Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

AT&T 3G MicroCell Site Goes Live, Monthly Fees to Be Up to $19.99?

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
68,099
38,849


Engadget Mobile reports that AT&T's 3G MicroCell site has gone live as the company is apparently preparing to launch its service that will allow wireless subscribers to utilize their home Internet connection for enhanced voice and data coverage. The news comes on the heels of an anonymous report that service for the new device will cost up to $19.99 per month, although users with either AT&T home phone or Internet service will be charged $9.99 per month and those with both home phone and Internet service from AT&T will be able to utilize the 3G MicroCell service for free.


095224-3g_microcell_pricing.jpg



Signs of iPhone compatibility with the 3G MicroCell service surfaced in an AT&T carrier settings update issued in early February, and AT&T reportedly confirmed in June a launch of the service by the end of 2009.

Article Link: AT&T 3G MicroCell Site Goes Live, Monthly Fees to Be Up to $19.99?
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/21/atandt-3g-microcell-site-goes-live-monthly-fees-to-be-up-to-19-99/
So you'd be making your home network a 3G point..? Am I understanding this. We pay money to extend AT&T's 3G network range instead of them paying us to extend their service..?
 
So let me get this straight, you pay an extra $10-$20 a month to get a service you've already paid for to work using another service you've already paid for?

I mean, seriously?
 
I wouldn't mind paying for the device and then being able to use it for free. But tacking another 20 dollars onto my 270 dollar monthly bill from AT&T is a bit ridiculous imo.
 
Does this mean anyone in range benefits? People on the street etc?
Wow, ATT really know how to bleed their customers dry! You pay EXTRA if you get crappy service to boost your service to not crappy only in your home.
 
Can someone explain this to me.

Why on earth would I want to pay to fix AT&T's coverage problem by allowing AT&T to use my internet connection that I also pay for?

AT&T should be paying me to fix their problem. That way they don't have to actually spend money and put in a cell tower closer to me.

No thanks. I'd rather go with a company that actually has coverage.
 
Despite living in Chicago--a pretty big market i would think--I have been combating AT&T's terrible coverage, getting almost no reception in my home. This device should be offered at no cost and with an apology.
 
This could be awesome for businesses with poor / spotty AT&T coverage. Any reason why one couldn't (or wouldn't want to) install a couple of these guys on a floor to improve cell coverage?
 
Sign me up. I live on the fringe of AT&T coverage. I'd pay to be able to use my iPhone at home.
 
WOW....So you have to pay for the device and then pay a monthly fee to help AT&T out? This is really lame and it just proves once again that AT&T just doesn't get it.

I was excited when I first heard about this, but now I know I will pass.
 
MikeyMikeMike said:
Despite living in Chicago--a pretty big market i would think--I have been combating AT&T's terrible coverage, getting almost no reception in my home. This device should be offered at no cost and with an apology.
Click to expand...

I second that claim. I live in Chicago as well and I have dropped calls all the time. I think if you have ATT Home phone and ATT internet you get to use this for free.
 
Totally not worth it to pay money to extend the network, thankfully where I live I have great service in my home. I would only pay for it if it came bundled with something like free calls to anywhere in the world at any time. Since that is not the case, it should be free to all AT&T customers.
 
My house in a GSM/3G deadzone (neighborhood is in a topographical depression). Neither T-mobile nor at&t have a usable signal when I'm at home. I'd love something like this, but I'm not paying 20 bucks a month for it...unless it could eliminate the need for my Vonage service. I despise having home phone service when my wife and I each have wireless phones.
 
LOL, checkout AT&T flash pitch trying to convince you to buy this.

They actually show someone having to open a window and hang outside to try and make a call on AT&T's lousy network!!!

And their solution is to charge more to use your own internet connection rather than fix coverage!!! Just get Verizon instead and save $20/mo.

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3gmicrocell/
 
d21mike said:
No. Just for your household use.
Click to expand...

YES. Anyone in range benefits. It is NOT just your household use. You've created an AT&T micro-cell tower using up your internet bandwidth and paying AT&T for the privilege.

Convince your neighbor to get it instead. Problem solved. Zero cost.
 
yetanotherdave said:
How do they lock that down? If it transmits/receives a 3g signal then surely any capable phone would be able to use it?
Click to expand...

You enter the phone #s that are eligible to use the unit. If your neighbors live close enough to you, they could use it (as long as you set them up)
 
TimmyDee said:
Welcome back, Ma Bell.
Click to expand...

Manbell PAC bell vs cable = why we pay high prices thanks to telco and dsl providers fighting with no govt regulation. What are the speeds. I get 1.2 MB per sec, hardly doubt it's close to that.

Like unsaid in the google says Apple denied, jailbreak and I have free 3g but honesty, while faster than wires moms dsl, it's too slow for me. When AT&T gets good competition prices will fall and speeds will go up. Need at least 1MB per sec too but by thn cabe will be at 3-6MB, this is what wil save them from sinking. Copper just too fast. If AT&T reaches 1MB and becomes cheaper then cable, then maybe, but I dint see that happening I see cabelowering prices and offering fast speeds. What we teLly need Ardmore iPhones with other non AT&T providers to drive down data and voice plans.


Peace.
 
People, calm down. There is only a monthly fee if you want UNLIMITED minutes on the MicroCell. If you want it to count for your minutes as normal, there is no monthly fee. The FAQ on the website states this.

Which I am fine with, because I couldn't use up my minutes if I tried. :) Just don't talk on the phone enough.

Some commenter on Engadget Mobile, however, is reporting that the device will be $150. Don't know how much validity to give that; just throwing it out there.
 
kamcma said:
People, calm down. There is only a monthly fee if you want UNLIMITED minutes on the MicroCell. If you want it to count for your minutes as normal, there is no monthly fee. The FAQ on the website states this.

Which I am fine with, because I couldn't use up my minutes if I tried. :) Just don't talk on the phone enough.

Some commenter on Engadget Mobile, however, is reporting that the device will be $150. Don't know how much validity to give that; just throwing it out there.
Click to expand...

Where did you get that? The story on Engadget says its $20/mo period unless you've bought tons of other AT&T services.

Edit: Ok, I see something that implies that in their FAQ. I hadn't seen the FAQ before. The closest answer I get is...

Question:
Do I need to subscribe to an AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling feature?
Answer:
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.​
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back