Mifi or the "intelligent mobile hotspot" is the latest technology craze to enter fast paced mobile broadband technology seen. MiFi (or Mi Fi) is a clever little wireless router device, originally pioneered by Novatel Wireless, which captures a 3G signal through a 3G enabled sim card and puts it out through a local wireless device. This offers a number of advantages over the 'traditional' 3G dongle approach - the MiFi is a stand-alone device which puts out a standard wireless signal - no need to plug in a USB device or install proprietary software.
With the Mi Fi device you just connect to the wireless network and go. The Mi Fi offers the added benefit of creating a local network - this can be particularly useful for business users who need to transfer large files from their clients. The following table is accurate as of January 2011 and we will endeavour to keep it updated as this new market develops:
Provider | Package / Details | Data Allowance | Speed (up to) | Monthly Cost | Continue |
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Vodafone Mobile WiFi Mobile wireless broadband. Upfront cost for mobile wireless modem £49. |
3GB | 7.2Mb | £15 | More Details |
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Orange Mobile WiFi (Racoon) Mobile wireless broadband, pay just 5p per MB usage. Upfront cost £89 Special online low-cost deal. |
Unlimited | 7.2Mb | £5 | More Details |
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3 Mobile WiFi - MiFi Plus Mobile wireless broadband. Upfront cost for mobile wireless modem £39.99 Includes 20 FREE text messages per month + FREE TIMES ONLINE |
5GB | 7.2Mb | £18.03 | More Details |
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Orange Mobile WiFi (Racoon) Mobile wireless broadband, 500MB anytime usage. Upfront cost £89. |
0.5Gb | 7.2Mb | £10 | More Details |
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3 Mobile WiFi - MiFi Max Mobile wireless broadband. Free mobile wireless modem. Includes 20 FREE text messages per month + FREE TIMES ONLINE |
15GB | 7.2Mb | £23.03 | More Details |
MiFi opens lots of avenues for imaginative operators. A canny operator should be able to offer subsidised Apple iPod Touches (or similar devices) for music, email, browsing - and perhaps add a "Phone Manager" application, all bundled with a MiFi.
MiFis work pretty much like wireless hotspots – in that a number of users can connect to the internet through the connection at the same time. It is proving to be a very popular solution amongst techie enthusiasts.