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AT&T Expands Microcell Trials
Both Carolinas, Las Vegas, San Diego, Georgia...
by Karl Bode Friday 26-Feb-2010 tags: business · hardware · alternatives · networking · wireless
Tipped by chsteiger See Profile
Last week we noted that AT&T's femtocell service was getting closer to launch, but that the company was working out a few last minute kinks and still having some internal discussion about the pricing model the service will use. The service essentially creates a micro cell tower in the home, allowing users to route wireless calls over their in-home broadband network. Users improve reception, and carriers get to take additional load off of their local towers.

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Several of our readers have written in to note that AT&T is sending out this notice to customers that states the trial is expanding. According to the notice, select users in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Las Vegas and San Diego can now participate (plug your zip code into AT&T's Microcell website to see if you qualify).

As we recently noted, AT&T says pricing differs by trial region, but indications are users pay $49.99 for the hardware (after $100 mail in rebate), and $19.99 a month for unlimited calling.

There's still indications that AT&T will also offer a less-expensive plan that eats your wireless minutes, which as we've complained with Verizon's femtocell launch, is a good way to destroy the value proposition for the customer. If you're easing the strain on your local towers, and the consumer is using their own bandwidth to make the calls, the service should not be expensive if carriers really want it to take off with consumers.

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Uncle Paul

join:2003-02-04
USA
kudos:1

1 edit

If you have the Family Plan

The monthly fee is $30.

But it's unlimited talk people!!! Over your very own existing internet connection.
netboy34

join:2001-08-29
Kennesaw, GA
kudos:1

1 edit

Re: If you hava the Family Plan

I have a family plan and haven't see this fee... just the one time cost to purchase it... Only fee I know of is if you sign up for the minutes package. I have enough minutes on my plan as I don't have a landline, so I don't care if it eats it up... I just want better signal and the microcell is cheaper than repeaters.

Uncle Paul

join:2003-02-04
USA
kudos:1

1 edit

Re: If you have the Family Plan

Just got off the phone with the local AT&T store:

Device is $150
You get a $100 mail in rebate.
Unlimited talking plans:
$20 for current single lines
$30 for family plans up to 5 phones
netboy34

join:2001-08-29
Kennesaw, GA
kudos:1

Re: If you hava the Family Plan

If you pay for the plan... you can purchase it without a plan and use current minutes like I stated above. You might wanted to have clearified your previous post that you have to sign up for it if you want unlimited. otherwise it is just already purchased minutes

Uncle Paul

join:2003-02-04
USA
kudos:1

1 edit

Re: If you have the Family Plan

said by Uncle Paul:

But it's unlimited talk people!!! Over your very own existing internet connection.
While sarcasm intended, unlimited talk means you're not using your own minutes.
netboy34

join:2001-08-29
Kennesaw, GA
kudos:1

Re: If you have the Family Plan

And I'm saying try to keep it informational to the topic. Someone not knowing you were sarcastic might think you have to sign up which you don't just trying to keep it clear for those out there form someone that owns one.

Lets leave it at that.

en102
Canadian, eh?

join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

Re: If you have the Family Plan

said by Uncle Paul:

The monthly fee is $30.

But it's unlimited talk people!!! Over your very own existing internet connection.
Here's the problem with that...
For $30/month, I can get unlimited talk on
a) Vonage
b) TWC VoIP
c) Most VoIP

For $36/year, I can use WiFi and get unlimited Skype calling

Matt
All noise, no signal.
Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12

Available in my area

It's available in my zip code and really, it's not such a bad deal. It's cheaper than most VoIP plans and you can use your cell phone.

ptrowski
Got Helix?
Premium
join:2005-03-14
Putnam, CT
kudos:4
Reviews:
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Re: Available in my area

said by Matt:

It's available in my zip code and really, it's not such a bad deal. It's cheaper than most VoIP plans and you can use your cell phone.
Cheaper than most VoIP plans? I think that the majority of most Voip plans are sub $25 a month.
--
"So, Lone Starr, now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org

Matt
All noise, no signal.
Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12

Re: Available in my area

said by ptrowski:

said by Matt:

It's available in my zip code and really, it's not such a bad deal. It's cheaper than most VoIP plans and you can use your cell phone.
Cheaper than most VoIP plans? I think that the majority of most Voip plans are sub $25 a month.
AT&T is charging $19.99/month for unlimited usage. So if you have a cell phone and a home VoIP plan, this is likely a better deal.

ptrowski
Got Helix?
Premium
join:2005-03-14
Putnam, CT
kudos:4
Reviews:
·VOIPo
·Choice One Commu..

Re: Available in my area

said by Matt:

said by ptrowski:

said by Matt:

It's available in my zip code and really, it's not such a bad deal. It's cheaper than most VoIP plans and you can use your cell phone.
Cheaper than most VoIP plans? I think that the majority of most Voip plans are sub $25 a month.
AT&T is charging $19.99/month for unlimited usage. So if you have a cell phone and a home VoIP plan, this is likely a better deal.
If you look at Voipo, the monthly cost is $15. Viatalk is doing $99 for 1 year, Phonepower is $19 a month so technically still cheaper. Almost all of those include some international calling for free. I guess I am just having a hard time catching the savings.
--
"So, Lone Starr, now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb."

Have you been touched by his noodly appendage? »www.venganza.org

wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace

join:2004-08-07
New York, NY

Re: Available in my area

said by ptrowski:

If you look at Voipo, the monthly cost is $15. Viatalk is doing $99 for 1 year, Phonepower is $19 a month so technically still cheaper. Almost all of those include some international calling for free. I guess I am just having a hard time catching the savings.
There is no savings in purchasing one of these with an additional plan, its completely pointless. The benefit (to a consumer) of a femto cell is to improve coverage, and to use the minutes you have already paid for on your 'cellular' plan. If ATT doesnt allow you to simply use your existing minutes then this thing will fail.
--

"You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."
-Abraham Lincoln-



Corona
It's cool, I'm takin it back
Premium
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX
Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse

Re: Available in my area

said by wifi4milez:

said by ptrowski:

If you look at Voipo, the monthly cost is $15. Viatalk is doing $99 for 1 year, Phonepower is $19 a month so technically still cheaper. Almost all of those include some international calling for free. I guess I am just having a hard time catching the savings.
There is no savings in purchasing one of these with an additional plan, its completely pointless. The benefit (to a consumer) of a femto cell is to improve coverage, and to use the minutes you have already paid for on your 'cellular' plan. If ATT doesnt allow you to simply use your existing minutes then this thing will fail.
They do, and you can.

I have crappy coverage where I live, but I have 8000+ rollover minutes. The day it's available in my area I'm getting one. If you use your own minutes, there is no monthly recurring charge.
--
"To be sincere, you don't have to know anything, you just say whatever makes you feel good and spin and smug circles in your tiny fucked up little head, happy as long as you're true to yourself. In other words, Sincerity is bullshit!" -Penn Jillette

buckingham
Buckingham Pa

join:2005-07-17
Buckingham, PA
Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS

Re: Available in my area

said by Corona:

I have crappy coverage where I live, but I have 8000+ rollover minutes. The day it's available in my area I'm getting one. If you use your own minutes, there is no monthly recurring charge.
Bingo...same here. Tower is less than a half mile away, but we are shielded from it by the "end of the mountain" that the tower is on. (It affects all the carriers, not just ATT) The minute this is available to us, I'll order it and I have no concern about minutes since we always have thousands of roll-over minutes available on our family plan.

en102
Canadian, eh?

join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA
Skype (iPhone/Blackberry or even PC) is $36 / year. This makes AT&T almost 10x more expensive.

Matt
All noise, no signal.
Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12
said by ptrowski:

If you look at Voipo, the monthly cost is $15. Viatalk is doing $99 for 1 year, Phonepower is $19 a month so technically still cheaper. Almost all of those include some international calling for free. I guess I am just having a hard time catching the savings.
I was comparing to the larger VoIP providers, but you have a good point. If you're willing to go with a smaller VoIP provider, you can get a great deal. I think the reliability of AT&T VoIP is worth a little extra however, especially for the convenience of not having separate equipment and a separate phone number.

wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace

join:2004-08-07
New York, NY

Re: Available in my area

said by Matt:

said by ptrowski:

If you look at Voipo, the monthly cost is $15. Viatalk is doing $99 for 1 year, Phonepower is $19 a month so technically still cheaper. Almost all of those include some international calling for free. I guess I am just having a hard time catching the savings.
I was comparing to the larger VoIP providers, but you have a good point. If you're willing to go with a smaller VoIP provider, you can get a great deal. I think the reliability of AT&T VoIP is worth a little extra however, especially for the convenience of not having separate equipment and a separate phone number.
The problem with the argument is that ATT doesnt even make this a compelling offer. According to their website, they offer 3 voice plans (not including family).

1) 450 minutes for $39
2) 900 minutes for $59
3) Unlimited for $69

So this means that same $20 you would spend on the femto plan will net you 450 minutes if you simply upgrade your regular wireless plan. Those additional 450 minutes should be enough for 99.9999% of people out there. Assuming you already have the 900 minute plan, you can simply upgrade to unlimited minutes for $10 more so why would you ever pay ATT $20 via the femto??

Again, the idea of paying for a separate femto plan is moronic. The number of people who actually need unlimited minutes, and who cant get it other ways (like paying a few dollars more on their existing plan), AND who must use ATT is very small.

Karl, I question why you keep insisting that the majority of us want to pay more instead of using our existing minutes. Each time you post a femto article you make that claim, yet the comments dont seem to support your hypothesis.
--

"You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."
-Abraham Lincoln-



Matt
All noise, no signal.
Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12

Re: Available in my area

said by wifi4milez:

Karl, I question why you keep insisting that the majority of us want to pay more instead of using our existing minutes. Each time you post a femto article you make that claim, yet the comments dont seem to support your hypothesis.
If you re-read the thread, you will see that you can buy the device and use your minutes.

The rest of your post makes no sense, especially when you make the assumption that 99.9999 to infinity and beyond don't need more than 450 minutes.

wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace

join:2004-08-07
New York, NY

Re: Available in my area

said by Matt:

said by wifi4milez:

Karl, I question why you keep insisting that the majority of us want to pay more instead of using our existing minutes. Each time you post a femto article you make that claim, yet the comments dont seem to support your hypothesis.
If you re-read the thread, you will see that you can buy the device and use your minutes.

The rest of your post makes no sense, especially when you make the assumption that 99.9999 to infinity and beyond don't need more than 450 minutes.
Perhaps you should re-read the original article, as it was posted. Karl clearly states (as he does each time we discuss this)
"There's still indications that AT&T will also offer a less-expensive plan that eats your wireless minutes, which as we've complained with Verizon's femtocell launch, is a good way to destroy the value proposition for the customer"

For whatever reason he seems to think everyone agrees with his argument. As I pointed out, and as many others have pointed out, "eating minutes" should be the core offering here because it actually creates value.

You also should re-read my comment about the extra 450 minutes. I never said 450 minutes in total was enough, however when coupled with the original 450 minutes of the included plan (for a total of 900) that is more than most people use. Having 900 minutes available anywhere, as opposed to unlimited while only in range of the femto, is a far better to deal to the majority of people.
--

"You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."
-Abraham Lincoln-



Corona
It's cool, I'm takin it back
Premium
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX
Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse

Re: Available in my area

Directly from the FAQ on the 3G MicroCell...

"Q. Do I need to subscribe to an AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling feature?

A. No. While highly recommended for maximum benefit, a subscription to AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling is not required. Your normal wireless from AT&T minute plan rates will apply."

»www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3···#billing

You do NOT have to get any monthly plan to use the femto.
--
"To be sincere, you don't have to know anything, you just say whatever makes you feel good and spin and smug circles in your tiny fucked up little head, happy as long as you're true to yourself. In other words, Sincerity is bullshit!" -Penn Jillette

wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace

join:2004-08-07
New York, NY

Re: Available in my area

said by Corona:

You do NOT have to get any monthly plan to use the femto.
That makes good sense. The real question is why do Karl and his ilk keep insisting that using your own minutes "destroys the value" of using a femto??

Corona
It's cool, I'm takin it back
Premium
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX
Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse

Re: Available in my area

said by wifi4milez:

said by Corona:

You do NOT have to get any monthly plan to use the femto.
That makes good sense. The real question is why do Karl and his ilk keep insisting that using your own minutes "destroys the value" of using a femto??
I'm not going to comment.
--
"To be sincere, you don't have to know anything, you just say whatever makes you feel good and spin and smug circles in your tiny fucked up little head, happy as long as you're true to yourself. In other words, Sincerity is bullshit!" -Penn Jillette
8744675

join:2000-10-10
Decatur, GA

I wonder how long before ISP's start complaining

I wonder when ISP's are going to chime in and whine about ATT and others using their 'pipes' to offlload their wireless call traffic for free.

I also wonder what kind of break the cell companies are going give to customers when their call traffic is sent over their internet connection instead of the company's wireless network, which benefits the carrier and not their customer. After all if someone is using a femtocell, it's because they're trying to overcome crappy service they already pay for that isn't performing. Now customers have to pay for a device to make up for the providers shortcoming, and are essentially paying to improve the last mile wireless networks of carriers that they failed to properly deploy themselves.

If you generate your own electricity, the electric company doesn't charge you for using theirs, and even buys your excess power to use elsewhere so they won't have to build new generating plants as quickly. Get it AT&T, Verizon and others??

I think customers should demand a break on their bills if carriers want to use their internet connection to route their calls. If your coverage is crappy at home, the femtocel should be demanded for free. After all, crappy coverage is THEIR problem to fix. Otherwise, stay on their network and constantly call the carrier and demand that they fix their crappy coverage and give you the service you're paying them for.

t3ln3t

@vericenter.com

Re: I wonder how long before ISP's start complaining

I hope other providers chime in. Sounds like a good time to bring up network neutrality ...

Maybe it's just me, but this seems an awful lot like double dipping.
Users of at&t's cellular telephone services pay for the ability to make calls, over at&t's cellular telephone network. Now, with this femtocell bru-hah-hah, at&t wants users to pay again to have the option of passing calls over the Internet. I would think after spending 40 bucks on the hardware, at&t would be giving discounts for using it? Much like they do if you participate in paperless billing.

Americans already pay some of the highest mobile phone rates in the world! Almost double what users of advanced networks in Europe pay. What exactly are we paying for?

ztmike
Mark for moderation
Premium
join:2001-08-02
Michigan City, IN

Re: I wonder how long before ISP's start complaining

said by t3ln3t :

I hope other providers chime in. Sounds like a good time to bring up network neutrality ...

Maybe it's just me, but this seems an awful lot like double dipping.
Users of at&t's cellular telephone services pay for the ability to make calls, over at&t's cellular telephone network. Now, with this femtocell bru-hah-hah, at&t wants users to pay again to have the option of passing calls over the Internet. I would think after spending 40 bucks on the hardware, at&t would be giving discounts for using it? Much like they do if you participate in paperless billing.

Americans already pay some of the highest mobile phone rates in the world! Almost double what users of advanced networks in Europe pay. What exactly are we paying for?
Took the words right out of my mouth.

I could however see paying a little to get the unlimited minutes if you are not already on a unlimited calling plan. But for those who get this fem2cell that use their minutes on their main cellphone plan and still have to pay to use this "service" is pure bullshit in all honesty.

Hell..you are even using your own bandwidth to provide the call.

Its to bad to because there was alot of hype surrounding this fem2cell crap and its a total flop because of the added money you have to pay to use it.
Sahrin

join:2004-05-15
Houston, TX

Femtocells are NOT designed to relieve network strain

Femtocells are designed to provide better service on customer premises. If you can't get a reliable signal in your house, buy our femtocell - and pay the ridiculous monthly fee - and your signal will improve!

It's an option-add that can provide better service for the customer. That's the basis on which VZW is charging for it. They are holding their customers hostage with crappy service, and then forcing them to pay extra to get decent service.

AT&T is piloting it, and while I hope their program is simply replicating Verizon's already abusive practice on a temporary and proof-of-uselessness basis, hopefully the failure of the trials will lead them to a fairer pricing model. History has shown otherwise, but we'll see.

Uncle Paul

join:2003-02-04
USA
kudos:1

Re: Femtocells are NOT designed to relieve network strain

No they'll just tank it claiming no one really wanted the service to begin with.

Michael C

join:2009-06-26
Cedar Park, TX

Re: Femtocells are NOT designed to relieve network strain

And also spin that to mean that customers are plenty happy with the reception they're getting already so there's no real problem

djrobx

join:2000-05-31
Valencia, CA
Reviews:
·RoadRunner Cable
·AT&T U-Verse
·VOIPo
·PHONE POWER

Why is this so complicated?

There's still indications that AT&T will also offer a less-expensive plan that eats your wireless minutes, which as we've complained with Verizon's femtocell launch, is a good way to destroy the value proposition for the customer.
I don't need more minutes. I do need coverage at home. Why would AT&T offering a "hardware only" option somehow "destroy the value" to me? I'd be happy to pay it. I'm not interested in paying an additional $240 per year for minutes I don't need.
--
AT&T U-Hearse
Your funeral. Delivered.

Uncle Paul

join:2003-02-04
USA
kudos:1

Re: Why is this so complicated?

You can buy the device and use your own minutes without a monthly fee.

Question is, in this mode can I allow other people not on my plan to use the Microcell? Say I'm a business with 10 employees that have their own ATT phones, but our coverage is crappy. Can I buy this unit and let all my employees use it?
netboy34

join:2001-08-29
Kennesaw, GA
kudos:1

Re: Why is this so complicated?

only 4 can be on a call at a time, but you can list 10 ATT numbers to allow it to use it... minutes count against their own plans... I have friends with iphones, and it counts against their plan... not mine

morbo
Complete Your Transaction

join:2002-01-22
00000
Reviews:
·Charter
said by Uncle Paul:

You can buy the device and use your own minutes without a monthly fee.

Don't forget 24/7 electricity usage by the device. Any word on what these suckers will eat in a year's time?

See 6 replies to this post
netboy34

join:2001-08-29
Kennesaw, GA
kudos:1
I'm with you on that... I already have the minutes I need...

Now I can see if you do a lot of talking at home, and want to drop down to a lower plan, and in that case you are saving money..
JonBoySC

join:2009-06-26
Pickens, SC
Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse
·Verizon Wireless..

1 edit
I tried it for a few days and took it back. They were real shady on pricing, and I'll try to explain how it was:
$149.99- No plan, use your own minutes, no rebate, use your existing broadband
$99.99- No plan, use your own minutes, set up home internet with at&t to get $50 mail in rebate.
$99.99- Unlimited calling plan for $20/m to get $50 mail in rebate, use your existing broadband
$49.99- Unlimited calling plan for $20/m to get $50 mail in rebate, sign up for at&t home internet to get $50 mail in rebate.


ThrowDemsOut
If you can't convince 'em, confuse 'em
Premium
join:2002-03-03
Mullica Hill, NJ
kudos:4
AT&T will also offer a less-expensive plan that eats your wireless minutes, which as we've complained with Verizon's femtocell launch, is a good way to destroy the value proposition for the customer.
But using up minutes on a "buy the hardware plan, but no monthly charge for minutes" may become moot as the providers move to what was just discussed today in this earlier BBR story: »The Long, Slow Death Of Wireless Voice Minutes

Many users will opt for a buy the hardware only plan when using up cellphone minutes is no longer an issue.
BB_Hunter

join:2008-05-16

Re: Why is this so complicated?

said by ThrowDemsOut:

AT&T will also offer a less-expensive plan that eats your wireless minutes, which as we've complained with Verizon's femtocell launch, is a good way to destroy the value proposition for the customer.
But using up minutes on a "buy the hardware plan, but no monthly charge for minutes" may become moot as the providers move to what was just discussed today in this earlier BBR story: »The Long, Slow Death Of Wireless Voice Minutes

Many users will opt for a buy the hardware only plan when using up cellphone minutes is no longer an issue.
I'll be one of those users. I've got so many roll over minutes at the moment it's ridiculous. If I can just pay a one time fee for the device I'll buy it without hesitation. I was initially turned off from the device because the first report here suggested that there would be a fee regardless of how you purchased it.

I just don't understand why they need a trial market for this though. It must work so why limit the markets? Let me buy the damn thing already!

Corona
It's cool, I'm takin it back
Premium
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX

Re: Why is this so complicated?

Ask any trial users that have had the device for a while. There are still quite a few things getting tweaked.

digitalfreak
Premium
join:2005-12-09
Blacklick, OH

Free

It should be $50 - $100 for the hardware and FREE unlimited calling. The only two reasons to provide this are for customers with signal issues and removing load from the towers. Both provide a big benefit to the carrier, so they shouldn't be charging for it.

ReVeLaTeD
Premium
join:2001-11-10
San Diego, CA

Re: Free

said by digitalfreak:

It should be $50 - $100 for the hardware and FREE unlimited calling. The only two reasons to provide this are for customers with signal issues and removing load from the towers. Both provide a big benefit to the carrier, so they shouldn't be charging for it.
I agree with you in principle. But here's a question.

If they just sold the device with no plan and no monthly fee, why would you need the device in the first place?

In other words, the device is using your internet to provide a telephone connection. Couldn't you just do that with Skype instead of wasting time and money with this? Can someone help me understand the benefit of such devices when there are and have been significantly cheaper alternatives?
brownk

join:2000-06-08
Katonah, NY

3 edits

Re: Free

quote:
I agree with you in principle. But here's a question.

If they just sold the device with no plan and no monthly fee, why would you need the device in the first place?

In other words, the device is using your internet to provide a telephone connection. Couldn't you just do that with Skype instead of wasting time and money with this? Can someone help me understand the benefit of such devices when there are and have been significantly cheaper alternatives?

How's this? - Because when I'm home (where the signal is marginal) and someone calls my cell phone I'd like it to ring. Period. Skype or other alternatives don't address that issue. It's not about being able to make a call from home (I already have a landline anyway), it's about knowing that if someone chooses to dial my cell phone and I happen to be at home that it will ring. I don't care about extra minutes or that the microcell is using a small portion of the bandwidth I'm already paying someone else for, I just want the cell phone to work in my house.

ReVeLaTeD
Premium
join:2001-11-10
San Diego, CA

Re: Free

said by brownk:

quote:
I agree with you in principle. But here's a question.

If they just sold the device with no plan and no monthly fee, why would you need the device in the first place?

In other words, the device is using your internet to provide a telephone connection. Couldn't you just do that with Skype instead of wasting time and money with this? Can someone help me understand the benefit of such devices when there are and have been significantly cheaper alternatives?

How's this? - Because when I'm home (where the signal is marginal) and someone calls my cell phone I'd like it to ring. Period. Skype or other alternatives don't address that issue. It's not about being able to make a call from home (I already have a landline anyway), it's about knowing that if someone chooses to dial my cell phone and I happen to be at home that it will ring. I don't care about extra minutes or that the microcell is using a small portion of the bandwidth I'm already paying someone else for, I just want the cell phone to work in my house.
Granted. But couldn't you feasibly just use a combination of Skype + Google Voice to accomplish that? So that you could be reached no matter where you are?
brownk

join:2000-06-08
Katonah, NY

Re: Free

said by ReVeLaTeD:

said by brownk:

quote:
I agree with you in principle. But here's a question.

If they just sold the device with no plan and no monthly fee, why would you need the device in the first place?

In other words, the device is using your internet to provide a telephone connection. Couldn't you just do that with Skype instead of wasting time and money with this? Can someone help me understand the benefit of such devices when there are and have been significantly cheaper alternatives?

How's this? - Because when I'm home (where the signal is marginal) and someone calls my cell phone I'd like it to ring. Period. Skype or other alternatives don't address that issue. It's not about being able to make a call from home (I already have a landline anyway), it's about knowing that if someone chooses to dial my cell phone and I happen to be at home that it will ring. I don't care about extra minutes or that the microcell is using a small portion of the bandwidth I'm already paying someone else for, I just want the cell phone to work in my house.
Granted. But couldn't you feasibly just use a combination of Skype + Google Voice to accomplish that? So that you could be reached no matter where you are?
Nope. I want the CELL PHONE to work in my house.

ReVeLaTeD
Premium
join:2001-11-10
San Diego, CA
I think you missed what I was saying.

Your real intent is that you can receive calls made to your cell phone number, even in your home where you don't receive signal. But the bottom line is the idea that you receive the call despite the lack of signal.

Thus, why could you not just transfer your cell # to Google Voice, change it with your cell provider and point it to your Google Voice #, and have GV forward your calls both to your home and cell? That way, you still get the call on the home number and people who call what was your cell phone number still reach you, despite not having signal?

It seems like a pain, but that also gives you the flexibility of not having to necessarily depend on your cell phone to receive your calls even though your cell phone number that everyone knows, is still good. Just a thought; I'm not arguing with you.
bogey780

join:2004-03-19
Here
kudos:1

My features

It presents itself as an option under my features. It has it listed as being 19.99 a month with unlimited minutes. Not sure if it's really available to me since the availability checker they have keeps failing. If I talked on the phone a lot at my house, I'd see it as better suited to my needs than my VOIP.

After all, why have multiple phone numbers and pay separately for each. It seems like it could be a VOIP killer if handled right.
bogey780

join:2004-03-19
Here
kudos:1
It presents itself as an option under my features. IT states:

"Unlimited minutes. One low price! With the AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling for FamilyTalk, you and your family will enjoy unlimited anytime calling from the home to anyone in the U.S. Now you can have peace of mind with a predictable bill each month."

It has it listed as being 19.99 a month with unlimited minutes. Not sure if it's really available to me since the availability checker they have keeps failing. If I talked on the phone a lot at my house, I'd see it as better suited to my needs than my VOIP.

After all, why have multiple phone numbers and pay separately for each. It seems like it could be a VOIP killer if handled right.
djeremy

join:2004-07-12
San Francisco, CA
Those are their two most troublesome markets as far as coverage goes. You'd think they'd want to roll them out there first.
chsteiger
Premium
join:2003-10-03
Pasadena, TX
Why the strange launch schedule and why just a few cities? Are they going to keep doing in this way so it might be rolled out nationally in say 7 or 8 years? They did their test in NC and GA... now lets roll and get it out to the rest of us!

Corona
It's cool, I'm takin it back
Premium
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX

Re: What is the launch schedule?

It's comin, it's comin!

Corona
It's cool, I'm takin it back
Premium
join:2000-03-14
Dallas, TX
Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse
...how many people understand how this technology really works.

It isn't a VoIP service.

This device only uses the internet connection back into the AT&T wireless data center. From there, the calls are completed just like any other call coming in over the RAN.
--
"To be sincere, you don't have to know anything, you just say whatever makes you feel good and spin and smug circles in your tiny fucked up little head, happy as long as you're true to yourself. In other words, Sincerity is bullshit!" -Penn Jillette

Silver_2000
Premium
join:2005-12-12
Carrollton, TX
Think about all the corporate Cell users who have big houses with crappy cell coverage or none at all. Could be because they live in the country, could be due to architecture issues like a metal roof or other issues. Since they are corp users they have NO minutes concerns - the device or devices become a way for the cell to ring when a call comes in. The closest competition is MUCH more expensive and requires outside antenna.

Its all about getting or placing the call using the number you want to use. Its NOT about saving money.

Its about better coverage - more bars ...

Jacket

@cox.net
We have AT&T's Viva Mexico family share plan and we just purchased the device today. There was no option on our plan to pay the $20 for the unlimited home minutes. They said it is not available to the Viva plan members. We just paid the $162.00 including tax for the device and we have five bars in out home now. We still use minutes from our plan like always, but considering that we always have minuted left over it doesn't really matter that we can't pay for the unlimited, that appears to be more of a gimmick anyway. We are just glad to have perfect reception in our home now. Be aware though it does require a 3G phone, my phone and my wife's phone pick up the signal but my mother's does not. (Samsung A327) We have 30 days to return it if we don't like it. If it works well we will by another for my Father-in-law's home because we usually only have one bar, or no bars in his house.

Count Zero
MD2Be
Premium
join:2007-01-18
Warner Robins, GA

1 edit
They were charging $29.99 for unlimited calling in Savannah, GA. It was cheaper for me to just up my monthly minutes by one tier (which also let me add the A-List) than it was to pay that fee. So I just added the 10 numbers that took up the majority of my minutes used and pay $7/mo less than if I had gone with their $29.99 plan. Ditching the landline made the overall cost savings closer to $40/mo though so that was worth it!

EDIT:

Should add that I've had mine for almost 3 months now and it has worked very well overall. I've had 2-3 dropped calls total in that time, usually it's longer calls and you can actually hear the call quality degrading before it drops so it has only been a surprise drop once. At midnight though it seems to restart itself every day - not sure why. But my wife and I will notice our iPhones go from 5 bars to 1 bar, then "Searching…" then about 3 minutes later back to 5 bars.
--
Check out my site: »web.mac.com/jwsmiths

Play Mafia!: »Pub Games

SrsBsns

join:2001-08-30
Oklahoma City, OK
Customer: My cell service is not very good at my house.

Customer service agent: Buy our microcell.
leesweet
Premium
join:2000-02-24
Chantilly, VA
I assume the AT&T one is the same as the Verizon model where it has to be able to see the sky either by being near a window or by remoting the GPS antenna? (To prove you are in the USA....)

We tried the Verizon version to extend service to part of an office floor that was (partially) underground, and it didn't work well at all. Finally went with 'real' cell repeaters that work excellently.

Count Zero
MD2Be
Premium
join:2007-01-18
Warner Robins, GA

Re: GPS signal needed?

Yes it has to be able to receive a GPS signal. Seems to take my unit 10-30 minutes to get its lock and then let me make or receive calls.
rw123
Premium
join:2004-01-16
Indianapolis, IN
Reviews:
·Comcast
Their microcell site says no for my zip 46214, but my features options says yes... hmmm

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