MiFi 4G / WiMax

MiFi 4G / WiMax

A few weeks ago, Novatel Wireless successfully completed over the air testing of its new MiFi  Intelligent Mobile Hotspot prototype based on 4G-WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for  Microwave Access). Novatel's WiMAX implementation immediately achieved throughput of 18Mbps in over-the-air testing and can support theoretical peak throughput speeds exceeding 30Mbps downlink and 10Mbps uplink in a 10 MHz channel.  The current MiFi is based on 3G technologies.

Novatel Wireless has selected to use Beceem's high performance 4G-WiMAX chips.  This makes sense, since both CLEAR and Sprint use the same chips.   Sprint's first 3G/4G mobile hotspot was introduced January 2010, the Sierra Wireless OverDrive - which is a 3G/4G mobile hotspot, but this device has been plagued with problems since it's introduction.  Sierra has been working on them, but the OverDrive still has outstanding issues.

We expect to have a lot more info on this product after the CTIA 2010 show in Las Vegas.

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