Sunday, October 23, 2011

GSM Novatel Wireless MiFi 2372 Coming to American Customers

The first Novatel Wireless MiFi compatible with GSM networks was made available in Europe through Telefonica Espana in June, 2009. Americans can also expect to see a GSM MiFi available in stores soon.

The FCC recently cleared a new device by Novatel Wireless--the MiFi 2372--to run on GSM networks over the 850/1900Mhz bands. Since the 2372 is the first MiFi cleared to run on GSM networks in America, it's reasonable to conclude that an American cellular provider running a GSM network--such as AT&T Wireless or T-Mobile--has plans to incorporate the MiFi 2372 into its line of products.

Sprint Store

The only MiFi available in the American marketplace is the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200, released in May of 2009. The MiFi 2200 can only connect to CDMA networks--which means the device is available through either the Verizon or Sprint cellular networks in America. Being a CDMA device, the MiFi is tethered to one of those networks, so the user cannot transfer their MiFi for use on another cellular provider's network.

Other American cellular providers, like AT&T or T-Mobile run GSM networks rather than CDMA. One of the benefits of GSM is the capability of easily swapping hardware between cellular providers. On a GSM device, a SIM card, located inside the device, is programmed with a cellular provider's identifying data. By changing a device's SIM card, you can change the network the device connects to. Since the GSM standard dominates the global cellular marketplace (providing approximately 80% of global cellular coverage), one doesn't need to worry about connectivity issues. With a GSM MiFi, you can buy a local carrier's SIM card while in a place far from home, which would give a connection to a local cellular provider, and, thus, a quality wireless Internet connection with the MiFi.

So you can see why the MiFi 2372 is great news for those travelers who have been craving the super-mobile MiFi, but are reluctant to be tethered to either Verizon or Sprint. I personally hope that with the release of a GSM MiFi in America, and with one or two more cellular providers carrying the MiFi, there will be increased competition between the cellular providers for MiFi users, consequently causing monthly data rates to fall.

Be excited, but stay patient! Those who have wanted a MiFi but have waited for a version more compatible with cellular networks overseas will probably soon be able to get what they've been waiting for--the MiFi 2372!

GSM Novatel Wireless MiFi 2372 Coming to American Customers

Digital Asset

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