(UPDATE 1838hrs 16062010) Things are getting interesting with the Huawei E5830. We highlighted earlier that in DiGi’s FAQ about the device they’ve mentioned that it can’t function as a router while being plugged into a USB port. We even noted the question number – it was Q20 (Google Cached). We’ve discovered that DiGi have recently changed that question to now say that the E5830 can function as a router while being plugged in.

Before

After

Wonder if we can get our hands on one to really find out.

DiGi also added 2 more FAQ items clarifying that the MiFi device uses normal SIM and that it is not SIM-locked to DiGi’s network.

Original Post: When DiGi first announced that it’s opening pre-orders for the Huawei E5830 MiFi device, we’re pretty sure many of you were stoked.

Having reviewed a similar device – the D-Link DIR-457 – we’re convinced that a MiFi has its uses for those who run with multiple devices. We noted in our review that a MiFI type of device gave us tremendous flexibility and not need to fiddle with USB dongles every time you want to connect to the Internet is simply a joy.

Back to the Huawei E5830. At first sight the device is much better looking that the albino DIR-457. It looked much more compact as well. Performance wise it edges the DIR-457 slightly being able to deliver HSPA speeds of up to 7.2Mbps down and 5.76Mbps up. And by that criteria alone the E5830 would have been a been a better buy. But it’s not that simple.

In our earlier posting about the device, a number of readers have raised the question – can it be used while being charged? We set to find out what the deal is with the E5830 and clear the confusion once and for all.

Read the rest of this entry »

	DiGi, Mobile Accessories, Mobile Devices, Players on the Field
	3G, DiGi, DiGi Internet, DiGi MiFi, DiGi Portable WiFi, hsdpa, HuaWei E5830, Huawei E5830 review, Huawei E5830 vs D-Link DIR-457, mini 3G wifi routers, Mobile WiFi, pocket 3g wifi routers, WiFi

(UPDATE 1901hrs 16062010) It appears DiGi has amended Q20 in the MiFi pre-order page FAQ. It now says that the E5830 can still function as router while being charged (ie. Plugged into a USB port)

DiGi has announced that they are offering the Huawei E5830 MiFi device which allow users to share their 3G Connection over WiFi. This is a perfect bridge for WiFi powered device to work remotely on 3G network. You can make your own 3G powered WiFi hotspot from your pocket, which is perfect companion for WiFi version of iPad.

Don’t go rushing to DiGi centres yet as it is only open for pre-booking. You may pre-book at DiGi’s facebook group here.

DiGi is claiming this offering as Malaysia’s First ever Mobile WiFi, which we believe is First only for telco bundling. MiFi devices or mobile 3G to WiFi routers have already been on our shores for quite some time. Not too long ago, we’ve reviewed a D-Link DIR-457 Pocket WiFi Router here.

Some key noticable features of the Huawei E5830 Mifi:

• Supports HSDPA 7.2Mbps Downlink and HSUPA 5.76Mbps Uplink
• 802.11b/g
• Can’t be charge while in use (FAQ Q.20)
• Battery last up to 4 hours
• Supports up to 5 devices connected simultanously

Read more about it here.

	DiGi, Mobile Devices, Players on the Field
	3G, DiGi, DiGi Internet, DiGi MiFi, DiGi Portable WiFi, hsdpa, HuaWei E5830, Mobile WiFi, WiFi

According to a news report, Malaysia has achieved 21.1% household broadband penetration. This exceeds its projection of 20% penetration under Malaysia’s National Broadband Implementation Plan.

Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Communications Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum also added that it targets to achieve 50% household penetration in 2010. This means we have about a year to cover additional 30% of our nation’s household with broadband. We see this as a challenging target to achieve.

However it is still possible as there are new wireless broadband providers that have emerged recently utilising 3G HSDPA and WiMAX technology. Currently, the 3G players are Maxis, Celcom, U Mobile and new comer DiGi. On the WiMAX end, we have Packet 1, Redtone, YTL and Asiaspace. Not forgetting also are other wireless providers such as Izzi as well. Wireless is generally much faster to roll out due to lack of physical cabling to each potential user.

However we have questions on these new players roll out. Are they able to fulfill the extra 30% household within 1 year through proper coverage planning and capacity management?

Also what defines broadband? Is there a proper minimum definition of broadband by 2010? It would be pointless if broadband subscribers are achieved but average speed obtained is below broadband levels.

[ SOURCE ]

	Industry in General, Players on the Field
	3G, Household Broadband Penetration, hsdpa, Internet, Joseph Salang Gandum, Malaysia Broadband, National Broadband Implementation Plan, WiMAX

We have seen the signs and hints. Finally DiGi has pulled something out from its bag.

Previously we mentioned that DiGi would be launching its 3G services next month but looks like they have decided to test the water in advance. A couple of blog post and forumers today had been talking about the revealed site titled DiGi Internet – Rediscover what broadband should be.

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	DiGi, Players on the Field
	7.2Mbps, DiGi 3G, DiGi Internet, hsdpa, Huawei E230, Malaysia 3G, mobile broadband, Pre-Launch Promo, Rediscover Broadband, USB Modem

Saw this ad in The Star paper today last week.

Is it just us or is this ad just plain weird?

This – to us – is the most uninteresting, unexciting, uninspiring ad we’ve ever seen this week!

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	Ad-nalysis, Celcom
	Ad-nalysis, Celcom, hsdpa, mobile broadband, usb thumbdrive, usd modem