Novatel MiFi Creates 3G Wi-Fi Hotspots

Novatel's new MiFi card enables users to create mobile Wi-Fi hotspots that tap into the Internet via 3G mobile networks...and it's due in the first half of 2009.

Novatel has taken the wraps off it’s new MiFi card, which weds an broadband modem for mobile networks with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The idea is that MiFi can create its own ad-hoc Wi-Fi hotspot, and route traffic for that hotspot to EV-DO Rev. A or HSDPA mobile broadband networks. With MiFi, anywhere users can get access to mobile broadband connectivity—even in a moving vehicle—they can also get their Wi-Fi capable cameras, game consoles, computers, and media players talking to the Internet. And the whole thing is barely bigger than a credit card.

"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 Novatel Wireless CEO Peter Leparulo, in a statement.

The MiFi device features an internal battery that offers up to four hours of active use on a single charge, and up to forty hours of standby time.

Novatel Wireless initially plans to target enterprise and small business users, with some configurations supporting auto VPN for securely connecting back to "headquarters," along with remote management features and convenience features like auto email and contact syncing. For consumers, Novatel Wireless is planning to have users hook up to a carrier-managed landing page—which, of course, gives carriers an opportunity to propose their applications, services, and partners. According to the company, the MiFi device can be set up with just one click, requiring no additional drivers or host applications.

Novatel Wireless expects MiFi hotspots will become available in the first half of 2009. No pricing information has been released.