3G/UMTS Router Enables Wireless LAN Capability for Teams of People

Europe : Vodafone, Linksys and Cisco Systems announced the launch of the 3G/UMTS Router, a new product that provides high speed mobile data connectivity for teams working on the move.

The 3G/UMTS Router enables teams of up to five people to use the wireless LAN capability already built in to most laptop computers to access high speed mobile data services provided by the Vodafone 3G network. This highly portable, cost effective and simple to use product is ideal for businesses in sectors such as accountancy, construction or media who regularly have teams working together away from their main office and who need easy access through their laptop to high speed internet services or corporate applications.

The 3G/UMTS WLAN Router combines the Linksys WRT54G3G Wireless-G Router, which provides Wireless LAN coverage for users, and the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data card.

The 3G/UMTS Router is being launched in Spain today and will be introduced in Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and the UK over the coming weeks. Launches in other countries will follow in due course.

"The 3G/UMTS Router makes it even easier and more cost effective for teams on the move to work anywhere as though they were in the office." said Peter Bamford, Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone Group.

"In addition to providing instant group access to networks, email and the Internet the 3G/UMTS Router allows additional devices, such as printers, to be connected using Ethernet or 802.11g wireless connections. It is designed to be quick and easy to set up, just plug in and go.

The 3G / UMTS Router is a highly secure mobile wireless solution that can be taken almost anywhere. Internet and network access is secured through Wi-Fi Protected Access(TM) and powerful SPI firewall protection, even when using the wireless connection.