It took long enough, but AT&T has finally announced the addition of a portable hotspot device to its lineup of mobile broadband products. The HSPA+ compatible MiFi 2370 connects to AT&T’s cellular data network and then allows up to five devices to share the data connection via Wi-Fi. The 2372 is powered by Novatel’s MiFi operating system, which features support for widgets and apps. It also features microSDHC support up to 32GB and integrated GPS. AT&T will offer two data plans alongside its new MiFi — a 200MB option for $35 per month and a 5GB option for $60 per month.
The MiFi 2372 will become available online and in AT&T stores nationwide on November 21st for $49.99 after $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year agreement. Hit the break for the full press announcement.
AT&T Announces Company’s First MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot
Access the Internet Across the Country with the New MiFi® 2372 Powered by MiFi Operating System with Widgets and Applications Support Available at AT&T Stores Nationwide
DALLAS, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ —
Key Facts
- AT&T today announced the upcoming availability of the AT&T Mobile Hotspot, MiFi® 2372 from Novatel Wireless, powered by the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network.
- AT&T is the first carrier in the Americas to launch the MiFi 2372 Mobile Hotspot from Novatel Wireless preloaded with MiFi OS™, widgets and applications support.
- The AT&T Mobile Hotspot offers simultaneous Wi-Fi connectivity for up to five devices, including PCs, cameras, digital media players, tablets and gaming devices, and runs on AT&T’s HSPA 7.2 network, which supports even faster mobile broadband speeds.
- Beginning November 21, the AT&T Mobile Hotspot will be available at AT&T company-owned stores nationwide or online for $49.99 after $100 mail-in rebate (pay $149.99 and after mail-in rebate receive $100 AT&T Promotion Card.).
Customer Benefits
The compact AT&T Mobile Hotspot MiFi 2372 from Novatel Wireless arms AT&T customers with their own Wi-Fi hotspot. The AT&T Mobile Hotspot connects virtually any Wi-Fi-enabled device to the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, such as PCs, cameras, digital media players, tablets and gaming devices and supports up to five simultaneous connections for devices located within 30 feet of the device.
The offer adds to the ways AT&T is delivering the convenience of Wi-Fi, which is seeing rapid customer adoption, as part of its broader focus on helping customers mobilize everything. Over the past year, AT&T Wi-Fi use has been increasing significantly each quarter, with third-quarter 2010 connections up more than 320 percent versus third-quarter 2009. AT&T’s Wi-Fi network is the nation’s largest, with more than 23,000 public hotspots. Globally, AT&T offers access to more than 125,000 hotspots through roaming agreements.
AT&T’s Mobile Hotspot MiFi 2372 enables enhanced performance for simultaneous uploads/downloads and large file transfers while on-the-go. A built-in microSDHC™ slot provides expandable storage capacity of up to 32GB (microSDHC card not included with the device). The mobile hotspot is also GPS-capable for location-based services.
Novatel Wireless MiFi OS introduces additional functionality and application support including quick browser-based access to widgets such as data usage and SMS as well as GPS enabled widgets including GeoSearch and GeoWeather.
Quotes
“No matter if your holiday travels take you to sandy beaches or snowy slopes, the MiFi 2372 Mobile Hotspot will help you connect to the devices and content that matter most,” said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.
“We congratulate AT&T on its introduction of the MiFi 2372 with the MiFi OS, widgets and applications support,” said Peter Leparulo, chairman and CEO of Novatel Wireless. “The AT&T MiFi 2372 introduces intelligence and added capabilities beyond pure Internet connectivity and is a great complement to AT&T’s extensive mobile broadband offering.”
“This makes sense, especially since AT&T has taken a leadership position in deploying Wi-Fi,” said Joe Fristensky, vice president-Information and Communications Technology at Frost & Sullivan. “This is in line with the industry trend to provide consumers with access to Wi-Fi in as many places as possible.”
