M1 enters the Wi-Fi game with 3G router
By AMIT ROY CHOUDHURY
MOBILEONE (M1) has launched what it says is
Singapore's first 3G router, enabling users to set up their own
Wi-Fi hotspots using 3G wireless connectivity. Currently, M1 is the
only one of Singapore's three major telcos which does not offer
Wi-Fi hotspot services on the island. According to P Subramaniam,
M1's director for enterprises and alliance, the 3G router works
together with the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G data card, which is
also available from M1. The data card connects to the router that
provides the wireless local area network (LAN) coverage for
users.
One of the big advantages of this service is its portability. Since
it does not depend on fixed lines, the Wi-Fi hotspot can be set up
anywhere, then quickly dismantled and taken to another spot.
SingTel, the largest telco here, uses its telephone wires to
deliver the broadband connection for its Wi-Fi services while rival
StarHub uses its cable network for its Wi-Fi hotspots. M1's use of
its 3G network for Wi-Fi hotspots will be a first for Singapore.
While not very common in Asia, the use of 3G as a data pipe for
Internet browsing is more pervasive in Europe.
Mr Subramaniam told BizIT that with the 3G router, customers will
be able to set up Wi-Fi hotspots anywhere in Singapore. 'This
highly portable, cost effective and simple-to-use product is ideal
for both office and home use,' he said. However, industry watchers
have pointed out that while the use of a 3G router for public
Internet access via Wi-Fi hotspots is technically a sound concept,
the bandwidth (or backhaul pipe, as it is called) is much smaller
than is available with cable or copper wire. While both StarHub and
SingTel broadband connections can go up to speeds above 10 megabits
per second (Mbps), the 3G network that is currently used in
Singapore provides sharply lower speeds, in the region of 384
kilobits per second.
Industry watchers say that the bandwidth provided by 3G would be
sufficient for a small group of people, but several devices
attempting to access the Internet at the same time could cause
bandwidth problems to occur.
This will change when high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA)
technology is introduced by M1 by the end of this year. M1 says
HSDPA, also known as 3.5G, theoretically allows access speeds in
excess of 3.6 Mbps.
M1 said that customers who will most benefit from this solution
include:
- Mobile teams from the accounting, insurance, legal, IT, media
sectors working away from their main offices and needing easy
access to high-speed Internet services.
- Outdoor or field teams in the construction and engineering
industries which need Internet connectivity to connect to their
corporate networks.
- Customers who wish to set up wireless connectivity at home.
- Coffeehouses and retailers who wish to provide free Wi-Fi
services to their customers.
'The 3G router is another innovation in M1's effort to bring
wireless broadband connectivity to business and consumers . . .
Without the need for any fixed line broadband connectivity,
enterprise teams and field forces on the move will be able to
create Wi-Fi hotspots anywhere in Singapore using M1's 3G network,'
Mr Subramaniam added.
According him, Ya Kun Kaya Toast's outlets at Tanjong Pagar and
Suntec City are currently offering free broadband access in a trial
run by Ya Kun and M1.
Key features of the 3G router include:
- Group connectivity: up to five users can connect simultaneously
to share files and Internet access on the 3G/GPRS network without
any need for fixed broadband connectivity.
- Portability: It's a mobile 3G/GPRS wireless solution that can be
taken anywhere.
- Security: Wi-Fi protected access and a powerful firewall provide
security for Internet and network access.
- Ease of use: It's quick and easy to set up, 'just plug and
go'.
- Additional devices, such as printers and faxes, can be connected
using Ethernet or wireless connections.
The 3G router with 3G Vodafone connect card bundle is available at
$338 with M1's 3G SunSurf Unlimited Data plan at $68 a month at
selected M1 Shops.
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