T-Mobile launches Mobile Broadband Share Dock 3G WiFi router

3G WiFi routers aren't anything new at this point, but T-Mobile's new Mobile Broadband Share Dock is one of the slicker implementations we've seen from a carrier -- the unit consists of a USB HSDPA modem and a base which shares the connection over WiFi, which means you can unplug the modem and take your access on the road. As long as you don't need a persistent connection at home and can live with the bandwidth, that makes the £20 / month dock sound like a pretty good deal for someone who lives by themselves, since you'd avoid paying both mobile and fixed data fees -- too bad it's UK only for now. Should be out in the next couple of days, we're hearing.

[bob sakamano @ Oct 2nd 2008 4:57PM]

i invented this in my head about three years ago, damn

[DefPo3t @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:23PM]

m sorry sir but since I invented the mental process of inventing, you now owe me royaities on it

[Dave @ Oct 2nd 2008 6:15PM]

More like a snazzy BIG ASS design. I guess on a day when Engadget feels the need to report on crap carved out of meat we'll let this one slide too.

[brandon @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:06PM]

Should work great with my new D-Link DIR-655 firmware!!!

[Dave @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:12PM]

I've had an AirLink router that does this with my old PCMCIA Sprint AirCard for well over a year now. I've also got the Sierra Compass USB AirCard on Sprint and have thought about picking up the Sprint Portable Router they have available on their website. Perhaps this article should be titled T-MOBILE GETTING UP TO SPEED WITH THE BIG BOYS.

[oZ @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:17PM]

Hello, sir, you may have the dumb, but I may be mistaken, so I'll clarify. This is for T-Mobile UK, and there have been third party solutions for GSM, EDGE, UMTS, and HSDPA for some time. This is just a snazzy design with Tmo UK self branding it, and that's what the big deal is.

[Dave @ Oct 2nd 2008 6:16PM]

More like a snazzy BIG ASS design. I guess on a day when Engadget feels the need to report on crap carved out of meat we'll let this one slide too.

[Knives_Out @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:18PM]

what's with the huge base?

[Abuzar Baloach @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:21PM]

They are just big boned.

[Samboini @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:24PM]

Nothing wrong with a bit o junk in the trunk.

[Dan Davis @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:58PM]

ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US.

[Darth Lord @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:45PM]

someone needs to create a docking station that does the same thing for cell phones. With most new phones going the 3G router we should be able to use them as router.

And for that matter most Laptops should have built in routers

[deyanimay @ Oct 2nd 2008 6:02PM]

Look up wmwifirouter.

[hiimcliff @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:45PM]

This just makes me hate T-Mobile US more.

[Josh @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:51PM]

this is a great idea, really wish it comes state side

[Ryan @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:56PM]

US version. Now. Please. Seriously, 3G is up in enough places that they should be selling this kind of thing in the US now, there are many of us that would like access to the 3G data at least for our laptops since the phone choices are >.< for now.

[tuna @ Oct 2nd 2008 6:29PM]

Does this mean T-mo's lawyers will now go after any sites using the color purple?

[chefgon_ign @ Oct 2nd 2008 6:39PM]

Not directly related to this product, but I wonder why carriers will put caps on cell phone data usage and limit the kinds of things people are allowed to download on them, but at the same time they sell these kinds of things where they expect people to suck down bandwidth like crazy on the exact same network.

[Mike Rios @ Oct 3rd 2008 2:33AM]

Yeah, wtf?...

[Jash Sayani @ Oct 3rd 2008 7:07AM]

Wow!!! I want to use 3G !! Waiting for ASUS EeePC 901 with HSUPA.....

[josh russell @ Oct 3rd 2008 8:29AM]

i got to play with one of these the other day. great idea, but performance is exactly what you'd expect, not amazing. it's doing exactly what you've been able to do with your laptop for ages, sharing your connection. what's interesting is that they're encouraging you to do it :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshrussell/2907023691/in/set-72157607673661905/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshrussell/2907871980/in/set-72157607673661905/

[EEaudio08 @ Oct 3rd 2008 10:29AM]

I think i just choked reading the title to this article.

[Brandon @ Oct 3rd 2008 2:49PM]

Does this mean I can get rid of Comcast when this thing comes stateside? That would be awesome.

[matttsui @ Oct 6th 2008 11:48AM]

isn't it USA version logo on the device (1+3 dots around T)???
UK and Germany have 2+2 dots

[FleaBag @ Oct 30th 2008 7:49PM]

This has been in stock at T-Mobile for about a month.