Telular’s Wi-Path SX7 Terminal Lets You Expand Your Phone’s Broadband

As we predicted, sharing your phone’s broadband connection is shaping up to be a theme here at at CTIA Wireless. Telular’s announcement today of the Wi-Path SX7 is just one example of the trend. Like we saw with the Taproot Walking HotSpot, the Telular Wi-Path lets you share your phone’s connection with other devices. However, Telular uses a router as a means to the end.

The Wi-PATH SX7 Terminal and Modem hub looks like a wireless router. However, instead of getting connectivity from a hard-lined Internet connection, you can plug your SIM card into the box. The SX7 then lets you simultaneously use analog and digital communication devices over a single broadband wireless network. You can plug an analog cordless phone into the box and make calls over your cell phone’s number and network. You can also connect your laptop to the box over the wireless connection or with an Ethernet cord and bring your SIM’s mobile broadband connectivity to your laptop. In essence, it extends the range of cellular coverage around your house or office.

The idea is cool in theory, but we’re wondering who is going to pull their SIM card out of their phone to spread that connectivity? Why not just pair it via Bluetooth? I am also wary, as I’ve said before, about the wireless carriers agreeing to this type of service. Most wireless providers cap their “unlimited” 3G data plans at 5GB for a single user so why would they let their customers turn their phones into hotspots for multiple surfers at the same time? Either way, the Wi-Path is definitely a new type of cell phone accessory. Stay tuned for our hands-on.