Vodafone, Linksys and Cisco Systems today announce the launch of the 3G / UMTS Router, a new product that provides high speed mobile data connectivity for teams working on the move. 

The 3G / UMTS Router enables teams of up to five people to use the wireless LAN capability already built in to most laptop computers to access high speed mobile data services provided by the Vodafone 3G network.

This highly portable, cost effective and simple to use product is ideal for businesses in sectors such as accountancy, construction or media who regularly have teams working together away from their main office and who need easy access through their laptop to high speed internet services or corporate applications. 

The 3G / UMTS WLAN Router combines the Linksys WRT54G3G Wireless-G Router, which provides Wireless LAN coverage for users, and the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data card.

The 3G / UMTS Router is being launched in Spain today and will be introduced in Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden and the UK over the coming weeks. Launches in other countries will follow in due course.

"The 3G / UMTS Router makes it even easier and more cost effective for teams on the move to work anywhere as though they were in the office." said Peter Bamford, Chief Marketing Officer, Vodafone Group.  "Vodafone is already the leading provider of high speed mobile data to business and this initiative coupled with our simple, predictable and transparent data pricing means we are better placed than ever to meet the mobile data needs of our business customers"

"Mobile communications is changing the face of business, and organisations that deploy mobile solutions will reap the greatest competitive advantage," commented Charlie Giancarlo, President of Cisco-Linksys and Chief Development Officer at Cisco Systems. "Cisco's collaboration with Vodafone is an example of how leaders in mobility can combine technology and know-how to take products and services to market more quickly and bring true value to end users."

In addition to providing instant group access to networks, email and the Internet the 3G / UMTS Router allows additional devices, such as printers, to be connected using Ethernet or 802.11g wireless connections. It is designed to be quick and easy to set up, just plug in and go.

The 3G / UMTS Router is a highly secure mobile wireless solution that can be taken almost anywhere.  Internet and network access is secured through Wi-Fi Protected Access(TM) and powerful SPI firewall protection, even when using the wireless connection.

Press Contacts:

Vodafone 
Jon Earl
+44 7784 000333
jon.earl@vodafone.com

Cisco Systems
Andrew Phillips
+44 7767222323
andphill@cisco.com

Linksys
Angela Hepburn
+33 1 58 04 33 42
ahepburn@cisco.com


Industry Analyst Contacts:

Vodafone 
Janine Young
+44 7771 775318
janine.young@vodafone.com

Cisco Systems
Michal Halama
+44 781 024 5387
mhalama@cisco.com

About Vodafone
Vodafone is the world’s largest mobile community with over 165 million proportionate customers, equity interests in 27 countries and Partner Network Agreements in a further 14 countries.

About Linksys
Founded in 1988, Linksys, a Division of Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the recognized leader in Voice, Wireless and Ethernet networking hardware for consumer, SOHO and small business users. Linksys is dedicated to making networking easy and affordable for its customers, offering innovative, award-winning products that seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and applications.  Linksys provides award-winning product support to its customers. For more information, visit www.linksys.com/uk
 
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, last year celebrated 20 years of commitment to technology innovation, industry leadership and corporate social responsibility. Information on Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com. Cisco equipment in Europe is supplied by Cisco Systems International BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc

Note to editors: In addition to the cost of the 3G / UMTS Router, customers will need a 3G/GPRS tariff from their local Vodafone or Partner Network service provider.  Extended access options using the Vodafone 3G / GPRS network are also possible.