3 have recently started to advertise a home broadband device called the WebCube. It is basically a 3G HSPA+ modem in a box that emits WiFi to provide home broadband access using the 3 UK mobile network. A mains powerd version of the MiFi device really.
It's £15 a month for 15GB of data per month (24 month contract - no upfront cost) and it's being marketed as a no phone line no hassle broadband solution.
3 WebCube Information: http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Devi.../White?id=1298
Seems like a nice solution for folks who dont want a fixed line commitment but it could have major implications for mobile customers. 3 have already given notice they will have capacity issues for data with their current bandwidth by the end of 2012, so could a few WebCube users in your street viewing YouTube, Netflix and the BBC iPlayer make your smartphone experience much less useable?
I have grave reservations about a mobile network pitching directly to attract fixed line broadband customers due to the volumes of data that many now consume using video streaming etc.
The WebCube seems to only be available in selected areas presently, (HSPA+ 21Mbs capable sites maybe?) and a quick check of postcodes in my city and surrounding area produced no avilability.
What is the opinion re this development? Good for mobile users or a gamble that could backfire if mobile contract customers spending to use iPhones etc can't access their services due to the competition from home based network users with WebCubes?
It's £15 a month for 15GB of data per month (24 month contract - no upfront cost) and it's being marketed as a no phone line no hassle broadband solution.
3 WebCube Information: http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Devi.../White?id=1298
Seems like a nice solution for folks who dont want a fixed line commitment but it could have major implications for mobile customers. 3 have already given notice they will have capacity issues for data with their current bandwidth by the end of 2012, so could a few WebCube users in your street viewing YouTube, Netflix and the BBC iPlayer make your smartphone experience much less useable?
I have grave reservations about a mobile network pitching directly to attract fixed line broadband customers due to the volumes of data that many now consume using video streaming etc.
The WebCube seems to only be available in selected areas presently, (HSPA+ 21Mbs capable sites maybe?) and a quick check of postcodes in my city and surrounding area produced no avilability.
What is the opinion re this development? Good for mobile users or a gamble that could backfire if mobile contract customers spending to use iPhones etc can't access their services due to the competition from home based network users with WebCubes?



