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BSchlinker
Working 24-7
join:2003-08-25
San Jose, CA

BSchlinker to FFH5

Member

to FFH5

Re: This is good for AT&T and AT&T wireless customers

AT&T is still using customer's data plan allotment for data which flows through their home internet connection. To be honest, this is probably why they are wiling to ignore this data when calculating the home broadband usage.

Even if the user has an internet connection through Comcast, I imagine that the data still flows through part of AT&T's network, as the microcell probably sets up some sort of VPN / tunnel. However, it doesn't flow through the most congested part of their network, so I can't imagine how they justify charging the customer / using their data plan allotment.

Then again, they don't need to justify much, do they?
Crookshanks
join:2008-02-04
Binghamton, NY

Crookshanks

Member

That's exactly how it works, it establishes a VPN back to your wireless provider. Everything is routed over that VPN.

As far as charging for data (or even minutes/SMS), keep in mind that you're still using cellular frequencies, which the carrier paid billions for the privilege of having access too, and femtocells do not come with zero impact on the macro network. The power/channel management logic on the back end of these devices is exceedingly complex, it's not just another Wi-Fi AP.