iCoach Lets You Access the ‘Net Anywhere

Christine Persaud - Market News
Published: 09/24/2009

iCoach, the latest product under the Tech Electronic Services roster, is marketed toward RV owners, but really it can be used by anyone who wants to tap into the Internet from virtually anywhere.

Through a partnership with Telus Mobility, the iCoach router works in partnership with a Telus USB AirCard to allow multiple users to connect online through the 3G wireless network, wherever 3G coverage is available. Connect the AirCard to the router, the 3-watt amplifier and antenna to the RV (or vehicle of any kind), and you're off to the races. The router itself powers up via a 12V adapter.

Of course, you'll require a data plan, which is available through Tech, ranging in price from $29/month for 500 MB of data to $99/month for 3GB of data use across North America (Canada and the U.S.), without roaming charges. With the latter plan, additional gigabytes can be purchased for $10-apiece.

A really neat feature of the system is the ability to, just as with cell phones like the iPhone or BlackBerry Bold, latch onto a free WiFi Hotspot where available to avoid unnecessarily using up valuable cellular data. For example, if you're connected on the road and pop into a McDonald's with free WiFi for lunch, search for the network on your computer, select the "WiFi" option in the router's management tool, enter a password if necessary, and you're now surfing WiFi until it's time to get back on the road again. When you are using cellular data, the unit has an integrated counter that continuously logs and monitors the account to ensure the allotted data amount isn't surpassed.

Smartphones have become so robust these days that most people use them to remain connected while on-the-go. But many people still have detailed work that requires a fuller-sized notebook or "netbook" to do. What's more, devices like the iCoach can be used to entertain the kids in the backseat on a road trip (e.g. to watch online videos or play online games). Tech Electronics' Bill Hill points out another popular application: campsites often rent the routers and AirCards to visitors, then log their usage (through the built-in counter) at the end of the trip and charge them on a per-kilobyte basis.

The 3G network is also becoming a viable option as a method for connecting online in the home, whether home means a rural area or big city. In many cases, 3G can be just as fast, if not faster, than traditional broadband. With the iCoach, the system can also be password-protected, allowing a parent to manually shut down a child's ‘Net access after bedtime (via the computer's MAC address), for example.

Those in rural areas, or even heavy travelers who reside in big cities, might look to devices like the iCoach to replace their at-home broadband services, since speeds can be comparable, if not even faster, than the traditional broadband network.

Additionally, accessories are available for the system, like a $10 cell phone patch that can be connected to the back of a cell phone to amplify its signal in weak areas. According to Hill, the patch can bump a half-bar signal to four full bars.

Tech Electronic Services handles all the billing and support for the iCoach system; the company has simply inked a deal with Telus to use its network and AirCards. Pricing will vary, but will generally fall under $1,000 for a full package, including AirCard, amplifier, and other necessary accessories. What's more, the retailer also has an opportunity to charge for installation.

Bill Hill of Tech Electronic Services demonstrates the new iCoach system that affords an instant Internet HotSpot via the 3G wireless network.