem.

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.”

Mobile Wi-Fi, also known as MiFi®, will come to 3 in time for Christmas 2009.  Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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