Vodafone UK and Huawei (News - Alert) Technologies have launched the next generation of USB devices, the Vodafone Mobile Broadband USB Modem Stick or E172.

 

The E172 is said to enable uplink speeds of up to 2Mbps and download rates of 7.2 Mbps. According to both the companies, within Vodafone’s (News - Alert) HSPA network, the device will facilitate fast internet browsing, instant access and the uninterrupted ability both to upload and download data.

 

Also, the plug-and-play featured devices are compatible with Windows, both Vista and XP, and Mac OSX, and users can run it on a PC, laptop, and also a handheld device.

 

Claiming that Vodafone was the first to improve download speeds with HSDPA and the first to increase upload speeds with HSUPA, Kyle Whitehill, enterprise director at Vodafone UK, said in a statement, “and now we're pushing the boundaries of usability even further with a groundbreaking compact design.”

 

“We are looking forward to launching the E172 in collaboration with Vodafone and are confident that customers will be delighted with the mobile lifestyle they will enable,” said Steven Lau, director at Huawei European Terminal Department.

 

He noted that consumers expect mobile service providers to demonstrate constant innovation and added that his company is very pleased to be working with Vodafone to fulfill these expectations.

 

Earlier this month, Vodafone and Huawei had signed an agreement to create an Application Innovation Centre, which is expected to develop innovative products and services.

 

Huawei has also announced that according to the third quarter of 2007 report from the consulting firm, Gartner (News - Alert), Huawei’s DSL market share continues to rise and it is a leader in the global IP DSLAM Market, with a market share of 31.5 percent.