AT&T 3G MicroCell to offer unlimited iPhone calling for $20 extra

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Comments

  • Reply 41 of 63
    AT&T has been in Vermont as of January 2009.
  • Reply 42 of 63
    Usually these things can restrict service to a handfull of IMEIs.



    It would be nice if they integrated a SIP client into the iPhone and carrier side to allow for seamless wifi use as well. This type of thing is great where there is too much wifi congestion. You could end up with the same problem on these, as it is more of a cowboy approach to a solution when deployed in high-density areas.



    BTW, it is a femtocell, not a microcell. Microcells and usually picocells are carrier equipment installed in a private location, whereas femtocells are consumer equipment operating on carrier-licensed spectrum.



    True microcells are what AT&T needs to be using, to expand their own network to cover their customers.
  • Reply 43 of 63
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by philweb View Post


    Why can't AT&T allow iPhones to operate over wifi with built-in voip? People would be able to use their phones in remote locations where service is unreliable/not available and it would reduce strain on their network considerably.



    I would like to see Apple build a nationwide network using an Airport Express-like device. Imagine if Apple included one with every iPhone purchased. They would have tens of millions of microcells around the country. I know, it is far fetched.
  • Reply 44 of 63
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dogcow View Post


    The network is expanded quickly and efficiently, in the areas that need it most, people are happy, AT&T doesn't have to spend million rolling out huge towers, what am I missing?



    These devices don't expand the network. Use of each device is restricted to phones you allow, so other AT&T users don't benefit. If we all put these in and anyone could piggyback off them--that would expand the network.
  • Reply 45 of 63
    al_bundyal_bundy Posts: 1,525member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Johnny Mozzarella View Post


    I would like to see Apple build a nationwide network using an Airport Express-like device. Imagine if Apple included one with every iPhone purchased. They would have tens of millions of microcells around the country. I know, it is far fetched.



    the coverage would suck and you would have problems like routing the traffic
  • Reply 46 of 63
    Very limited roll out so far, I think only available in Charlotte NC - I'm also in NC and it is not available for me



    http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3gmicrocell/
  • Reply 47 of 63
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Winston Wolf View Post


    I understand the network is weak in certain areas, and this device seems to address that problem. What I don't understand is paying extra for this. Am I missing something here?



    1) You pay your internet provider.

    2) You pay AT&T your normal monthly service contract.

    3) You buy this device.

    4) You pay $20 extra on top of your normal monthly service contract.



    It's 3 and 4 I don't get. You're basically creating internet traffic, right? I suppose AT&T is still routing phone calls to and from this device, but that should be covered under your monthly service contract. So I pay $20 a month for a strong signal while decreasing the burden on AT&T's network?



    How does this work if we lose network neutrality? I am sure Comcast is going to be just fine propping up AT&T's network... when they sell their own VoIP service.



    It is free if you want to use your current minutes. Up to $20 a month for a unlimited plan. re-read the article.
  • Reply 48 of 63
    nagrommenagromme Posts: 2,834member
    So, AT&T doesn't want you overloading their "unlimited" bandwidth with too much video, tethering, MMS, VOIP, etc.--unless you pay them extra at least. And yet, they're happy to use your ISP's bandwidth! And even collect $20...
  • Reply 49 of 63
    According to an AT&T rep in Charlotte, the MicroCell costs $150 and service is free (heck, you're saving AT&T money by using it) unless you sign up for AT&T's "unlimited talk" option, which gives you unlimited minutes of calling over your microcell. That costs an extortionate $20/month, though it also gets you a rebate on your device.

    full article:

    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2353078,00.asp
  • Reply 50 of 63
    razorpitrazorpit Posts: 1,796member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by al_bundy View Post


    if they gave them out for free then people who don't need them would still order one just to have it and a lot of the probably wouldn't plug them in



    I thought the same thing at first, but then I realized, AT&T knows where there coverage issues. They should send them out to those customers ASAP for free.
  • Reply 51 of 63
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by razorpit View Post


    I thought the same thing at first, but then I realized, AT&T knows where there coverage issues. They should send them out to those customers ASAP for free.



    Well, sort of. Any wireless carrier knows where their towers are at and based on general info of the area (hills, valleys, trees, buildings, etc), they know where some of their weak spots *might* be. However, they really don't know that when you stand in your living room, facing east, that you have a problem unless you tell them.



    Free would be nice for those situations.
  • Reply 52 of 63
    solipsismsolipsism Posts: 25,726member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    That's something like what I was thinking, but not with a hub, just one eth jack to the cable modem or DSL box, one to the router. If you connect it between the router and the internet connection, and it did its own QoS, you could get around the big download problem.



    Here is the PDF manual. Starting at page 7 there are three options to choose from. if you have a computer with no router you just plug in the MicroCell between the modem and PC or you can have your router before or after the MicroCell. Your choice. At least that well enough to include that option.
    My only other concern is if my ISP will have issues with this or if AT&T will be able to get the packets from the MicroCell to have a higher priority since it?s VoIP. I?d wager that they won?t but I?ll still keep my fingers crossed.
  • Reply 53 of 63
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Winston Wolf View Post


    I understand the network is weak in certain areas, and this device seems to address that problem. What I don't understand is paying extra for this. Am I missing something here?



    1) You pay your internet provider.

    2) You pay AT&T your normal monthly service contract.

    3) You buy this device.

    4) You pay $20 extra on top of your normal monthly service contract.



    It's 3 and 4 I don't get. You're basically creating internet traffic, right? I suppose AT&T is still routing phone calls to and from this device, but that should be covered under your monthly service contract. So I pay $20 a month for a strong signal while decreasing the burden on AT&T's network?



    How does this work if we lose network neutrality? I am sure Comcast is going to be just fine propping up AT&T's network... when they sell their own VoIP service.



    Okay, so it looks like the $20 monthly fee is for the unlimited calling only. And there were some net neutrality announcements today, so maybe in the long run this seems like a useful device.
  • Reply 54 of 63
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by solipsism View Post


    Here is the PDF manual. Starting at page 7 there are three options to choose from. if you have a computer with no router you just plug in the MicroCell between the modem and PC or you can have your router before or after the MicroCell. Your choice. At least that well enough to include that option.
    My only other concern is if my ISP will have issues with this or if AT&T will be able to get the packets from the MicroCell to have a higher priority since it?s VoIP. I?d wager that they won?t but I?ll still keep my fingers crossed.



    Thankfully, it's only an intellectual curiosity for me. I just use a cellular repeater with a well-placed outdoor antenna. Cell calls don't touch my computer network. The main reason I need it is the metal siding on the building.
  • Reply 55 of 63
    solipsismsolipsism Posts: 25,726member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    Thankfully, it's only an intellectual curiosity for me. I just use a cellular repeater with a well-placed outdoor antenna. Cell calls don't touch my computer network. The main reason I need it is the metal siding on the building.



    I?m not familiar with those. Do they work for AT&T and do they work well inside your home, too? can you link me to a site that sells a good one at a reasonable price?
  • Reply 56 of 63
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by solipsism View Post


    I?m not familiar with those. Do they work for AT&T and do they work well inside your home, too? can you link me to a site that sells a good one at a reasonable price?



    What networks depends on what version you buy. This one gets all but Nextel:



    http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...u=186639000090



    That's the model I bought, from the company I bought it from.



    There are cheaper ones from that brand, but I don't know which one works with AT&T everywhere.



    The repeater works by routing an antenna outside and placing the base station indoors.
  • Reply 57 of 63
    I tried the Wi-Ex zBoost YX510 and it did not work at all for me, I think the signal outside was just too weak. So if you do not get reception on your phone outside your house then the booster will likely also not work. I bought mine from Amazon, they have a very nice and easy return policy.



    The micro cell is the only solution for me - currently I have a Verizon phone and an iPhone, this will eliminate that - although in my preferred world iPhone would also work on Verizon, an I could eliminate ATT instead...
  • Reply 58 of 63
    If you only pay us a little more, we'll gladly take you the rest of the way across the lake. No wonder the FCC is getting all radical regulatory on us, corporate bad boys like AT&T are making it necessary.



    The Telcos act as though they own the Internet and the airwaves. They don't, and if they don't remember that, then I suppose it is inevitable that that bunch of socialists in the White House are eventually going to try to nationalize them. By their greed the corporatists will have had it coming.



    Tragically, it is the average Joe who will be the looser in the end, because a truly competitive free-market system (not what we have today) really is what most benefits the consumer.
  • Reply 59 of 63
    solipsismsolipsism Posts: 25,726member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JeffDM View Post


    What networks depends on what version you buy. This one gets all but Nextel:



    http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...u=186639000090



    That's the model I bought, from the company I bought it from.



    There are cheaper ones from that brand, but I don't know which one works with AT&T everywhere.



    The repeater works by routing an antenna outside and placing the base station indoors.



    My brother gets no bars in his home and out side he gets 1 bar, maybe two depending on the weather, on EDGE. Do you think this will benefit him or should he just hold out for the MicroCell, which I think AT&T will make available fairly quickly? What was you service like in and outside before you bought the device?



    PS: Thanks for this useful information.
  • Reply 60 of 63
    jeffdmjeffdm Posts: 12,951member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by allotrope View Post


    I tried the Wi-Ex zBoost YX510 and it did not work at all for me, I think the signal outside was just too weak. So if you do not get reception on your phone outside your house then the booster will likely also not work. I bought mine from Amazon, they have a very nice and easy return policy.



    Quote:
    Originally Posted by solipsism View Post


    My brother gets no bars in his home and out side he gets 1 bar, maybe two depending on the weather, on EDGE. Do you think this will benefit him or should he just hold out for the MicroCell, which I think AT&T will make available fairly quickly? What was you service like in and outside before you bought the device?



    Outdoor reception depended on the weather and position, generally three bars near ground level. I occasionally got one or two dots inside, there were several drop-dead zones. After the installation, the same areas indoors are generally 4-5 bars.



    If you never get service outdoors, then that reduces the likelihood of a repeater working. Two advantages a repeater would have over a cell phone are a higher gain antenna and more favorable reception position. My antenna is higher than most vegetation and is positioned in a line of sight with the applicable tower. If you're willing to get even more involved, you can get a higher gain antenna on the outside end, pointed towards the nearest appropriate tower:



    http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...39000212&mc=07



    Quote:

    PS: Thanks for this useful information.



    No problem.



    I think in the situation you described may well be best served with the MicroCell, I don't know. You need to weigh the pros and cons of both approaches.
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