AT&T Goes MiFi

Now it needs good 3G data coverage

Nov 20 2010, 10:44am CST | by Mark Raby

Following on the success of similar products offered by Sprint and Verizon, AT&T will soon begin selling portable MiFi boxes, allowing users to have a personal Wi-Fi connection anywhere that has AT&T 3G mobile data access.

MiFi device sales have continued to increase in the US as consumers need to stay more and more connected on the go.

AT&T's introduction of a MiFi device not only highlights the growth of MiFi technology, but also AT&T's product differentiation moving forward. It's widely assumed the carrier will lose its exclusivity with the iPhone, which means 2011 will be an extremely rough year for it. The mobile provider is seeking new ways to keep its energy level high.

However, when customers think of buying a MiFi device, they may have a tough time going with a company that's known to have a spotty 3G coverage area and consistently ranks at the bottom of the list for reliable connectivity.

Regardless, the carrier does have millions of subscribers, and its main focus moving forward will be simply to not lose the customers it gained with the iPhone. Enticing them is job number one.

AT&T's MiFi will go on sale November 21. Customers will need to pay $150 up front but will get a $100 mail-in rebate. They'll also need to sign up for a data plan, which is available at a $35, 200 MB monthly limit, or $60 a month for 5 GB.

Updates

Peoples Liberation Front of India's zonal leader & 6 cadres held with arms

Source: Times of India

RANCHI: Ranchi police on Saturday arrested six members of the Peoples Liberation Front of India (PLFI) and its zonal commander with six rifles, two revolvers and hundreds of bullets from Mahuazari village, 40km aw ...
Full article at: Times of India More like this 46 minutes ago

Forces agree on new Islamic state for Mali

Source: TVNZ

A Malian junta soldier holds a gun as he stands guard in the headquarters in Kati, outside Bamako - Source: Reuters Mali's Tuareg rebel MNLA and Ansar Dine Islamist militants have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in th ...
Full article at: TVNZ More like this 1 hour ago

Pretty Smart

Source: China Daily

Shen, who is also in charge of product management, says Motorola is constantly doing product research to find out what consumers want in their smartphones. He says designing phones for the Chinese market is pretty much the same a ...
Full article at: China Daily More like this 1 hour ago

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

Don't miss ...

Mobile Phones

4 Million iPhone 4S sold in First Weekend

Mark Raby
Based in New York City, Mark follows the consumer electronics industry like a hawk. A published book author, he has a particular affinity for 3D technology and video games, and as such will surely be in the market for a new pair of glasses soon. Mark can be contacted directly at mark@i4u.com.