Subscribers to Vodafone’s broadband options in the form of 5G or the NBN can find a little bit of mesh available with new routers.
With the world of WiFi changing now that WiFi 7 is available in more wallet-friendly price-points, we’re seeing telcos get in on the action, as well.
In recent weeks, Telstra joined in with an update of its Smart Modem, and now it seems Vodafone has two models on the way for its own customers, offering a choice: 5G or NBN.
Depending on the type of broadband you’re using, Vodafone’s “Super WiFi Modem” will support 5G connections or those from, the NBN, with two similar devices sporting a dual-band WiFi 7 configuration covering 2.4 and 5GHz bands, and support for the EasyMesh standard.
Vodafone notes that it’s the first time the company has designed modems in-house, and are compatible with its Super WiFi Mesh Units, supporting up to three of these to expand the network at home by creating a mesh network’s Venn diagram-style of network activity.
Neither system uses mobile as a backup, but the Vodafone Super WiFi 5G Modem will use 5G as its main type of connection, providing 5G provided you’re within reach of the network. It’s worth noting the routers do also support an optional hotspot support from your phone, so if the internet does go out, your phone might end up providing a backup hotspot connection for the rest of the house.
“We’ve seen too many customers with great internet plans but poor Wi-Fi performance,” said Andrew O’Connor, General Manager of Fixed Line Product at Vodafone in Australia.
“Super Wi-Fi changes that by combining cutting edge hardware with smart mesh technology to deliver consistent coverage across the whole home,” he said.
While Vodafone hasn’t noted what amount of bandwidth its WiFi 7 routers will come with, it does note the new modem routers support the upcoming NBN wholesale connection boosts, providing higher speeds for all when they’re rolled out in the coming weeks.
The system does come with an app, My Internet Connect, designed to help with mesh router placement and performance, built to help you get a handle on where to set up your network to improve the results.
There’s no immediate word on outright pricing, though Vodafone does note that the Super WiFi Modem and a single mesh booster is $0 over a two year plan, though you’ll need to spend at least $84 per month on Vodafone to get that, it seems.
