Sagem, Telefonica make SIM with own Wi-Fi hotspot
updated 01:55 pm EST, Fri February 12, 2010
Sagem, Telefonica to bring out SIMFi cards
Smart card maker Sagem Orga recently announced that it, along with European provider Telefonica, will begin offering SIMFi cards, which integrate Wi-Fi capability into a SIM card. This is made up of an embedded WLAN modem in the SIM card, which will let Telefonica share HSPA 3G Internet access over Wi-Fi to be used by nearby notebooks and other devices. The SIMFi cards can be inserted and operate in any classic handsets that can accommodate SIM cards and acts as a router.
With users already accessing mobile data networks from notebooks and netbooks thanks to USIM cards, setting up 3G modems and drivers as well as overall complexity, the companies believe there is a large market waiting to be tapped. 3G-to-Wi-Fi sharing has normally required either a phone with both Wi-Fi and special software or else an external router, such as a Novatel MiFi.
Specific timetables haven't been given for when the network-capable SIMs will be available.
