MiFi Finds Asian Foothold

Yesterday MobileOne, a leading mobile operator based in Singapore and part of the Vodafone (VOD - Analyst Report) partner network, has declared that the company has become the first Asian operator to offer MiFi wireless data network to its customers.

MiFi is an ultra-portable wireless device, creating an environment of high-speed Internet connectivity that can be easily shared by multiple users using up to five Wi-Fi devices. Novatel has developed MiFi for both EV-DO and HSPA standards.

Novatel has begun shipment of MiFi to Verizon Wireless (VZ - Analyst Report), Telefonica SA (TEF - Analyst Report), and Sprint-Nextel (S - Analyst Report). CradlePoint Technology, a provider of 3G and 4G networks solutions, announced that its routers have become MiFi compatible. Novatel has also entered into an agreement with Moblix to sell MiFi products in Central & Eastern Europe and the Middle East using Moblix's reseller channel.

Novatel has already launched MiFi Web server Common Gateway Interface (CGI) for the MiFi Developer Program. The release of this interface will enable software developers to use MiFi's open CGI to access the on-board processing capabilities of this intelligent mobile hotspot. The company has decided to develop an open platform ecosystem based on the MiFi technology for applications and services delivery. The company is working with Alcatel-Lucent (ALU - Analyst Report) to integrate its Nonstop Laptop Guardian platform on the HSPA version of MiFi.

Novatel is also commercializing the first phase of its own content delivery portal supported by the MiFi platform. All MiFi devices will have this intelligent server application. This development will include portals providing customized content. The company will generate recurring revenue by selling mobile content to its carrier customers.