The Access Gateway device launched by Vodafone, some time back was one that allowed the consumers to dramatically boost their internet access signal by simply plugging a box to their home or business broadband internet line.

Last day, Vodafone, one of the five prominent mobile broadband operators in the United Kingdom has repacked its Access Gateway device as Vodafone Sure Signal. This device designed by Sagem would not allow mobile broadband customers belonging to any ISPs other than Vodafone to access internet through it, although it is compatible with any other 3G handset.

The Vodafone broadband customers on price plans of GBP 25 and above can get the Sure Signal device for GBP 50, as those customers of the ISP on price plans below GBP 25, would need to pay GBP 120 for the device. Further, the users must have at least a 1Mbps broadband line, and it is best advised to have a fixed-line broadband connection instead of a mobile broadband connection.

Meanwhile, a confirmation has come from the chief executive for the UK at Vodafone, Guy Laurence that Sure Signal would be an exclusive device for serving Vodafone customers, who would enjoy a guaranteed coverage. He added that thirty two handsets could be registered on it and four could be operated at a time, which makes it a remarkable device in the office.

The two flip-sides of the Sure Signal are; firstly the device cannot be unlocked at the completion of the contract period, and then there is one question that when the service is provided to all Vodafone customers, what would be the fate of the MVNOs of Vodafone? Nontheless, the move from Vodafone could obviously trigger a femtocell revolution in the United Kingdom.

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