This week, Motorola announced plans to sell wireless broadband modules that can be used in consumer electronics to provide wireless broadband connectivity.  These devices will include everything from laptops and netbooks to mp3 players and digital cameras.  As CNet’s Marguerite Reardon said in a piece on the news its basically any devices that, “can connect to the Internet using 3G HSPA networks, as well as 4G wireless networks using WiMax and LTE technologies.”

Why is this important?  Phil Goldstein from FierceWireless sums it up nicely, saying “The new strategy would mean that for the first time Motorola would be putting its proprietary wireless technology in other device manufacturers’ products and not just its own.” 

Given Motorola’s wireless struggles over the past few years, it’s no surprise that they are looking to shake things up.  The CNet article reminds us all that Motorola’s last huge success was the Razr cell phone – way back in 2004.  For the tech industry, that’s like centuries! 

It’s pretty clear now that one way or another – through LTE or mobile WiMAX – 4G is where the market is going.  Rather than pigeon-hole themselves with only their own devices, Motorola is working to expand its reach. 

In her article, Marguerite points out that Motorola isn’t the only company with the bright idea. Other companies, including Novatel and Sierra Wireless are also moving in the same direction. 

Overall, I think Motorola made some important steps with this week’s announcement – now they just have to deliver on the plans.  And get to market more quickly and with a better, more power efficient solution than the other players.

Do you agree with Motorola’s plans to power mobile devices other than their own technology?  What was the last Motorola device that you purchased and liked?  (Mine was a StarTAC – ok, now I’ve really dated myself!)