Two 4G USB modems, the AirCard 319U and the AirCard 320U, have been added by Sierra Wireless to its AirCard product line. The modems are dual-carrier HSPA+ networks. Scheduled to launch on the TELUS network in Canada in March, the devices offer download speeds of up to 42Mbit/s and upload speeds of up to 5.76Mbit/s. They feature a swivel hinge design that allows the body of the modems to be tucked up against the side of the notebook and protects them from being damaged by accidental bumps, for safe use in tight spaces such as commuter trains and crowded cafes.
The devices are claimed to be first in a family of USB modems for LTE networks, offering download speeds of up to 100Mbit/s and upload speeds up to 50Mbit/s. The design is thin with an articulating and pivoting hinge that works with a variety of USB port placements. The modems are scheduled for commercial availability in Q2 2011.
The devices allow users to use notebook computers online from anywhere. In areas where a DC-HSPA+ network is not available, each modem seamlessly switches to earlier network technology standards, including HSPA+ and its precursors, UMTS, EDGE, GSM, and GPRS. The devices also support DC-HSPA+, earlier versions of HSPA+ and its predecessors, UMTS, GSM, and GPRS. They are simple to install and use with built-in support for both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems and automatic software installation directly from the device.
