Now this is a very interesting announcement from Vodafone Italy. Due for launch in the summer, it seems that Voda is launching a really clever combined ADSL Gateway + detachable HSPA Dongle product and broadband service. Apparently the box has been developed in collaboration with Huawei.
Some more details, and a picture of the Huawei box are here, and a video of the detachable dongle is here.
So, clever part #1 is that this combines an ADSL home broadband connection with an HSPA mobile broadband connection. I've been commenting for a whole that many users of 3G dongles also have home broadband, although some might view it as a substitute. This is the neatest offer I've seen that combines the two, although both O2 has a bundle offering as well.
And clever part #2 is that the box starts working in advance of ADSL being provisioned, by using the 3G dongle as an alternative wireless access for the gateway. In the past Voda has sold a Linksys box with a slot for a 3G data card, but that was mainly aimed at businesses wanting a portable 3G-backhauled WiFi access point.
And #3 is that it supports voice, over both ADSL and HSPA, from both phone or PC. I'm waiting to get full details, but it appears that this must be VoIP, unless they've somehow got a circuit-switched voice client on the PC, coupled to the dongle. Now perhaps the idea is to offer basic OK-quality VoIPo3G on the gateway until ADSL is provisioned. But it will be really interesting to see if the dongle also supports full VoIPo3G from the PC when connected remotely.
EDIT, 29 May: I've got a clarification and it turns out that it's not quite as clever as I thought.... unfortunately, it's not VoIPo3G.
You can make voice calls via the circuit-switched capability in the HSPA dongle, with a traditional analogue phone plugged into the voice port on the box. Apparently voice isn't supported when the dongle is used on a PC. Looks like the wording in the press release was a little ambiguous. VoIP is supported when it's in DSL mode.
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5 comments:
Dean, SFR in France (partly controlled by Voda) has already began to give HSPA dongles in addition to their ADSL gateway.
But you only have 50 Mo/month included in the bundle. If you use your dongle more than that, you have to pay an additional data plan.
What about this in Italy? Is the dongle plan included into the ADSL plan?
If somebody goes on the road with the dongle, can the DSL still be used by somebody else at the home?
As soon as ADSL is provisioned, broadband access is available even when removinng the dongle.
Regarding commercial offer and pricing, Vodafone just said there will be two different offers, described as 'very simple and easy to understand with no hidden cost'.
Stefano Cazzani
Got a clarification from Vodafone.... unfortunately, it's not VoIPo3G - see edited post.
Eric - I don't think the exact tariffs have been revealed yet.
davrich - not clear, but I would imagine so.
Stefano - thanks
I updated my original post with pricing info.
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