Three unveils new mobile broadband WiFi hub

It used to be that people had to rush to an Internet cafe or business center to check their email or send off an important document when they were away from home. And then laptops came and started to change all that. Now users only needed to find a WiFi hotspot and they were good to go. Doing the laptops a one up were the next generation tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices that allowed users to browse websites, check their email accounts, stream video, music, and other media, and so much more.

In fact, a report by Ericsson detailed that mobile data demand has gone up and has actually doubled over the last twelve months. Different devices push for different bandwidth requirements, as the Ericsson study has supported: “In more detail, the mobile data growth patterns reveal that the quality of a smartphone affects which applications people use and the length of time they surf the mobile internet. Factors including screen size, age and price of the smartphone have a stronger correlation with median traffic than OS (iPhone-iOS, Android, Symbian, etc).”

Taking a cue from the public’s huge demand for mobility is Three UK. The operator had earlier warned that they might run out of capacity because of the astounding data demands if the 4G spectrum auction falls through. This is because unlike other networks, Three does not have any spare spectrum to use as a backup when their current network can no longer meet the demands of its users. Ofcom still moved to delay the auction, citing the need for more consultations to be conducted before a final date can be set, so we just have to wait and see what happens next and hope for the best.

However, Three UK is moving forward from the matter and has unveiled their new mobile broadband WiFi hub, the ZTE MF10 Dongle Adapter, that will allow users to share their mobile broadband connection with up to five other devices. The device will be compatible with most USB dongles, including Three’s previously released premium dongles.

Three’s WiFi hub has a range of 30 metres, which is more than generous. The device is powered by the mains, so there is no need to worry about batteries or having to recharge any either.

Three has not yet announced the price for the USB hub, although availability as well as price will be announced soon. The ZTE MF10 Dongle Adapter hub is just the newest in the list of mobile devices that Three has introduced to the market, which include the MiFi adapters.