O2 UK adds prepaid Pocket Hotspot MiFi device to range
updated 01:08 pm EDT, Thu August 2, 2012
Hotspot connects five to Internet, contract version missing
UK mobile network O2 has brought out its Pocket Hotspot. The MiFi device, like many others, enables up to five devices to go online simultaneously, connecting to the hotspot over 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. The carrier claims maximum download speed can reach up to 21.6Mbps, while upload speeds peak at 5.76Mbps.
Gary Booker, general manager for consumer at O2, suggested the hotspot would "appeal to students who want a fast connection but don't have a telephone line for home broadband," due to the usual need to live in temporary accommodations while studying.
Regardless of the prepaid tariff chosen, the Pocket Hotspot will cost £60 ($92) upfront. Data can be charged on a per-day basis at £2 ($3) for 200MB, or in 1GB and 2GB packages that last 30 days for £10 ($15) and £15 ($23), respectively. Surprisingly, O2 does not appear to be offering the Pocket Hotspot under a contract, whereas Three UK does with both its MiFi and Web Cube mini 3G router.
