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3 Mobile offers Wi-Fi without a landline through new Web Cube
The new Web Cube from 3 Mobile can connect up to five devices to the internet simultaneously.
Known as the Web Cube, the device is powered by the carrier's 3G network and is ready to use straight out the box, as it comes bundled with a mobile broadband sim card.
The product is powered by HSPA+ capable of delivering typical download speeds of between 2 and 5Mbps - similar to the rates offered by entry-level fixed broadband connections. As the technology is enabled to the 21.1Mbps standard, speeds could rise to in excess of 10Mbps in the future.
A range of up to 30m is offered by the Web Cube, which can be used to simultaneously connect up to five wireless-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, games consoles and laptops.
However, as the product is new to market, 3 Mobile has chosen to test it in several key cities before extending availability across the rest of the UK. Consumers in Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh will be the first to get their hands on the device, with the network operator explaining these are some of its "most successful areas" for mobile broadband.
Unveiling the Web Cube, Simon Kemp of 3 Mobile said: "It's designed for the significant chunk of the population, especially renters and students, that have told us they want Wi-Fi at home, just without the phone line and the lengthy contract.
"We hope to be able to roll out Web Cube nationwide very soon, so if you're not in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Leeds but you're still interested, you can register your details online."
The announcement comes just a matter of weeks after 3 Mobile launched its Mobile Broadband Wi-Fi Hub, which allows users to turn their existing dongle into a home Wi-Fi service that can also connect up to five wireless devices to the internet.