NTT DoCoMo is introducing a dual-mode handset on its HSDPA network that is also a WiFi access point.
[1]NEC's N-06A smartphone will launch on the Japanese operator's 3G network in the third quarter, and will be the first commercial smartphone capable of operating as a WiFi access point. The function is enabled chip technology from Atheros Communications.
The smartphone is a similar concept to the recently announced planned launches of the MiFi by Verizon and Sprint. The two operators re selling the MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot from Novatel Wireless that allows mobile users to connect multiple WiFi-enabled devices to a 3G connection.
According to Unstrung, the N-06A handset can connect with up to eight other devices in AP mode.
For more:
- check out Unstrung
[2]- and this release [1]
Related articles:
Verizon's answer to WiFi [3]: MiFi
Sprint [4] follows Verizon in offering MiFi
WiFi becoming valuable customer retention tool [5]
Will the next BlackBerry Storm include WiFi [6]?
Study: Smartphones users prefer WiFi over 3G [7]
WiFi [8]: More relevant than ever
2008 Year in Review: WiFi gains significance again [9]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/atheros-delivers-first-mobile-infrastructure-mode-functionality-ntt-docomo-customers-
[2] http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=176866&
[3] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/verizons-answer-wifi-mifi/2009-05-10
[4] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/sprint-follows-verizon-offering-mifi/2009-05-13
[5] http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/wifi-becoming-valuable-customer-retention-tool/2009-05-05-0
[6] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/will-next-blackberry-storm-include-wifi/2009-04-13
[7] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/study-smartphones-users-prefer-wifi-over-3g/2009-02-01?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss&cmp-id=OTC-RSS-FBW0
[8] http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/wifi-more-relevant-ever/2008-12-22
[9] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/2008-year-review-wifi-gains-significance-again/2008-12-22