Deltenna, a UK start-up that designs and manufactures wireless networking infrastructure and access points, has launched a small (18cm x 13cm) new self-install Wireless Broadband Enabler (WiBE) gadget that uses the 3G Mobile Broadband network to create a 2Mbps internet Hotspot. The key advantage of WiBE is that it can still work even where a 3G mobile phone can't register a signal.
The WiBE device works by automatically identifying the mobile cell with the fastest available download speed and configures its aerials to achieve the best possible connection. Deltenna claims that it can even deliver a data throughput 30-times greater than a 3G USB modem (dongle) in areas of weak signal.
The maximum throughput for WiBE is 7.2Mbps and "extensive rural usage tests in the UK" have allegedly demonstrated an average download speed of 2.8Mbps. A future 4G (LTE) device is also in development for 2011 and could achieve typical rural broadband speeds of 50Mbps and above. However it is highly unlikely that any mobile operator would actually be able to support that speed in real-world conditions, at least not for quite a few years.
WiBE is Plug and Play (PnP): users plug in the device, place it on a windowsill and connect their laptops, smartphones and VoIP phones from anywhere in the home or office via Wi-Fi. In that respect it is similar to the MiFi devices from Three (3) , although they lack WiBE's many signal boosting advantages.
The connection range is apparently up to five-times that of a 3G Mobile Broadband USB Modem (dongle). Pretty good for rural residents and it could even have applications in other areas. It will also take a standard SIM card from your operator. What Deltenna wouldn't say is how much it costs.
UPDATE 23rd June 2010
Deltenna has hinted to us that the WiBE, which is likely to be re-branded and sold by various different outlets (e.g. mobile operators), is likely to cost less than Vodafone's Sure Signal femtocell based reception booster. That means around £50 or less.
The WiBE device works by automatically identifying the mobile cell with the fastest available download speed and configures its aerials to achieve the best possible connection. Deltenna claims that it can even deliver a data throughput 30-times greater than a 3G USB modem (dongle) in areas of weak signal.
The maximum throughput for WiBE is 7.2Mbps and "extensive rural usage tests in the UK" have allegedly demonstrated an average download speed of 2.8Mbps. A future 4G (LTE) device is also in development for 2011 and could achieve typical rural broadband speeds of 50Mbps and above. However it is highly unlikely that any mobile operator would actually be able to support that speed in real-world conditions, at least not for quite a few years.
Andrew Fox, CEO of Deltenna, said:
"There are still millions of people throughout Europe and the US for whom fast broadband is a myth. The WiBE's range and throughput means broadband can more easily, and cost effectively, be deployed in regions that don't have access to DSL."
"There are still millions of people throughout Europe and the US for whom fast broadband is a myth. The WiBE's range and throughput means broadband can more easily, and cost effectively, be deployed in regions that don't have access to DSL."
WiBE is Plug and Play (PnP): users plug in the device, place it on a windowsill and connect their laptops, smartphones and VoIP phones from anywhere in the home or office via Wi-Fi. In that respect it is similar to the MiFi devices from Three (3) , although they lack WiBE's many signal boosting advantages.
The connection range is apparently up to five-times that of a 3G Mobile Broadband USB Modem (dongle). Pretty good for rural residents and it could even have applications in other areas. It will also take a standard SIM card from your operator. What Deltenna wouldn't say is how much it costs.
UPDATE 23rd June 2010
Deltenna has hinted to us that the WiBE, which is likely to be re-branded and sold by various different outlets (e.g. mobile operators), is likely to cost less than Vodafone's Sure Signal femtocell based reception booster. That means around £50 or less.
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Comments: 12
MartinPosted: 22 June, 2010 - 9:29 PM
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Hmm, all very well, but the performance of 3G mobile BB, is more often then not just GPRS, i.e. worse then old fashioned landline dial up !
Regards,
Mrtin
KamranPosted: 22 June, 2010 - 10:46 PM
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non line of site wireless does not work well on distances more than 25-50m which is why unless you are getting fried by the 3G mast you will not get more than GPRS speeds. Everything in Rural areas needs to be line of site wireless back to some fibre or bonded bandwidth at the backhaul, otherwise your just simply sharing out a poor connection anyway.
MarkJPosted: 23 June, 2010 - 7:42 AM
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The UK average Mobile Broadband speed is over 1Mbps, which is well above GPRS speeds. You can improve 3G reception with various DIY methods and boosters. In my experience line of sight is more of a fixed wireless issue, while cell radio can certainly work well over distances but at slower speeds.
WeeWelshmanPosted: 23 June, 2010 - 8:25 AM
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Looking forward to this product release and hopefully it will encourage other companies to bring similar products out.
I'm aware that mobile internet companies won't invest in the technology to bring mobile broadband to rural areas so it's up to tech companies to bring out the products to allow people like me to use mobile internet in my caravan in the middle of a 100 acre farm.
I've currently got a mast about 2 miles away from me which I connect to via a booster aerial that connects to my dongle which sits in a wifi router at the end of my van, I get an average of 1.5mbps, which is good enough for what I want, but if this product from Deltenna does what it says than it should improve my speed hopefully - I just hope it's not too expensive.
MartinPosted: 24 June, 2010 - 1:41 AM
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NO, it's not a question of signal quality, mine is more then adequate at all times, but the even when connected to G3 it often just grinds to a halt for several minutes, then drops to GPRS and resumes at less then dial up speeds. This happens even in the early hours of the morning, when there should be little traffic congestion.
It's not the mobile link, it's the back haul to the provider / internet that is inadequate !
Regards,
Martin
Gordon SwindonPosted: 1 July, 2010 - 10:47 AM
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You guys are lucky I get 0.5mbps BT Broadband and i live just on the outskirts on Swindon. If Deltenna can improve on this even in a Town situation then bring it on.
Cheers,
Gordon
simonPosted: 28 July, 2010 - 3:24 PM
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i have one on test - getting 3mb/s bown and 0.9mb/s up
JohnPosted: 2 November, 2010 - 9:57 AM
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Seems it's now available to purchase at www.wibe3g.co.uk
Paul TysonPosted: 13 December, 2010 - 5:04 PM
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I bought this device branded as the Hubb@, through Buzz Networks. I get 0.48Mbps on my ADSL connection and live in rural cumbria, I found I had a T-Mobile 3G connection, through my phone I could get about 0.5Mbps download speed. I got the hubb@ and Buzz promised I could return it if I did not see a speed increase. I plugged it in, connected it to my home network and I now get 2.5Mbps download and up to 1.5Mbps upload (if I put it in the loft) 0.6Mbps upload if its in the house. Its an expensive device, but if you rely on Broadband for work like me and live rurally or in a place with poor adsl then it is worth every penny.
JezPosted: 31 March, 2011 - 7:25 PM
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If every sucker at fixed locations buys one of these how much Bandwidth will be left for truely mobile users? Not alot!! Don't buy this, instead nag your ISP to provide quality DSL coverage ...please...
farmer_donnyPosted: 16 August, 2011 - 8:48 PM
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Jez clearly you live in a fortunate area for broadband. If you live at the end of the BT line and only get a slow broadband there is very little you can do to get BT or any one else to improve it.
This seems to be a good solution if you're lucky enough to have a 3G signal. I would kill for a 0.5mbps connection at home.
If this takes away some bandwidth from a truly mobile user... my heart bleeds. Bit at least they can go home for their 20Meg fix.
EddPosted: 25 December, 2011 - 9:38 PM
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Bought one of these, middle of dartmoor and get 3Mb/s down and 2Mb/s up! AMAZING and worth every penny. No line of sight required. Family now using one in town as its fast than the exchange a mile and a half away!
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