When it comes to connecting to the world wide web, regardless of whether it is through a desktop computer or a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet, faster is always better. For those iPhone owners who are jealous of the 4G data speeds which Apple’s latest iPad brings, then the period of worrying may be over as a new external sleeve is being made available that offers free of charge 4G internet after an initial one-off fee.
FreedomPop, who are a provider of 4G mobile broadband have started to take initial pre-orders for the Freedom 4G sleeve that offers compatibility with Apple’s iPhone 4 and 4S. For an initial, one-off payment of $99, consumers will be able to get their hands on the case come sleeve that connects to the iPhone through a standard connection and provides a free of charge internet connection that promises to give 4G data speeds.
The company and product have received the backing of Niklas Zennstrom, an entrepreneur more well known for founding Skype, so that could be some indication that FreedomPop surely have a product of note. With standard broadband providers covering their own backs by using the ‘up to’ terminology in their agreements, it would be easy to be skeptical about an external sleeve being able to provide the specified speeds, but I guess only time will tell on that front. Purchasers of the FreedomPop case/sleeve will be allocated a data allowance of 500 MB per month, with no information being available at the minute about the terms and conditions relating to going over that allocated amount.
The plan seems to point towards the direction that it will ultimately provide full 4G data packages in the future, more than likely containing unlimited data for a monthly fee, but no further details have been given at present. Although the product is actually being sold by FreedomPop, the 4G internet that forms the actual guts of the service will be provided by Clearwire, utilizing their WiMax network and being accessed through the standard Wi-Fi section of the iPhone’s native Settings app.
The production and provision of such a product is definitely a good, innovative idea. After all, the majority of iPhone 4 and 4S users would crave faster data speeds on their device. However, with Apple looking likely to include LTE in their next-generation iPhone, it remains to be seen how many people would actually part with $99 of their cash on an unproven product that could become unnecessary for those planning on grabbing the next iPhone when launched. With the case set to launch towards the end of summer, the majority of customers would be those who are always one step behind in buying the latest piece of gadget.
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