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May 8, 2009

Verizon Wireless plans to start selling a Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device that will allow customers to share Internet connectivity.

The new wireless device, called the Mi-Fi 2200 is developed by Novatel Wireless and allows mobile users to share Web connectivity on the condition that one person is hooked up to the Verizon 3G network.

Verizon's new device acts as a personal Wi-Fi 'cloud' accommodating up to 5 Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptops, netbooks, cameras, gaming devices and portable media/MP3 players.

One of the many use cases for the device is family road trips. One person in the car can be connected to Verizon’s 3G network while others use Wi-Fi to connect a notebook or other device to the Internet.

Verizon's new Mi-Fi 2200 device is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket and it weighs just over 2 ounces, according to Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney.

The 2200 includes integrated internal CDMA and Wi-Fi antennas, security and security authentication.

When one device is connected through Wi-Fi, the 2200’s rechargeable battery provides up to 4 hours of active use and 40 hours of standby time on a single charge.

Verizon Wireless has been selling several phones with Wi-Fi connectivity built in for at least six to seven months now.

The MiFi 2200 goes on sale May 17 for $99.99 after a $50 rebate and a two-year agreement.

Price plans range from $40 a month to $60 a month. Customers also can get a day pass for $15 when the device is purchased at full retail price without a monthly service plan.

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Source: Verizon Wireless.