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Sierra Wireless introduces 76x range of AirCard 4G Mobile Hotspots

james trew
Former Editor-at-Large
Updated ·4 min read

Sierra Wireless just announced a new 76xS range of AirCard mobile hotspots. Thanks to expanded frequency band support (LTE 1800/2100/2600 MHz, HSPA+ 850/900/2100 MHz and 800/900/2100), the new cards will be compatible with more international markets, and are set to launch in the US, Australia, Asia and Europe over the coming months. There's support for up to ten WiFi devices, and a 2,000 mAh battery -- which Sierra claims brings a 30 percent boost in life -- upgradeable to an even juicier 3,600 mAh option via an additional accessory purchase. The user interface also got a revamp, with an extra button to improve navigation and more information on the device itself, meaning less need to access the web interface. Availability will depend on carrier networks, but is expected to be in the next few months. In the meantime, hit the PR after the break if you want to know more.

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Sierra Wireless Unveils Second Generation of AirCard Mobile Hotspots for 4G LTE Networks

[The AirCard® 760S, AirCard 762S, and AirCard 763S mobile hotspots are expected to launch in select markets around the world over the next couple of months.]

Vancouver, British Columbia and Barcelona, Spain -- Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - News) (TSX: SW.TO - News) today unveiled its newest family of AirCard® mobile hotspots for 4G LTE networks. Following on the success of the AirCard 754S, the new AirCard 760S, AirCard 762S, and AirCard 763S offer several feature enhancements, including an improved user interface, longer battery life, and expanded frequency band support across the product family, providing variants compatible with most common frequency band combinations around the world. The new mobile hotspots are expected to launch in select markets in North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe over the next couple of months.

"Our new generation of AirCard mobile hotspots has been built to make the user experience even better," said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. "We listened to customer feedback and have incorporated new and improved features to make our hotspots even easier to use and the fastest way to keep all your Wi-Fi-enabled devices connected while on the move. We are looking forward to several network launches for these devices in the coming months."

The AirCard 76xS mobile hotspot product family supports up to 10 simultaneous Wi-Fi connections(1), providing ample support for a work team or family carrying multiple connected devices on a road trip. On a 4G LTE network it provides sufficient bandwidth to handle demanding applications like online gaming and streaming media.

Setup is quick and easy – there is no software to install, and device settings can be easily managed through a web browser. Once setup is complete, users can also connect devices with the push of a button – the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button can securely connect a device without requiring a keyboard or large screen.

Enhancing the user experience

Sierra Wireless AirCard mobile hotspots are known for their informative and user-friendly display screens, which provide all the device information needed to connect and monitor the hotspot network connection and battery life. The new AirCard 76xS product family expands this user interface with the addition of a navigation button that scrolls through additional screens, providing access to messages and alerts, firmware status, and more detailed device information directly from the device itself without logging in to the web interface. This saves users time and makes it easier to use the hotspot with devices that may not have a standard web browser, such as Wi-Fi-enabled cameras or mobile gaming devices.

High-bandwidth often requires high power. The new AirCard 76xS product family comes standard with a 2000 milliampere-hour (mAh) battery, expected to improve battery life by approximately 30%(3). For heavy users, an extended battery (3600 mAh) will be available as an accessory purchase.

Other accessories available with the AirCard 76xS product family include a desktop charging cradle, an external MIMO antenna, and the AirCard Hub. The AirCard Hub, new from Sierra Wireless and sold separately, turns a mobile hotspot into a small office or residential gateway. It allows users to create a network at home or in the office, connecting up to 20 devices at once, between Wi-Fi and Ethernet, to utilize the 4G LTE connection. The external MIMO antenna, also sold separately, offers an extra reception boost for users in areas with lower 4G LTE signal strength.

Launching on select networks worldwide

4G LTE networks are rolling out around the world, but vary widely by region in the frequency bands utilized. The AirCard 76xS mobile hotspot product family offers three variants, each with different frequency band combinations, offering nearly global coverage across the product line.

The AirCard 760S will be launched with Telstra in Australia and with NTT DOCOMO MVNO under the brand Netindex in Japan. The AirCard 762S is expected to launch with a mobile network operator in Scandinavia. The AirCard 763S will be launched on the Rogers LTE network in Canada. Exact timing of commercial availability varies by network, but is expected over the next couple of months.