Verizon has its first 5G hotspot, the Inseego 5G MiFi M1000, promising to share out the speed of fifth-generation networks - assuming, that is, you can find one to use. The new MiFi supports up to fifteen devices connected via WiFi at any one time, though you'll pay handsomely for the privilege.
It's hard to stay connected to the internet when you are on the go in your home country; it's even harder if you travel around the world for business or pleasure. 4G service requires different frequencies to work depending on what country you are in and some normal 4G modems or hotspots won't work everywhere. Verizon has a new device called the MiFi 4G LTE Global USB modem U620L that will work anywhere your travels take you.
Voice, data, and a battery backup for those times when ice storms take out your landline: that's the promise Novatel Wireless' MiFi Home is making, also known as the Verizon 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice. Unwieldy name but the hardware does a fair amount: like a traditional MiFi it'll share a mobile data connection, but plug a regular wired phone in and you can also make voice calls as if it were a landline, too.
MiFi creator Novatel Wireless is developing a new home hub, dubbed the "MiFi Tower", not only cutting the cord on traditional voice and data, but integrating smart home functionality as well. The LTE device, already in testing and outlined during the company's recent financial results call, is billed as "MiFi Powered" and blurring the distinction "between fixed line and cellular infrastructure" with home connectivity, digital phone service, and internet access all wrapped up in a portable device that, one day, could enable total migration of voice and data services to IP-based equivalents.
Verizon has updated its mobile hotspot range, adding the Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE MiFi 5510L to its line-up of high-speed mobile data options. The new MiFi, made by Novatel Wireless, will go on sale from Thursday, January 31 through Verizon's online store priced at $19.99 following a $50 mail-in rebate and assuming a new, two-year data plan agreement.
It's time once again to bust out with Sierra Wireless as they manufacture another mobile hotspot with a touchscreen, again this time for AT&T's 4G LTE data network. This machine works with a 2.4-inch touchscreen display and, like the Mifi Liberate we just reviewed, it can connect to up to 10 wi-fi-loving devices at once. This machine works with an on-screen meter so you can see how much data you're using at a given time and makes the whole process as user-friendly as possible.
With the AT&T MiFi Liberate you've got what's straight up the most advanced mobile hotspot on the planet, complete with a full-color touchscreen, microSD card storage, and DLNA connectivity. This machine is unique in its abilities as well as its physical state, it sitting upright like a tiny folded-over book of notes with AT&T's 4G LTE network under the hood. The hardware here was created by Novatel Wireless and the network is all AT&T, and as this is just one of two AT&T hotspots on the market at the moment, you'll find that the few features it hold above the head of its brethren do indeed make it worth the extra few bucks you'll be paying right out the gate.
AT&T isn't slowing down their upcoming release schedule. After announcing a few Windows Phone 8 devices a couple days ago, like the Nokia Lumia 920 and the 8X from HTC, the carrier is continuing on with an announcement of even more toys. Coming November 16, AT&T will be stocking the Samsung Galaxy Express and the MiFi Liberate from Novatel.
AT&T has revealed its latest mobile hotspot, the MiFi Liberate, the first to include a color touchscreen. Running on AT&T's LTE network, the Novatel Wireless-made gadget has a 2.8-inch multitouch display and can share its 4G data connection with up to ten WiFi-connected devices, while the battery is said to last for up to 11 hours of active use.
Walmart and TruConnect have announced that they have teamed up to offer prepaid Internet on the go using a MiFi 2200 wireless hotspot. The new plan is called Internet on the Go and will be prepaid with no contract required. The service will be sold exclusively at Walmart stores.
![Novatel patent infringement lawsuit against ZTE and FWC still stands [UPDATED]](https://www.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/novatel.png)
This week the folks at Novatel Wireless have been allowed to continue a lawsuit against competitors ZTE Corp, ZTE USA, and Franklin Wireless Corp for patent infringement on key architecture and functionality of mobile hotspots. This case has been going on for several months and started more than a year ago, and today's ruling has both of the defendants' requests to dismiss the case shot down by the Judge presiding over the case. This ends up being a sort of preliminary plus for Novatel who could very well have lost quite a bit of money in legal fees if the case had been found void at this point.
Verizon announced today that it will be launching a new 4G LTE mobile hotspot on April 12. The device is called the Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi 4620L and will be available through Verizon's website and stores as well as through Best Buy for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year service agreement.