OREANDA-NEWS. June 8, 2011. Tata DOCOMO, the GSM brand of Tata Teleservices Limited, India’s fastest-growing dual-technology telecom service provider, announced the launch of a revolutionary internet access device—3G Wi-Fi Hub—enabling multiple users and devices to share wireless Internet access and stay connected on the go. The device offers uninterrupted connectivity for specific Wi-Fi devices like Laptops, Tablets, Gaming Consoles and Wi-Fi-enabled Televisions.

The evolved device takes wireless mobile broadband to the next level, offering dual-mode internet connectivity to users—a first in the Indian market. The device enables users to maneuver between Tata DOCOMO’s Next-Gen 3G GSM network and Tata Photon Plus on the CDMA platform—one technology at a time—depending on the SIM inserted in the device. In one small stroke, it allows users to access the Internet at 3G speeds in all 9 Tata DOCOMO circles, while allowing them to seamlessly switch to the high-speed Tata Photon Plus platform in other locations.

“Our latest offering—3G Wi-Fi Hub—reaffirms our commitment to customers—that of making connectivity easy and relevant for a cross-section of user categories,” Mr Deepak Gulati, Executive President, Mobility Business, Tata Teleservices Limited. “This portable device signals a breakthrough in the Wi-Fi space and is yet another first-of-its-kind product, offering dual Internet access technology. The sleek new product will be especially relevant in the context of today’s fast-evolving and changing products, most of which are Wi-Fi-enabled—laptops, desktops, i-Pads, mobile phones, even digital cameras… Best of all, given its Wi-Fi capabilities, it allows multiple users to stay connected simultaneously,” he added.

The device offers speed up to 7.2 Mbps in the 3G mode, and up to 3.1Mbps in the High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) mode. It can connect up to 5 users or devices at a time. Apart from a portable powered battery, seamless connectivity, simple browser-based configuration, the device is also password-protected for greater security.

“The 3G Wi-Fi Hub is a trim and compact device, convenient to carry even in one’s pocket. With this new product, Tata DOCOMO has taken the concept of ‘Anytime, Anywhere Wi-Fi Internet Connectivity’ to the next level. The device comes with innovative post-paid plans—these offer a customer-friendly package and will ensure that we offer a complete solution in terms of an efficient device and tariff combo,” Mr Sunil Tandon, Head, Devices & Mobile Support Services, Tata Teleservices Limited, added.

The Tata DOCOMO 3G Wi-Fi Hub is available with post-pay plans, to begin with. Customers opting for the sleek device will be provided with a starter pack containing both Tata DOCOMO 3G GSM and Tata Photon Plus start-up kits (SUKs). Customers can choose from a number of plans on both the Tata DOCOMO 3G GSM and Tata Photon Plus SUKs and can data speed of 7.2 Mbps and 3.1 Mbps, respectively. To access data on the Tata DOCOMO 3G GSM and Tata Photon Plus platforms, customers will have to activate both SUKs separately with necessary documentation.

3G Wi-Fi Hub Plans

There are two plans available—the Wi-Fi Rs 750 and Wi-Fi Rs 1,000 plans. The Wi-Fi Rs 750 Plan comes with a monthly rental of Rs 750, wherein customers can enjoy data usage of 2GB. Post the 2 GB being consumed, customers will have to pay a nominal cost of 50 paise per MB for additional data usage. Similarly, the Wi-Fi Rs 1,000 Plan comes with a monthly rental of Rs 1,000, wherein customers will get 5GB of data usage. Post exhausting this 5GB, customers can enjoy unlimited data usage.

Under both plans, customers can make voice calls using the SIM cards on the per-second pulse which was unveiled by Tata DOCOMO at the time of the launch of its 2G GSM services in June 2009. Local, national and international SMSs will be charged at 60 paise, Rs 1.50 and Rs 5, respectively. Additionally, national roaming, international roaming (for voice calls) and ISD calls will be charged as per standard rates.

The device is priced at Rs 5,999 and is available across Tata DOCOMO and Tata Photon stores.