iPhone and MiFi
June 9th, 2009, 5:14pm by MikeInteresting discussion on TUAW about dropping your iPhone plan and substituting Verizon’s Mifi 3G hotspot as your cell network connection. Basically, the idea is to access Skype over wifi connected to the Mifi wherever you are (for phone), and enjoy faster net access thanks to Verizon’s EVDO. Not to mention better coverage, and “tethering” your laptop (in quotes because, techinically, you’re also tethering your iPhone). Oh, and it would cost less. There are obvious downsides — like having to carry it around with you, and the data transfer limit (5GB/month for $60).
The basic arguments would hold for other phones and networks, but since Sprint already has a faster network, the value proposition is a little less attractive than for AT&T. Still, interesting idea!
June 9th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
I like the idea in concept, and still think there’d be a good market for a phone that uses Bluetooth only (no microphone/speaker). The real downside here seems to be the lack of incoming call handling. Unless you never accept a call, you’ll surely spend at least $30/month on a phone plan. The economics work a lot better if there are 2 or more people sharing the plan.
June 9th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Just pay Skype for an incoming number and keep Skype running at all times on your iPhone (or even iPod Touch), right? Certainly would be nice to be able to multitask with Skype :).
What’s the battery life of the MiFi? It really sounds kind of silly, but it raises the question of would AT&T ever offer a $60 data-only plan for iPhones?