MiFi Mobile Hotspot Will Bring 3G To All Wi-Fi Devices

Novatel has announced the MiFi, a small and portable Wi-Fi hotspot that will have a built-in 3G cellular-wireless access.

Unlike the 3G cellular-wireless cards that are in wide use today, the MiFi will be usable with a wide variety of devices. Because it will function as a Wi-Fi router, it will be easily sharable between multiple users and Wi-Fi devices such as laptops, netbooks, MIDs, traditional handhelds, gaming devices, and multimedia players.

"With the pocket-sized MiFi device, Novatel Wireless has invented a new category of mobile broadband solutions, pushing the envelope in design and performance and ushering in the next era of the mobile broadband experience," said Peter Leparulo, chairman and CEO of Novatel Wireless. "Our carrier partners will now be able to provide new wireless solutions and bundles for consumer and enterprise users."

Featuring an internal battery providing over forty hours standby and up to four hours of active use on a single charge, the MiFi product line will let users to access high-speed Internet from anywhere there is a cellular connection, including moving vehicles where multiple passengers may need Internet access.

Coming Next Year

The MiFi line of Intelligent Mobile Hotspots will be commercially available in the first half of 2009.

There have been no announcements from wireless carriers, but there will likely be versions using EV-DO, HSPA, and possibly even WiMax.

There is no word yet on pricing, but these accessories will likely be subsidized by the wireless carriers that offer them.

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