AT&T recently announced their first iteration of a Femtocell. For those of you unfamiliar with this term, it is basically a cell tower in your living room. So if you are tired of standing in the corner of the bathroom to make a call, or have a sore arm from walking around like you have the Power of Greyskull in your hand, you might want to check this out. When I visited the site again for some additional information it was set to “Maintenance In Progress”. Hopefully this means they are getting ready to release some additional details and pricing information. Here are the details I was able to find.
What is an AT&T 3G MicroCell™?
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.
Device Features:
* Enhanced coverage indoors - supports both voice and data up to 5000 square feet.
* Available unlimited minute plans - Individual or Family Plan.
* 3G handset compatible - works with any AT&T 3G Phone.
* Up to 4 simultaneous voice or data users supported.
* Device is secure - cannot be accessed by unauthorized users, easy and secure online management of device settings
* Seamless call hand-over - start calls on your 3G MicroCell and continue uninterrupted even if you leave the building.
Device Requirements:
* 3G wireless phone/device
* Broadband service over DSL or cable
* Computer with internet access for online registration
Additional Information:
* Installing your device near a window is strongly recommended to ensure access to Global Positioning System (GPS). A GPS link is needed to verify the device location during the initial startup.
* The 3G MicroCell device is portable. The device may be moved, provided the new location is within the AT&T authorized service area and properly registered online
February 5th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
So…um….who would use this with the caps that are going into place? How much bandwidth will it take to make a call?
Shouldn’t they be paying people to put this up?
February 5th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
What a con. So I’m supposed to pay AT&T even more money just to get decent reception? I can understand getting this if you are in a rural area that has spooty coverage, but if you live in a city, isn’t is their job to put up more towers in areas that need the coverage?
February 5th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Way to have an EXPLOSION OF CANCER in your living room
ZOMBIES ARE ON THEIR WAY !!
TADAAA!!!
February 5th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
It’s already proven that cell towers cause cancer, and now they want to put one in my living room? No thanks.
February 5th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
If they are going to pay me to use my bandwidth so that their phones work better at my house, GREAT! I am not paying a cent, either in up front or monthly costs, for a device that benefits them.
February 5th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
i dont think any of the above posters understands this technology what-so-ever
it’s voice-over-IP, numbnuts. It’s the same thing as the “airrave” for sprint…..just connects to WIFI spot and uses voice over IP (just like non-cancerous skype) and then switches signal to a TOWER once you leave the area.
AT&T cannot garuntee signals to penetrate a BUILDING….just because you have coverage does not mean it will penetrate the walls of your house….this supliments that….most people that dont have coverage with at&T wont get coverage with anybody else either and need this…..if you’re in an urban area, you probably have coverage.
this does not use AT&T’s internet….it will use your ISP AT HOME’S bandwidth….this should be obvious by the description…..so the 5 gig softcap has nothing to do with this what-so-ever
February 5th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Oh, my I can’t believe the comments. It’s a repeater, it takes the existing signal being sent by the main tower and increases the signal to cover areas of your house that may or may not have good reception.
Reply to bruce : there is no such thing as unlimited wireless Internet being offered by the major telecoms. Despite the advertising a 5GB cap exist and they restrict what protocols work on the taxpayer subsidized networks they operate.
February 6th, 2009 at 11:22 am
@chris: I think you need to read the article again. It says nothing about WiFi or 802.11. It does specify 3G. That isn’t WiFi. So, my reading…it limits connectivity to AT&T 3G phones and uses your ISP’s bandwidth to correct their shitty 3G coverage as other posters have said.
YMMV
April 15th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
After reading this article, I just feel that I need more information on the topic. Can you suggest some resources please?