AT&T’s femtocell solution - MicroCell is on the way (Phone Arena News)

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AT&T’s femtocell solution - MicroCell is on the way

AT&T’s femtocell solution - MicroCell is on the way

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Published on: 26 January, 2009 by PhoneArena Team

AT&T’s femtocell solution - MicroCell is on the way

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Just like the rest of the leading carriers, AT&T is going to launch its femtocell solution. A lot of information about the nature of the MicroCell technology, as well as its requirements has been published officially. AT&T MicroCell is the equivalent of T-Mobile’s HotSpot @Home, Sprint’s AIRAVE and Verizon’s Wireless Network Extender, but the main difference is that it comes with 3G support. It acts like a mini cellular tower that you can place in your home or workplace, providing you with higher signal strength. It is designed to support up to 10 3G-capable wireless phones. You’ll get better performance for both ordinary voice calls and data applications for up to four simultaneous users.

To operate with the AT&T MicroCell you’ll need to have a wireless phone/device, broadband service over DSL or cable and a computer with internet in order to register online. Unfortunately, the price is still unknown.

source: AT&T via BGR

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pcwizpcwiz @ 26 January, 2009 10:42:37 AM

I don't know but the VZW and ATT offering sounds like a ripoff. I am not touting T-Mobile but their UMA implimentation seems like the best choice for the consumers.

* It works anywhere there is WIFI not just where you bought a $250 femtocell.
* it costs $10/month (less if adding as a family 4 pack) not $250 flat fee.
* any minutes used while on a VZW femtocell come out of your regular pool of minutes. I am sure that with ATT it is the same. With Tmobile if you pay the $10/month all your WIFI calls are free.

So the only benefit to this I can see is to increase signal strengh in your house. Great - take the onus off the carrier and put it on the consumer to fork over $250 to fix the carriers reception problem.

I think they should give them away as it takes the burden off of their overtaxed networks and could keep a consumer with them despite lousy service at home.

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brikz4real @ 26 January, 2009 06:37:34 PM

I like all the carrier solutions but I don't see VZW or ATT being a ripoff.

* The network extender with VZW is all you pay for. It works in fringe areas where there is little signal, no matter where you have wifi. It also supports GPS.

* There is NO monthly fee with the VZW solution. All you pay for is the equipment.

* It's a network extender. All it does is "extend" the network, so yeah...the same rules of your plan still apply. VZW to VZW calls are still free whether you use this device or not. It's like saying all my calls should be free because I stuck an antennae on my car's windshield.

Increasing signal is the only benefit, but hell, ... what a benefit!!!! I know the carriers should put towers in places that struggle for signal but that's easier said than done. I've spoken to a lot of people in the industry and there a lot of things to deal with to get towers in those areas..... demographics, politics, zoning, where to put it ( tops of churches, buildings, mountains, fake trees, etc. ).... not to mention the votes of the locals who worry about the radiation frying their brains. Verizon already bought the 700mhz airwave spectrum for 9.6 billion in the FCC's auction last year. That will allow for the signal to reach further and penetrate steel structures. They haven't implemented it yet because they plan on launching it around the same time LTE goes into action. Ironically, AT&T will use LTE around the same time.

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ruhhablessab @ 26 January, 2009 11:02:01 PM

i think its a rip off... why dont you spend your money AND OURS improving current service instead of charging us more to have the coverage that we originally pay monthly bills for.... Not Diggin it!!

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+1
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DonLouie @ 27 January, 2009 01:20:58 AM

The thing about these devices is they give you service were don't have it, home no matter where it is sucks for most people

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ruhhablessab @ 27 January, 2009 01:52:21 PM

yeah i i know, these devices have been around for ever. they have them on ebay i have considered buying one for years but never done so. i think the amount of money spent developing this and creating the box it could be spent strengthening the towers or whatever... thats just my opinion. i do see where its helpful like in my basement theres no signal etc... its not totally bad... but i think the time and money can be spent elsewhere...

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