Engadget is reporting that AT&T has started a “public trial” of 3G MicroCell service in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 3G MicroCell service will allow wireless subscribers to utilize their home Internet connection for enhanced voice and data coverage.
AT&T is the last of the big 4 U.S. carriers to offer such a device to its customers.
Back in February, there were hints that iPhone might support AT&T's MicroCell service. Here is AT&T’s explanation of the 3G MicroCell service:
"AT&T 3G MicroCell acts like a mini cellular tower in your home or small business environment. It connects to AT&T's network via your existing broadband internet service (such as DSL or cable) and is designed to support up to 10 3G capable wireless phones in a home or small business setting. With AT&T 3G MicroCell, you receive improved cellular signal performance for both voice calls and cellular data applications, like picture messaging and surfing the web for up to 4 simultaneous users."
The service will cost up to $19.99 per month for unlimited minutes, although users with either AT&T home phone or Internet service will be charged $9.99 per month and those with both home phone and Internet service from AT&T will be able to utilize the 3G MicroCell service for free. In addition to the monthly cost, the 3G MicroCell device will cost $150. However, AT&T has just started a “public trial” so I’m assuming the pricing is also part of the trial and the final decision on pricing for the full rollout is yet to be made.
Let's compare it with other carriers (courtesy Engadget):
- Sprint's Airave runs $4.99 a month, but they'll give it to you for free if the alternative canceling your service. Unlimited use is $10 a month.
- Verizon charges nothing once you buy the unit, though there's no unlimited calling option available.
- T-Mobile offers unlimited calling through its WiFi-based HotSpot@Home service for $9.99 a month.
The service will be quite useful if you have poor 3G coverage at home or office but as Kevin Tofel over at jkOnTheRun correctly points out:
“you’re paying the carrier extra money each month because they can’t provide you service that you’re already paying for. They benefit from the decreased traffic on the rest of their network. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — instead of charging consumers $5, $10 or $20 a month for femtocell use, they should instead be crediting customers that amount to help with their coverage and network issues.”
What do you think?
[via Engadget]
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screw that. Ill take one. But im not paying extra to use my internet to make a phone call so they can free up their 3g network. If they didn't charge extra a month id sign up for one.
Yeah what a crock… AT&T still has no 3G service in my area and I managed to talk them down from $30 to $20 a month for my 3G[S] data plan. I would again demand a reduced rate if I had to resort to this MicroCell "service" just to get better coverage. AT&T is very responsive when you threaten to unlock your iPhone ;D
screw that!!!!
we are pay to mush as it is and they should provide this as part of any standard plan…
Wait, what does unlimited use mean? Use the MicroCell for an unlimited amount of time? Or, if you are using it, the phone you are using it doesn't get clocked for minutes while using the MicroCell and not the overall network?
If the former, you are still getting charged minutes, this sucks. If the latter, awesomesauce for people who use the cell as their primary phone and want to use it at home.
Looks to like another way to rape there subscribers who are already paying for services they can't and probably never will be able to access it should be free especally to those in areas that have lousey service and or no 3G service at all. I have been with ATT for 15 years and am about tired of paying out the nose for things they can't or won't offer in my area. So to me just another way to rape the consumer shame on you ATT you money grubbing basterds. Just my two cents.
I would not pay or have any part in this it's stupid and wrong
ur right they should pay us if we use something like that
in a diff subject, the 25 of this month we supposed to get mms right?
N e one know how AT&T plans on putting it in our phones? Like a new os?
i think it's going to be in the form of a carrier update. kind of like when you injected the files or downloaded one for the mms and tethering hack. this time it will be legal and legit and itunes will ask you to update the next time you sync your iphone on or after the 25th.
wat if u have a unlimited plan like i do then y would i get something that would just pay them more money for nothing???? THEY ARE NOT THINKING!!!!!!!!
Man, wondering y is AT&T always Behinnd time, well, we had this for about 2 1/2 to 3 years back in singapore, and yes, they charge us extra S$19. but for unlimited calls and also to any free wireless access point, like mcdonalds and starhub . its overall worth i guess since its only 19, even for landline only cost S$3 for the same function. but nt aa bad move AT&T, well looking forward for our 1Gbps internet all round singapore then. its in upgrade process.. luckily everything is cheap in here.
good day.
Hmmm….. What a great deal. I pay $30/m for TXTmsg, I pay $80/m for voice, I pay $30 for unlimited 3G bandwidth. Now I have to pay additional $20 to reduce their 3G and voice bandwidths?
Can I pay additional $200 to not use AT&T service ever?
This is called AT&T support plan.
You've said it all but @ Muttur, that was very funny but i like that "AT&T Support Plan" nicely said. Many reasons why i left AT&T a long time ago. THEY SUCK BALLS!!!
This is horse shit! Just Saying!
Schools or other public places get paid (by carriers) to use their space/land to build cell towers, but we the customers, who are already paying too much for sub-par reception, have to pay more so that AT&T fix their problem of weak/no reception while collecting more money from us? This unheard of a win-win situation is one where both "win's" go to AT&T.
Indeed, Interesting post. I really enjoy reading. Thanks.
I dont pay mush…LOL
YES I DONT PAY MUSH EITHER…BUT I MY SLED DOGS MUSH ALL DAY! HAHAHA
I DONT KNOW WHAT THIS ILLITERATE IS TRYING TO COMMUNICATE…GUESS SINGAPORE DOESNT TEACH ENGLISH VERY WELL
I GUESS IM JUST REPEATING WHATS BEEN SAID. WHY WOULD I PAY TO IMPROVE MY SERVICE OR DE-CONGEST ATT'S NETWORK? THEY SHOULD GIVE ME THE SYSTEM FOR FREE AND GIVE ME A DISCOUNT ON MY PHONE BILL FOR DE-CONGESTING THE NETWORK. IF ANY ATT EXECUTIVE READS THIS. PLEASE ANSWER WHY WOULD I PAY TO IMPROVE THE NETWORK?
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