Traveling With The Novatel Wireless MiFi Overseas

As a super-portable device, ble to fit inside a breast pocket or wallet, the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 is the best 3G device available in the mobile computing market.  The MiFi connects to high-speed cellular data networks and establishes an Internet connection, which can be transmitted and shared with up to five devices (or five people, each on their own device) up to thirty feet away via an 802.11b/g WiFi connection.  MiFi users can enjoy continuous wireless Internet while travelling, nearly anywhere a cellular signal reaches.

For the time being, however, trips with the MiFi overseas may be impossible with an American bought MiFi 2200.  Competing cellular standards, CDMA and GSM, are to blame for thisinconvenience.

The MiFis currently on the market in America--the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200--only work on two cellular networks: either Sprint or Verizon.  Each MiFi is permanently attached to the cellular company the user chooses to sign with.  These two major American cellular companies, Sprint and Verizon, run CDMA cellular networks.  CDMA, an acronym for Code Division Multiple Access, is an algorithm used by radiocommunications technologies--like the MiFi--to order the way information is sent and received from and by every device.  CDMA was originally created for high-bandwidth uses which require superior reception--like cell phones.  CDMA devices are, however, tied to their originating network, making the transfer of cellular devices between competing cellular networks impossible.  For that reason, CDMA devices can be expensive to travel with overseas because of roaming charges, as CDMA is only widespread across America and Canada.

The Global System for Mobile communications--GSM--is the most widespread cellular standard across the globe.  Nearly 80% of all cellular phones in use around the globe are GSM devices.  The benefit of owning a GSM device is the simplified method oftransferring a cellular device between competing cellular providers.  In order to change one's cellular provider, a cellular device's SIM card need only be switched to a SIM card that holds identifiers needed by the new, desired cellular service.  Finding SIM cards is not difficult, as they are available in places like small corner stores or in large retailers or grocery stores.

So, with the ease in which a GSM device can transfer between networks, there are many more cellular plans available to the user with a GSM device.  In fact, cellular customers carrying GSM devices can switch networks as often as they'd like as they travel.  By switching networks, the user can parry overages and roaming charges by connecting to local cellular networks wherever the user may be traveling.

European MiFis, such as the MiFi 2352, run on the GSM-compatible EDGE standard.  Those EDGE/GSM MiFis will be capable of functioning nearly anywhere in the world.

LTE, a new cellular standard being rolled out by Verizon Wireless, may be ready by late 2010.  Verizon says that its LTE network will represent a new, faster mobile experience--the first 4G network--and will also allow better support for users wishing to take their cellular devices abroad through theincorporation of swappable cards, much like SIM cards.

The lesson here is that you should wait before relying on a MiFi 2200 with Sprint or Verizon for overseas travel.  A rumored GSM MiFi--the MiFi 2372--may be on its way to the AT&T or T-Mobile networks, and it is that device which would most likely be easier and cheaper to travel with.

If your travels only take you across North America, though, I seriously recommend picking up a MiFi 2200 through Sprint or Verizon, as those cellular providers offer fast, reliable service.