Vodafone launches USB 3G modem stick

January 15, 2016

Vodafone has launched a USB 3G modem the size of a flash drive, which can access the company’s HSUPA mobile broadband service which was launched last December.

The Huawei E172 modem was developed through a partnership with the Chinese telecoms equipment maker, Huawei.

It complements Vodafone’s existing, E220 USB modem which was released in 2015. The modems provide exactly the same functionality, but the E172 has a smaller form factor.

The Huawei E172 modem will be available across the UK, providing Mac and PC users with upload rates of up to 1.44Mbps and download at speed of up to 7.2Mbps. However, the 7.2Mb service is currently only available within Central London and at certain UK airports.

Access to the 7.2Mb service will become more widely available as Vodafone continues the rollout of HSUPA to the rest of its 3G network.

The Huawei E172 modem costs from £49 with an 18-month contract, and is available on a £25 mobile broadband flat rate.