Portable WiFi from O2?

[Anonymous]

Following on from the news that EE have launched three portable Wifi products, do O2 have plans for anything similar?

I have seen this type of device being used in the US, where people can use the internet on laptops etc whilst travelling by car. It seems like a great way to share the fast 4G connection that O2 are pushing out.

I'm not sure how these differ from using your phone as a Hotspot though other than they won't use your data as it needs its own SIM card by the looks of it.

Would any of the community members find it useful if O2 were to produce something like these?

[ewanrw]

They already do. Look for "Pop Up Office" in the business shop.

Still only 3G options available for consumer from the looks of it.

ewan

[Anonymous]

Interesting...and well spotted!

I wonder then if they'll be made available on the consumer shop at any point?

Has anyone used one?

[Anonymous]

http://www.o2.co.uk/broadband?cm_mmc=googleuk-_-PPC_Direct_MBB-_-MobileWifi-Brand-_-Mifi-O2-Exact%20...

O2 pocket hotspot.

[Cleoriff]

Such a pity that these do not work abroad which is when I always need mobile internet. At present with no

Wifi in our apartment, I power my netbook with a dongle using a Spanish sim. In June I will be taking my

brand new HP Slate with me...again will need a Spanish sim to get Mobile internet.

Not a problem to most...but where I am, it needs a trip to the nearest Orange Es shop...paying for a months

usage...and waiting for them to activate it via phone call to head office in Barcelona. (The CS in the shop are

NOT able to do this top-up via computer,

So, all in all, its a real faff (particularly as they do NOT open on a Saturday or Sunday):aghast_smiley:

[Anonymous]

What a nightmare to achieve what in today's world Of tech and communication obviously should be seamless. Must be a tad frustrating @Cleoriff it is a shame something that is available here won't work abroad as you state.

All that would be resolved if the Networks dispensed with all these high roaming charges. 😞

[Cleoriff]

I have often said the same.

Every time I hear news stories about 'EU regulations on Roaming charges' I hold my breath and think...

'Please let it be now'.... sadly....it never happens, so I continue on regardless.

I tell you what effect it has on me......I never book a flight to Spain on a Friday afternoon, Saturday or

Sunday. (purely because I know I will be without internet all over the weekend):computer_destroy_smiley:

Some may think that's a sad state of affairs...but as a lone female I have no interest in trolling around looking

for WiFi hotspots

[Anonymous]

I honestly dint blame you tbh.

nothing wrong with being pro active.

[adamtemp64]

the 3g pocket hotspot I reviewed along with 2 others ages ago if you search these boards and I asked for a trial of the popup office in the try the tech thread

The old 3g one works well so I would guess the 4g popup office would be the same.

Personally I see them of less benifit now with tethering if you have an 8gb 4g tariff, the data is quite expensive at £25 inc vat for 8gb plan no rollover on business data plan

[aldaweb]

I've used the 3G versions from Three, one unlocked using an O2 SIM from a dongle and the other using a Three prepaid SIM. It's the only way I can get any data connection in Devon where we stay, and only then by carefully positioning it at the highest point atop an open window, a bit like what used to be necessary to get a tv picture with an indoor aerial.

I find the prepaid work out cheapest as you use up the data and throw away the SIM and they can be picked up for less than the equivalent add-on.

I agree with Adam though that with tethering they are becoming redundant except for the scenario where your phone cannot get a (good enough) data connection and you need to use a different network.