AT&T Tries, Fails To Justify 3G Cap-Eating Microcell > Lazy

Lazy

That was my thought. Either they simply figure they can score a few million extra off of users not aware they're using 3G instead of Wi-Fi, or they simply can't figure out how to differentiate the billing here and don't want to admit as much...

reply to iLive4Fusion
Yeah, I'd too guess it's a design flaw at some layer and they are too lazy to fix it.

reply to Karl Bode

reply to xenophon

reply to Karl Bode
Or they want the Microcell to fail so they can 'prove' customers just don't want them.

reply to Karl Bode
The 3G microcell was most likely designed w/o any reference to caps, and kept it cheap/simple. Now they have a way to make a quick buck.

Problems with this..

If AT&T designed this to be '3g only' then why were they intent on
voice as the primary use ? I poked about on this issue last week on HoFo and AT&T Facebook, and had the same response.

If AT&T wants users to use a WiFi network for data, then why didn't they include a WiFi radio into the microcell? Not everyone has a WiFi enabled device (router).

Also, along with the 'smart phone should connect to WiFi' - I know that the iPhone picks up WiFi before it will hit 3G... what about other devices (WinMo, Blackberry, Android, Pre)? Many many not know how (or forget) to switch to WiFi (conflicts with Bluetooth), and AT&T will have easy money.

reply to iLive4Fusion

reply to iLive4Fusion
If you have a microcell in your home, can your neighbors use it too if they have the same cellular provider? That shouldn't be a problem unless your broadband bandwidth is capped.

reply to iLive4Fusion
My exact thoughts ... too complex or no cost benefit for AT&T to make the technical change on the billing system to identify what is M-Cell data vs regular 3G tower data.

reply to KrK

reply to NickD

reply to KrK

reply to iLive4Fusion

Seems like most big companies are that way with their billing systems.

Another OT example is that it's been 2 years since Sirius and XM merged. I still can not add the factory installed Sirius radio in my wife's car to my XM family plan. I still have to pay full price for that subscription.

I believe they want that extra income and even though they promised that would be an option at the time of the merger, they seem to be dragging it out as long as possible.
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Best of luck

"Do, or Do not, there is no try!" Yoda

reply to en102

quote:

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that router would have to be 10 years old

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reply to NickD
Nobody can connect to the MicroCell unless they're on the list of authorized devices. The phone number, or numbers if you have a family plan, from your account are automatically added to the list when the MicroCell is added to your account. You can add any other AT&T Wireless phone numbers you want to the list for a total of up to 10 phone numbers. This prevents your neighbors or someone walking down the street from connecting to your MicroCell unless you've add their number to your list.

reply to Anonymous_
I should say 'Cable modem' not router (TWC Ambit with phone jack).