Thrifty customers get portable internet option

The palm-sized battery-powered 3G device will connect customers to Vodafone’s 3G network and provide up to five hours of mobile usage.

Thrifty Car Rental customers can now buy a 3G device to provide WiFi connectivity on the move while travelling around the country.

The palm-sized battery-powered 3G device will connect customers to Vodafone’s 3G network and provide up to five hours of mobile usage.

Upto five devices can be connected at any point, and access up to 150MB of data for every 24 hours, at a cost $12.50. During July, the company is offering the service at a 50 per cent discount, at a rate of $6.25 per day.

Customers can purchase an additional 150MB for $9.95+GST once they reach their data limit.

Thrifty's GM Emma said, “Having reliable, fast access to the internet has become an essential tool for international visitors. Previously this has been a challenge. Having a Hotspot will mean visitors can surf the net for travel info - where to eat, stay, visit, as well as catch up on social media, Skype home, download and play anywhere on their journey. It will also be useful for those doing business in New Zealand.

“With the exception of a few remote places, such as National Parks, which don’t have mobile internet coverage the Hotspots will provide internet access to almost all New Zealand destinations. It is also a lot faster than the internet access at many New Zealand hotels.”

The devices will be available from Auckland Airport, Auckland City, Wellington Airport, Wellington City, Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport and Queenstown City locations.

The software behind the Hotspot technology was developed by New Zealand’s Idataroam (IDR), owned by Wellington based Liverton Technology Group.