(iTers News) - NETGEAR, Inc. announced today that it has launched its first unlocked version of a 4G LTE mobile hotspot device available in Europe. The NETGEAR AirCard 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot (AC762S) enables anyone on the go to access a WiFi connection powered by 4G LTE/Dual-Carrier HSPA+ speeds. Whether using a laptop, tablet, smartphone, Kindle, game console or digital camera, you can experience the fastest network speeds available for a more seamless mobile experience.

The AirCard Mobile Hotspot is a high performance 4G LTE device that supports up to 10 simultaneous WiFi connections, providing ample support for commuters, mobile workers, students, travelers, a work team carrying multiple connected devices into the field, and families looking to expand their Internet capabilities at home or on the go. It can even serve as a replacement for your broadband connection in a secondary home. It also supports 2G and 3G networks to provide continuous connectivity in geographical areas where 4G LTE is not yet available.

Previously available only through telecommunications operators as part of a mobile broadband service subscription package, an unlocked version of the AirCard Mobile Hotspot is now available in France, Germany, Italy and the U.K., expanding to additional European countries in the future. An unlocked device frees you to choose a wireless provider of your choice and to change providers at your will, without any long-term service contract. You can simply buy the data plan that best fits your lifestyle or work needs, plug in your SIM card, and begin using the AirCard Mobile Hotspot.

“The expectation to be connected at all times is revolutionizing the way people live and how businesses operate,” said David Henry, vice president of product management for NETGEAR Retail Business. “Whether you’re at work or at play, our AirCard 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot makes it possible to enjoy the same seamless experience of fast downloads and smooth streaming regardless of your location.”

In under a minute, your WiFi devices can connect on the go to the built-in 802.11b/g/n wireless access point. Supporting download speeds up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps, the maximum speed of the AirCard Mobile Hotspot varies by operating environment and your operator’s network capacity. The fast network speed enables a noticeably smoother experience with data-heavy applications such as HD video streaming, file transfer and networked gaming. It offers a shared microSD slot so you can add an SD memory card in order to centrally store and share files among your wireless devices.

Setup of the NETGEAR AirCard Mobile Hotspot is supremely easy, as there’s no software to install and most settings are pre-configured for Europe’s most common telecommunications networks. You can connect additional devices with the push of a button. The LCD screen displays real-time information for monitoring the connected WiFi devices, battery life, network name, data usage, and more. You can conveniently (and remotely) manage the Mobile Hotspot through the free AirCard App for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as for the Kindle.

The NETGEAR AirCard 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot (AC762S) is available in Europe through major retail stores and online at an MSRP starting at 149.90 euros in Germany, France and Italy or 129.99 GBP in United Kingdom.