3G Tower In Your Home
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.
This looks like a great device, it’s always tiresome to have calls go out or have to stand in a specific room to get service. This device looks like it solves such problems and just makes life easier in general. Having said that, another innovative technology is called WiMax and it’s being offered by companies such as Clear .