Many areas of the U.S. still lack high-speed Internet connections. Rural areas with small populations often have limited or even no Internet access. The 3G data cards and USB dongles that are available from some cellular carriers provide reliable connectivity fro 1 to 3 Mbits/s, which is adequate for most users. But these devices require carriers to actually implement 3G services, which can be expensive, prompting many smaller carriers to resist.

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Axesstel’s MV400 is likely to become popular in many rural areas. This CDMA 1xEV-DO Rev. A Wi-Fi gateway combines wireless wide-area networking (WWAN), a wireless local-area network (WLAN) router, and a four-port Ethernet switch to produce wireless broadband data access for PCs, laptops, smart phones, and other Wi-Fi capable devices (see the figure).

At full Rev. A speed of 3.1 Mbits/s, the device permits high-speed e-mail, Internet access, and file access including multimedia streaming. The gateway meets standard TIA/EIA IS-2000 EV-Do Rev. A specifications and is backward compatible with CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. 0 and CDMA2000 1xRTT. The Wi-Fi router meets 802.11b/g standards. DHCP is built in. Receive diversity antennas provide maximum coverage with nearby cell towers.

Axesstel also makes several versions of the MV400 for most popular frequency bands. In addition, the company offers versions to support UMTS 3G using HSDPA/HSUPA 3G standards in cell-phone systems based on GSM.

With a population of less than 1000, the village of Crivitz in Wisconsin lacked high-speed connectivity except for the 3G data cards and dongles available from J&T Electric, a reseller of cell phones as well as related products and services for Cellcom, the local cellular carrier. When J&T Electric started selling the MV400 recently, data card sales virtually ceased as local companies, government, public service, and residential customers realized they could greatly expand coverage for more users by using the Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Axesstel MV400 CDMA 1xEV-DO Rev. A gateway and Wi-Fi router provides high-speed Internet connectivity in rural areas. It features diversity antennas, four extra Ethernet ports, a USB port, and battery backup.

Until more wired infrastructure or better wireless broadband comes along, the MV400 is a great solution that’s very affordable for smaller communities that want better Internet access.

Axesstel Inc.