bassethound
02-02-12, 12:01
UK mobile network Three has announced a new Web Cube product, designed as a plug-in-and-play broadband solution for students.
Three said that the product is aimed at the "significant chunk of the population" who want WiFi at home but "without the phone line and the lengthy contract".
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x464/tech_web_cube.jpg
The Web Cube, which works similarly to the MiFi box offered by mobile rival O2, uses a WiFi signal powered by Three's 3G network, meaning it comes ready to use with a mobile broadband SIM card.
Users can plug in the device and connect using the name and password supplied with the box to start surfing the next, without the need for a phone line.
Produced by Chinese technology giant Huawei, the Web Cube is HSPA+ enabled to the 21.1Mbps technical standard, meaning it will deliver a typical download speed of 2Mpbs to 5Mbps, comparable with most entry-level fixed line broadband packages.
The box has the potential to reach a maximum download speed in excess of 10Mbps, and can connect up to five WiFi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and tablets. The signal has a range of up to 30 metres.
Three said that the Web Cube will be trialled in certain key cities - Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh - before it is offered nationwide.
"We hope to be able to roll out Web Cube nationwide very soon, so if you're not in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Leeds but you're still interested, you can register your details online and we'll be in touch when we have more information," said the firm
"In the meantime, if you manage to get your hands on one, or if you know someone who has one, we'd love to hear your feedback."
The Web Cube is available for a one-off price of £59.99, and offered with a rolling one-month broadband contract at £15 per month, including 10GB of monthly data.
Alternatively, consumers can get the box for free if they are willing to commit to a 24-month contract for 15GB of data at £15.99 per month.
Three said that the product is aimed at the "significant chunk of the population" who want WiFi at home but "without the phone line and the lengthy contract".
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/05/618x464/tech_web_cube.jpg
The Web Cube, which works similarly to the MiFi box offered by mobile rival O2, uses a WiFi signal powered by Three's 3G network, meaning it comes ready to use with a mobile broadband SIM card.
Users can plug in the device and connect using the name and password supplied with the box to start surfing the next, without the need for a phone line.
Produced by Chinese technology giant Huawei, the Web Cube is HSPA+ enabled to the 21.1Mbps technical standard, meaning it will deliver a typical download speed of 2Mpbs to 5Mbps, comparable with most entry-level fixed line broadband packages.
The box has the potential to reach a maximum download speed in excess of 10Mbps, and can connect up to five WiFi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and tablets. The signal has a range of up to 30 metres.
Three said that the Web Cube will be trialled in certain key cities - Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh - before it is offered nationwide.
"We hope to be able to roll out Web Cube nationwide very soon, so if you're not in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Leeds but you're still interested, you can register your details online and we'll be in touch when we have more information," said the firm
"In the meantime, if you manage to get your hands on one, or if you know someone who has one, we'd love to hear your feedback."
The Web Cube is available for a one-off price of £59.99, and offered with a rolling one-month broadband contract at £15 per month, including 10GB of monthly data.
Alternatively, consumers can get the box for free if they are willing to commit to a 24-month contract for 15GB of data at £15.99 per month.