Mobile broadband

Three launches new and faster MiFi dongle

Friday 9 September, 2011

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

More than 40% faster speeds with the new Three MiFi dongle

Three mobile broadband (www.Three.co.uk) has launched a new mobile Wi-Fi dongle, offering faster connection speeds than ever before.

The Huawei E586 MiFi is the first device to be launched in the UK featuring next-generation HSPA+ mobile technology, said the mobile broadband provider.

Mobile Wi-Fi devices let you share you mobile broadband connection with multiple devices, allowing you to connect your laptop, tablet and handheld games consoles all at the same time.

Three said it had expected the new mobile Wi-Fi dongle to be 40% faster, but tests by uSwitch.com revealed it was up to 50% faster than previous models.

As well as displaying information about the speed of your connection, the amount of data you have used and the length of time you've been online, the new MiFi device also displays your username and password “at the touch of a button for faster pairing with new gadgets”.

“These figures are set to increase even further as Three ramps up its upgrade programme and rolls out the HSPA+ 21.1Mb standard across its high-speed 3G network,” said the provider, which plans to have 80% of its network upgraded by the end of 2011.

The new MiFi Dongle

Although customers should be able to enjoy faster speeds, they shouldn’t expect to get the 21.1Mb maximum once the network has been upgraded.

David Kerrigan, head of mobile broadband at Three said: “As the network operator leading the way with a nationwide HSPA+ network upgrade, we’re delighted to be bringing the first mobile Wi-Fi device with HSPA+ technology to the UK.

“People will be able to enjoy speeds of up to 5.9Mb, allowing faster downloads, seamless browsing and an all-round improved experience.”