3 claims 50% faster mobile data with HSPA+ dongle

3 has claimed a UK first for mobile broadband with the release of a HSPA+ modem that makes use of the latest high-speed protocol. The Huawei E586 MiFi, which went on sale today, is the first device in the UK to offer services using the HSPA+ 21.1Mbits/sec standard and should boost speeds for existing mobile broadband users by 50%. “3 customers will experience significant speed improvements compared to the existing MiFi,” the company claimed. “Whilst 3 had anticipated that it would be 40% faster, independent test results reveal that it is in fact up to 50% faster than previous models,” 3 added, citing figures from comparison site uSwitch. The tests showed peak download speeds of 5.9Mbits/sec, but much will depend on network capacity. The company has said it plans to equip 80% of its 3G network with HSPA+ by the end of the year, which could see further speed improvements for consumers using the dongle. The modem provides connectivity for up to five users, browser-based management tools, and 4.5 hours' battery life, 3 said. Pay-as-you-go users can buy the device for £84.99 with an initial 3GB of downloads, while monthly price plans start from £7.87, with an upfront cost of £49.99 for the modem.