Were you asking about that black tech device I used in Germany? Today I’ll tell you what it is, how it works and if it is really worth!
First of all: what is a Wifi hotspot? What is it for?
A WiFi hotspot (also known as “portable” WiFi router or “MiFi” or “mobile hotspot”) is a device to use on the move, perfect for travel. Using mobile networks available locally, this device lets you create your own WiFi network and connect various devices with a unique connection, just like with your ADSL network at home.
Skyroam: the Wifi hotspot that gives you connection wherever you are
Skyroam uses a virtual SIM: just turn on the device and it automatically connects to the network. Wherever you are. Or at least, if you’re traveling in one of the 100 Countries (and beyond, you can verify online) in which the US startup has an agreement with local telephone operators.
Technically, Skyroam has no SIM. It has a 2900 mAh battery, which allows the device to last 6/8 hours. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, purse or backpack and connect 5 devices, such as: tablet, iphone, smartphones, e-book reader, etc. It is simple to use: through the touchscreen you can browse a simple menu in order to display the access point name and password and to activate daily passes for the traffic that give you a 24-hour Internet connection.
For those who want all the numbers on the technical characteristics:
- 802.11 b/g/n
- HSPA 850/900/1900//WCDMA +: 2100 MHz (3 g/4 g)
- Edge/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz: (2 g)
- Maximum download speed: 42 Mbps
- Maximum speed upload: 21 Mbps
- Battery: 8 hours of use, 123 hours of standby time
- Micro-USB for charging
Skyroam performance are excellent: where there’s network, it works perfectly, with no problems, even with 5 devices connected at the same time and without slowing down the connection. Every daypass allows access to high speed global network (HSPA +), with speeds up to a hybrid 3G/4G (depending on local data networks). However there is a limit: if within 24 hours there is high traffic (over 500 MB), the connection is reduced to a speed of 2G, still great for email, web browsing, social media, apps, messaging and calls with WiFi. High speed data will be restored with the next global daypass. Skyroam is not optimized for video services like YouTube, Netflix or other heavy streaming activities.
[FinalTilesGallery id=’1′]Skyroam: how much does it cost?
Skyroam offers two options: buy or rent. If you travel often abroad it is better to purchase the device (even on Amazon.it): in this case the day passes (24 hours of unlimited internet connection) cost $8 each. If travelling shortly, perhaps only in summer, there is the rental option, where you will pay $9.95 per day.
Skyroam: a portable Wifi even after the EU roaming law?
Skyroam is a product for frequent travelers and especially for destinations where domestic operators have not particularly advantageous agreements.
Does it make sense after the latest regulations on roaming in Europe? This depends on your operator and especially on your calling plan. And also it depends on the use of your smartphone: if you are always connected, if you make lots of live or many Stories, if you upload many files to Dropbox, surely your data plan might not be enough. Extras-threshold, even in Europe, cost quite relevant, so it is advisable to have your Skyroam and connect with no worries!
Where to buy Skyroam?
Skyroam is available for purchase at Amazon.it (http://amzn.to/2ubyPKq), on Lufthansa (https://www.worldshop.eu/it/product/Skyroam-Hotspot-3-Wi-Fi-Day-Pass/1749686?p=6Uckb5JgQ5w) and on the official website of Skyroam )
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