Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) launched a new fixed LTE voice and data offer for homes and small businesses that runs over a broadband router supplied by Novatel Wireless.
The Verizon 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice can be used by its owner on trips, such as to a vacation home or other place where voice calling or Internet connectivity is required. Further, travelers can bring their landline home number with them where they go.
As Slashgear noted, the router is similar to earlier LTE routers that distribute LTE connectivity throughout a home or business, but this one is unique in that it not only provides connections for up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices, it also adds voice services.
The plug-and-play router requires a power source and LTE coverage to get started. It has three Ethernet ports that can be used to connect with printers or network storage devices.
The device is a Verizon-branded version of Novatel's MiFi Home router. Novatel said MiFi Home is VoLTE-capable and is easily upgraded over-the-air with VoLTE services upon carrier availability. Verizon has not yet launched VoLTE.
Verizon is offering a choice of three service plans for use with the new LTE router, which customers can move between as needed. The service plans and their pricing, when added to a Share Everything Plan, are: voice only, $20; data only, $20; or voice and data, $30.
For a limited time, the Verizon 4G LTE Router with Voice is available for free with a new two-year customer agreement when customers select the voice and data plan. Verizon said the router normally sells for $29.99 when purchased with the voice and data plan, or $49.99 when purchased with a voice plan or a data plan.
The device is being sold online and through Verizon's stores nationwide.
For more:
- see this Verizon web page and this blog post
- see this Novatel release and this release
- see this Computerworld article
- see this SlashGear article
Related articles:
AT&T launches LTE-capable home phone and Internet service
Oregon cable operator pushes fixed LTE with free router giveaway
Verizon HomeFusion fixed LTE service launched nationwide