Airgain has expanded its AirgainConnect connectivity portfolio with the acquisition of the High Power User Equipment (HPUE) MegaFi® 2 and MegaGo® 2 product family from Nextivity. These HPUE solutions are designed to solve a fundamental limitation in cellular networks: uplink performance at the edge of coverage.
This adds another important option for organizations that need reliable wireless connectivity in places where standard cellular solutions can struggle, including remote areas, rural routes, dense urban environments, and other signal-challenged locations.
Key takeaways
- HPUE improves uplink performance, not just signal reception
- Standard devices often fail at the edge of coverage due to low transmit power
- HPUE devices can transmit up to 6x more power than standard cellular equipment
- This results in more reliable uploads, fewer dropped connections, and better real-time communication
- Airgain now supports and develops HPUE solutions following its acquisition from Nextivity
What is HPUE (High Power User Equipment)?
HPUE (High Power User Equipment) is a class of cellular device that improves uplink performance by transmitting at higher power levels than standard devices, enabling more reliable communication in weak or hard-to-reach coverage areas.
Cellular connectivity depends on both downlink (receiving data) and uplink (sending data). In many edge-of-coverage situations, a device can still download messages or data, but it does not have enough transmit power to respond, upload, or maintain stable two-way communication. This downlink-uplink imbalance is one of the main reasons connectivity can break down at the edge of coverage.
The new HPUE solutions operate as 3GPP Power Class 1 devices, allowing up to +31 dBm (1.25 watts) of output power, compared with +23 dBm (200 mW) for standard Power Class 3 devices. That added uplink power helps extend connectivity in harder-to-reach areas.
Why it Matters
HPUE solutions can deliver up to 6x the uplink power of standard cellular equipment. In practical terms, that can help organizations maintain more reliable voice and data connectivity in places where conventional devices often fall short.
Where HPUE improves connectivity:
- Rural and remote coverage areas
- Mountains, valleys, and wooded terrain
- Dense urban areas with building shadows
- Indoor spaces where signal penetration is limited
- Underground areas and elevators
These are exactly the kinds of environments where dropped or inconsistent connectivity can create operational headaches and, in some cases, real safety risks.
What This Acquisition Means for Existing HPUE Customers
Organizations currently using MegaFi 2 or MegaGo 2 devices will continue to operate without disruption.
Airgain now provides:
- Ongoing product support
- Continued product availability
- Future development of HPUE solutions
No changes are required for existing deployments.
Who Should Consider HPUE?
HPUE supports enterprise critical communications across mobile, fixed, and portable deployments. Common use cases include remote monitoring, data transmission, and employee communication and safety.
That makes the technology relevant for a broad set of organizations, including:
Public Safety and First Responders
HPUE was originally developed for mission-critical communications use cases. For first responders, stronger uplink performance can support communications, data sharing, and connectivity in rural areas or disrupted environments.
Utilities and Energy Providers
Field crews, remote equipment, and distributed infrastructure often operate across large geographic footprints where connectivity can be inconsistent. HPUE can help support more reliable field communications and data transmission across these environments.
Transportation, Logistics, and Field Services
Organizations that rely on connected fleets, mobile workers, and field-based operations need wireless systems that perform outside ideal coverage zones. HPUE helps support stronger connectivity for these distributed operations.
Enterprise, Institutional, and Industrial Environments
Large venues, campuses, medical facilities, industrial sites, and other complex environments can all present connectivity challenges related to building penetration, layout, or distance. HPUE provides another option for maintaining reliable voice and data connections in these settings.
Strengthening Airgain’s Connectivity Platform
With the addition of HPUE, Airgain expands its ability to deliver high-performance cellular connectivity solutions designed for real-world conditions — not just ideal coverage scenarios.
Combined with Airgain’s expertise in antennas, vehicle gateways, and edge connectivity systems, HPUE strengthens a broader strategy: delivering reliable, scalable connectivity across the full range of operating environments.
Read more information on Airgain HPUE solutions or contact [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions related to this article:
Why is uplink performance important?
Uplink enables devices to send data back to the network. Many applications — video, telemetry, communication — depend on strong uplink performance.
Will existing MegaFi 2 and MegaGo 2 devices still be supported?
Yes. Airgain continues to support, supply, and develop these HPUE solutions with no required changes for current users.
Is HPUE only for public safety networks?
No. While it originated in public safety, it is now widely applicable across enterprise, industrial, and commercial use cases.