Damn AT&T really know how to tick their customers off!
You mean the stupid ones that don't know how to read don't you?
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AT&T 3G MicroCell Site Goes Live, Monthly Fees to Be Up to $19.99?
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You mean the stupid ones that don't know how to read don't you?
Heck, even an un-encoded/uncompressed voice call only uses 64Kbps, which should still be tiny on a broadband connection.
Turning down the power on a Wifi base station can be a good security move. If my base station reaches 2 houses down at full power, that leaves 3-4 extra neighbors the temptation to try and get onto my network. If I turn it down to just the minimum needed to reach the edges of my property, I don't have to worry about anyone else trying to break in, because they can't even if they want to.
I think you do qualify for both the rebate and the extra service for free. But as you stated, there may be fine print somewhere that says you have to pick the rebate or the free unlimited minutes.
T-Mobile has phones that will make and receive calls via WiFi. My wife has one and it works great. You don't consume minutes for calls that use WiFi. Their billing can be a bit confusing about which calls were on WiFi, but the service is great.
What is this idea that I'd have to pay for the cell towers AT&T builds? I'm locked into a plan right now, so if they build more cell towers, I wouldn't be paying for them. And, yes, I want the extra cell towers. Geez, it's not like there aren't power poles every thirty feet already.
And I did take your advice and reread the article, and it still says I have to pay $150 dollars for the device. Not sure where "free" equals $150 in your world. On Planet Earth, $150 ain't free.
By the way, people with Verizon service get great reception in my brick building. When my contract is up, I'll be switching providers -- unless AT&T manages to build those cell towers you don't seem to want.
Some of the content from the FAQ, FWIW:
http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-...nguageResults=&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8
Question:
Can I restrict access to my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device? Is it secure?
Answer:
Yes, only phones you expressly authorize have access to your AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Question:
Can I grant access to my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device to other people’s phones?*
Answer:
Yes. You may grant access to other AT&T 3G phone customers, up to a total of 10 lines.
Question:
Can I move my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device and use it in another location?
Answer:
Yes, your device can be moved to another location provided it is within the Wireless from AT&T authorized service area.*A device move requires an update to your location address in your AT&T 3G MicroCell account profile for the device to function and for 911 purposes.*Please go to www.att.com/3GMicroCell*and select "Manage Your AT&T 3G MicroCell".
Question:
Do AT&T pre-paid phones work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
You cannot activate an AT&T 3G MicroCell device because a post paid myWireless account is required; however, prepaid 3G wireless devices*can be added to the Authorized User List of someone else's device.*
Question:
Can I use my normal phone functions like voicemail and text messaging over my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?*
Answer:
Yes. These functions work exactly the same. However, at this time certain location based services and video share features may not be fully functional.
Question:
Do calls started on one AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device “handover” to another AT&T 3G MicroCell™ if I move out of range of one and into range of another?
Answer:
No. Calls will not handover between two AT&T 3G MicroCell devices.
Question:
Do other carrier’s phones work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Can I use a non A&T device on my AT&T 3G MicroCell™?
Answer:
No, only 3G phones with an applicable AT&T mobile plan can be used with the AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Question:
Does AT&T 3G MicroCell™ support 911?
Answer:
Yes, 911 services are supported. You must keep the address where the AT&T 3G MicroCell device is physically located up to date in order to ensure the proper location is available to emergency personnel.
*
Power Outages*- AT&T 3G MicroCell™ service is not available when either electrical service or your broadband service is unavailable.*In the event of a service disruption, you will not be able to access E911 service using your wireless device unless you have service on AT&T's wireless network.*The MicroCell unit includes a GPS device that enables the unit to identify its location. The MicroCell will not work until it has identified its location.*If the MicroCell is moved to a new location, it is important that instructions for updating the device location are followed to enable E911 service to function properly.*
Question:
How many phone numbers can I have on my*approved user list*for access to*my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
You can grant access to your AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device up to*a total of*10 numbers.
Question:
How many simultaneous calls or data sessions are possible with my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
Up to 4 simultaneous sessions are possible with your AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Question:
I have a FamilyTalk plan with 4 additional numbers on my account. If I buy an AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device, are the additional numbers automatically added to the Unlimited MicroCell Calling?
Answer:
You must subscribe to Unlimited MicroCell Calling to receive unlimited domestic calling minutes.*AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling is available for single lines or multiple lines on an account like FamilyTalk covering all 3G phones on your account.*This is in addition to your 3G MicroCell device purchase.
*
You must add all your lines to the Approved User List to provide access to your 3G devices.
Question:
If I start a call away from my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device and then come within range, does the call move to the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?* How about billing?
Answer:
No. Calls initiated on a cell tower do not transfer to the AT&T 3G MicroCell device. Standard wireless rate plan billing applies.*
Question:
Is there a minimum broadband internet speed required for my AT&T 3G MicroCell™?
Answer:
The device is compatible with any broadband service.*However, downstream speeds of 1.5 Mbps and upstream speeds of*256 Kbps are recommended for best performance. (Satelite Broadband is not recommended.)
Question:
What is the range of the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
The signal range is approximately 40 feet from the base station (in all directions), or about 5000 square feet.
Question:
What kind of phone do I need to work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
An AT&T 3G device is required to work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Question:
What minutes are included in AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling?
Answer:
Domestic calls only.*These include inbound anytime minutes and outbound anytime minute domestic calls*made to the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands.
Question:
Why do I have to provide my location when I activate or move my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
You must provide your location to*ensure emergency personnel have access to your correct location, and to comply with FCC regulations.
Question:
Will*the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device cause interference with my Wi-Fi router?*
Answer:
No. Installed as recommended, there should not be interference between a Wi-Fi router and the AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-...nguageResults=&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8
Question:
Can I restrict access to my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device? Is it secure?
Answer:
Yes, only phones you expressly authorize have access to your AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Question:
Can I grant access to my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device to other people’s phones?*
Answer:
Yes. You may grant access to other AT&T 3G phone customers, up to a total of 10 lines.
Question:
Can I move my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device and use it in another location?
Answer:
Yes, your device can be moved to another location provided it is within the Wireless from AT&T authorized service area.*A device move requires an update to your location address in your AT&T 3G MicroCell account profile for the device to function and for 911 purposes.*Please go to www.att.com/3GMicroCell*and select "Manage Your AT&T 3G MicroCell".
Question:
Do AT&T pre-paid phones work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
You cannot activate an AT&T 3G MicroCell device because a post paid myWireless account is required; however, prepaid 3G wireless devices*can be added to the Authorized User List of someone else's device.*
Question:
Can I use my normal phone functions like voicemail and text messaging over my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?*
Answer:
Yes. These functions work exactly the same. However, at this time certain location based services and video share features may not be fully functional.
Question:
Do calls started on one AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device “handover” to another AT&T 3G MicroCell™ if I move out of range of one and into range of another?
Answer:
No. Calls will not handover between two AT&T 3G MicroCell devices.
Question:
Do other carrier’s phones work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Can I use a non A&T device on my AT&T 3G MicroCell™?
Answer:
No, only 3G phones with an applicable AT&T mobile plan can be used with the AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Question:
Does AT&T 3G MicroCell™ support 911?
Answer:
Yes, 911 services are supported. You must keep the address where the AT&T 3G MicroCell device is physically located up to date in order to ensure the proper location is available to emergency personnel.
*
Power Outages*- AT&T 3G MicroCell™ service is not available when either electrical service or your broadband service is unavailable.*In the event of a service disruption, you will not be able to access E911 service using your wireless device unless you have service on AT&T's wireless network.*The MicroCell unit includes a GPS device that enables the unit to identify its location. The MicroCell will not work until it has identified its location.*If the MicroCell is moved to a new location, it is important that instructions for updating the device location are followed to enable E911 service to function properly.*
Question:
How many phone numbers can I have on my*approved user list*for access to*my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
You can grant access to your AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device up to*a total of*10 numbers.
Question:
How many simultaneous calls or data sessions are possible with my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
Up to 4 simultaneous sessions are possible with your AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Question:
I have a FamilyTalk plan with 4 additional numbers on my account. If I buy an AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device, are the additional numbers automatically added to the Unlimited MicroCell Calling?
Answer:
You must subscribe to Unlimited MicroCell Calling to receive unlimited domestic calling minutes.*AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling is available for single lines or multiple lines on an account like FamilyTalk covering all 3G phones on your account.*This is in addition to your 3G MicroCell device purchase.
*
You must add all your lines to the Approved User List to provide access to your 3G devices.
Question:
If I start a call away from my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device and then come within range, does the call move to the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?* How about billing?
Answer:
No. Calls initiated on a cell tower do not transfer to the AT&T 3G MicroCell device. Standard wireless rate plan billing applies.*
Question:
Is there a minimum broadband internet speed required for my AT&T 3G MicroCell™?
Answer:
The device is compatible with any broadband service.*However, downstream speeds of 1.5 Mbps and upstream speeds of*256 Kbps are recommended for best performance. (Satelite Broadband is not recommended.)
Question:
What is the range of the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
The signal range is approximately 40 feet from the base station (in all directions), or about 5000 square feet.
Question:
What kind of phone do I need to work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
An AT&T 3G device is required to work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Question:
What minutes are included in AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling?
Answer:
Domestic calls only.*These include inbound anytime minutes and outbound anytime minute domestic calls*made to the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands.
Question:
Why do I have to provide my location when I activate or move my AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device?
Answer:
You must provide your location to*ensure emergency personnel have access to your correct location, and to comply with FCC regulations.
Question:
Will*the AT&T 3G MicroCell™ device cause interference with my Wi-Fi router?*
Answer:
No. Installed as recommended, there should not be interference between a Wi-Fi router and the AT&T 3G MicroCell device.
Wireless was invented by AT&T? I don't think so. Wireless technology could be taken back to the days of Marconi. IIRC he was Italian.
As far as I am concerned, If I am not using their wire (as it is using mine) then unlimited minutes for my personal femtocell SHOULD BE FREE. It is my AP/repeater basically doing voip for your crappy net (over simplification as there is call routing to tower/landlines etc) but if you are assisting their net...charge me for the device but not for a plan addition.
Let's see what Seth the tilty head "blogger guy"/puppet says. I for one say this is effing pathetic.
Here is my source. I was looking this up for a school project.
http://www.corp.att.com/attlabs/reputation/timeline/83celltech.html
"AT&T Labs developed car phones in the 1940s and continued to seek improvements. But until recently mobile telephones were rare, limited by a lack of available communications channels. The big breakthrough came when AT&T Labs divided wireless communications into a series of cells, then automatically switched callers as they moved so that each cell could be reused. This led to the development of cellular phones and made today's mobile communications possible.
For their pioneering work in cellular telephony, AT&T Labs researchers Richard Frenkiel and Joel Engles earned the National Medal of Technology. Cellular telephony has spawned a multibillion-dollar industry and has freed tens of millions of people, both at home and at work, to communicate anywhere, any time."
Since I didn't make any claims, just asked a question, so I don't have anything to "substantiate". Go back to college. If we're fighting credentials, I have two masters degree and a PhD from a top-4 school. As for comparing risks, I can choose whether to go to McDonalds, I can't choose if my neighbor puts a cell station below my aapartment. Let me guess, you're a smoker?
That being said, I do believe that EM radiation can cause cancer and other problems, it's a question of range and of frequencies, and has been proven scientifically in vitro. The question is whether Wi-Fi and 3G and DECT cause cancers in household ranges. That hasn't been proven yet, just like it took a while to demonstrate that cigarettes cause cancer. I do think that there may be cause for concern, so when possible I like to minimize transmission powers around the house. Again, basic physics.
I live in a 1000sq apartment. When my wi-fi is set to maximum power, I can get my network 5 blocks away. That's a waste. So I went into my router's configuration menu and reduced the transmission power, yours can do it too.
I would also not live somewhere that is right under a huge cell tower.
I encourage you to put an iphone continuously downloading in your pants pocket in a single-bar zone. Natural selection.
1. this hooks up to your wire
2. it eats bandwith
3. I'll bet money there is no COS monitoring, so you would need to buy a router that can restrict that (granted I have them)
--> <edit> I did not know about the 4 concurrent connections only, still worth thinking about though)
this should also be a thought for those that want to leave an OPEN config to service whomever, you may not be able to get on your own femtocell at times so lock it down </edit>
instead of paying AT&T why don't we sign up for boingo, and get $ paid to us when someone uses our network. at lease 1 way you are making some cash, instead of further opening the vein and "donating" to AT&T
I'm sure broadband ISPs will not like AT&T feeding of their networks. Smart on AT&T's part, using someone else's pipes to offload theirs free of charge.
Although, $150 is a biggy, I can see people buying those if their service is terrible.
Although, $150 is a biggy, I can see people buying those if their service is terrible.
The way to fight it is to have your own mind and settle for a phone that can't do as much, it's really that simple. It's sad but simple. Ex: blackberry/sprint. Take it easy.
If the bandwidth requirements are listed at 256kbps, I'm not imagining it's going to put a load on the average consumers broadband connection.
I live on a residential street that nobody's going to frequent. Boingo isn't going to earn me any money. Besides, none of AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile/Verizons MicroCells are "open networks". Nobody can use them until you've authorized their device.
yep,
there is value in it. this is a great idea in a data center network darkspot etc, I think what people/me are irritated about it the recurring monthly charges. This shows that AT&T continues to miss the point here and pork their users.
I do not think that anyone is arguing that it is a good idea and a great option, just now AT&T is going to get paid for running traffic over another carrier's wire. They essentially extended their network @ 0 cost. Maybe they are doing this so they can spend the $ on MMS system rightsizing [insert appropriate eyeroll here]
This. I am studying EE and I agree totally with you. EM waves won't do you anything in the moment, but continue exposing yourself and watch what happens. As this poster said, Natural Selection.
Oh btw, having Wi-Fi also affects you.
PS- Why do you think any cell tower has to be turned OFF before any maintenance is done? (regardless if it's on top or on the computer down at the base) Guess? No? Just read on.
Hint: Has to do with Microwaves.
David.
AT&T's own website says that there is no required recurring monthly charge.
Where is the confusion?
I think that the FCC regulation should be that all wi-fi routers should be set to minimal power by default, and if users have a problem, they can go in and increase the strength.
Putting it as a default of max means that 99% of people will never tinker with it since it works, even though they could get the same effect at 1/8 power.
When I was growing up, I had a DECT phone and its base next to my head. My parents aren't techies, and I had no idea these things transmit all the time even while the phone is in the base! (which is really a strange design decision).
I don't understand why people are having such a hard time grasping the concept that there is ZERO monthly cost for extending AT&T's coverage in your home using the Microcell. I've seen sites like Gizmodo where they post articles absolutely blasting AT&T for "charging $20 a month to enhance their lousy network", when in fact that is all completely false. $20 a month for unlimited minutes on the Microcell is an OPTIONAL feature!!!! I always thought the tech blogging types were the smart ones, but apparently a lot of them don't know how to read or don't know how to do their homework.
I'm not fully understanding what this service will provide. Does it mean that guys like me with limited phone reception at home will get better reception?
I was reluctant to give AT&T more of my money but it works as advertised. Picked one up today and I now have 5 bars (instead of 1) and crystal clear calls at my home office. Not opting for the unlimited calls since I am just piggybacking off my existing plan.
Your right, but sometimes quality/neccessity should outweigh luxury. For instance, some need to handle real business and can't afford to mess around. So getting the job done in a case like that is far more important.
"How little regard for your customers do you have to have to offer a product that fixes your own product for an additional fee every month? "
^ Adam/Gizmodo really hit the nail on the head.
I said it before in the post and I'll say it again (since no one still seems to be reading the FAQ page about this thing): Now I know why we have such a crappy, uneducated & uninformed discussion on health care. People just want to scream, get pissed off and shout at someone - anyone. No one seems to know how to debate anymore. Here's a "crazy" concept. How about READING the damn information first?
Seriously? Show me ONE - ONE provider that has cell phone coverage EVERYWHERE? And I mean everywhere -in thick buildings, in ALL cities in all areas, in all forrest parks, in all large grocery stores, in all rural areas. Tell me, who? Because if you can find one, then you have the next big thing in all communications, not just cellular. The answer of course is NO ONE. Not Sprint, not T-Mobile, not AT&T. Again NO ONE!! So, get off of this one track argument and come back to reality.
Jeez, I'm not a big fan of AT&T, but this hate-mongering is getting ridiculous.
A few facts:
(1) You pay for the device ONE TIME.
(2) You pay $20 ONLY FOR THE UNLIMITED CALLS SERVICE. Otherwise it is free.
If you get good service in your area but maybe not in your home (maybe because it is old, has steel beams, whatever), then this thing would be for you.
It does NOT :
(a) Give cell service to your neighbor or anyone else (unless you want it to)
(b) Make you and your family into alien robots eating the flesh of your neighbors.**
(c) Microwave your burrito**
(d) Get you free porn**
** Sorry, had to throw these last few ones in there for fun, since the crazy meter is apparently up today.