Technology / Internet
Econet introduces a Wi-Fi device to compete with fixed broadband providers
09 Apr 2013 at 09:01hrs | Views
Econet has introduced a mobile Wi-Fi device aimed directly at "small group" broadband users to compete directly with the fixed broadband providers.
"It's a device by the Chinese telecoms infrastructure and devices giant Huawei; a model called E5332. Some of you probably saw the first adverts in the weekly papers yesterday by Econet,' reported TechZim.
"3G routers themselves are not a new phenomenon of-course but this is a big deal in terms of scale, availability and price. At $90, the mobile Wi-Fi device is as competitive as they come and may right now be one of the lowest priced Wi-Fi routing devices locally. And it being available directly from the operator means potential customers don't have to do their own painful product search which in turn means there's high chance for massive adoption,' said Limbikani Kabweza an IT specialist.
In terms of features, the device offers high speed internet with on-the-paper HSPA+ 21Mbps download and 5.7Mbps upload.
"We're told that effectively you get something around 13Mbps, but that's just "told" for now. We'll be taking it through the paces late this week so we can either confirm that, or just tell you our experiences. You also get EDGE or GPRS when in areas without 3G," added Mr Kabweza.
The device also has an antenna port to boost the signal when 3G drops or in poor network areas. Check back for a review in the coming days.
"It's a device by the Chinese telecoms infrastructure and devices giant Huawei; a model called E5332. Some of you probably saw the first adverts in the weekly papers yesterday by Econet,' reported TechZim.
"3G routers themselves are not a new phenomenon of-course but this is a big deal in terms of scale, availability and price. At $90, the mobile Wi-Fi device is as competitive as they come and may right now be one of the lowest priced Wi-Fi routing devices locally. And it being available directly from the operator means potential customers don't have to do their own painful product search which in turn means there's high chance for massive adoption,' said Limbikani Kabweza an IT specialist.
In terms of features, the device offers high speed internet with on-the-paper HSPA+ 21Mbps download and 5.7Mbps upload.
"We're told that effectively you get something around 13Mbps, but that's just "told" for now. We'll be taking it through the paces late this week so we can either confirm that, or just tell you our experiences. You also get EDGE or GPRS when in areas without 3G," added Mr Kabweza.
The device also has an antenna port to boost the signal when 3G drops or in poor network areas. Check back for a review in the coming days.
Source - www.techzim.co.zw
