Mobile internet

Both UK Gadgeteer and Electricpig have focused on the story of 3 planning to introduce a home router that will “allow people to connect their whole network via 3G, instead of just a single laptop or desktop via a USB dongle”, according to UK Gadgeteer. Electricpig explains how the router would use a 3 SIM card that receives 3G signals, and then share this connection with other devices. “It’s a clever idea,” say Electricpig, “and one that’s bound to please anyone with dodgy phone wiring at home, or those keen to dodge a 12 month contract, BT line rental or bundled internet deal.” They’re also excited about the idea of connecting up your Wiis, your iPhones and your internet radios with the router, but also warn it may be a while before this becomes a reality as “It’s still in development, and there’s no word on pricing or a release date”

UK Gadgeteer also mention the main topic at the 3 conference, mobile broadband download speeds: “Mainly aimed at Vodafone, 3 are claiming customers should be more worried about signal strength and the impact of other traffic, and not just the headline connection rate”. They also report on the news that 3 hope to increase the number of mast sites from 7,500 to 9,000 by 2009, increasing UK coverage to 98%.