Vodafone ‘secretly testing’ its fastest broadband upgrade to challenge first-of-its-kind boost from EE
Vodafone is developing a next-generation Wi-Fi router with faster and more reliable wireless speeds, according to whispers from inside the company. Rumours point to three new Wi-Fi routers and extenders on the horizon: Vodafone Ultra Hub 7 Fibre, Vodafone Super Wi-Fi 7, and Vodafone Ultra Hub 7.
As the name suggests, all of these devices would embrace the new Wi-Fi 7 standard. It offers faster wireless internet speeds, lower latency — especially useful when playing multiplayer and other fast-paced online tasks, and improved efficiency over previous standards. Theoretically, Wi-Fi 7 can achieve peak transfer speeds of up to 40-46Gbps, although real-world experiences will be considerably lower, with peaks of 5-6Gbps more realistic.
It also offers better handling in high-density environments, like apartment blocks and busy households with dozens of smart gadgets, like Wi-Fi-enabled lightbulbs, thermostats, and video doorbells.
Vodafone hasn’t confirmed plans to launch a Wi-Fi 7-enabled router, but the company has a history of embracing cutting-edge technologies for its customers. Vodafone became the first internet supplier in the UK to launch a 6E capable router, the UltraHub, which was bundled with its premium Pro II plans.
Unfortunately, Vodafone has quite managed to beat its rivals to the finish line this time around. Last month, BT-owned EE became the first nationwide broadband supplier to launch a Wi-Fi 7-equipped router, which will be included as a free upgrade on the most expensive internet packages.
If you’re not subscribed to the speediest full-fibre broadband plans, EE will let anyone switch to the all-singing, all-dancing new Wi-Fi router for an additional £10 per month.
Speaking at the launch, EE CEO Marc Allera said: “Wi-Fi 7 for the home is another first for EE customers, giving households higher speeds and better capacity to support devices in every corner of their home.”
EE is undoubtedly leading the way with Wi-Fi 7 adoption, other major UK broadband providers still need to catch-up. Rival Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, such as Sky, TalkTalk, and Plusnet continue to rely on ageing Wi-Fi 5 routers for all customers. Without an upgraded router, those with newer devices — like iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphones, or more recent laptops and tablets — will miss out on the faster wireless speeds supported by their gadgets.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Update to your Sky Q box will alter 12 popular channelsYou’ve been using passwords all wrongWhatsApp announces free upgrade to video callsMicrosoft confirms when ‘privacy nightmare’ AI screenshot tool will launchBest VPN deals
Based on the latest whispers, reported by ISPreview, Vodafone is targeting an early 2025 release for its Wi-Fi 7 kit. The company could opt for a staggered rollout, introducing the Ultra Hub 7 Fibre before other models.
When approached for comment, a Vodafone spokesperson told ISPreview: “We don’t have anything to say on that right now. We will continue to sell our Vodafone’s Pro II Plan, powered by Ultra Hub.”