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T-Mobile Launches New 4G LTE CellSpot, Free for Simple Choice Customers

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T-Mobile has announced a new 4G LTE CellSpot that broadcasts a low-power 4G LTE signal, providing an average 3,000 square feet of full-bars LTE coverage. The 4G LTE mini-tower works in areas where a broadband internet connection and T-Mobile wireless spectrum are available, for personal and business use.

TMobile-4G-LTE-CellSpot.jpg

The 4G LTE CellSpot connects to a broadband internet connection to deliver a "strong, reliable wireless 4G LTE signal for customers with or without an indoor cellular signal on compatible 3G, 4G and LTE handsets for up to 16 callers at one time." T-Mobile says the handheld device even works in some areas without cellular signal.
Introducing the 4G LTE CellSpot!!
https://t.co/ZY17gRjrsp - John Legere (@JohnLegere) November 2, 2015
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The new 4G LTE CellSpot launches November 4 and is free for Simple Choice postpaid customers, as long as they remain T-Mobile subscribers, with a refundable $25 deposit and non-return fee. The device provides access to all of T-Mobile's network features, including VoLTE, HD voice, advanced messaging and video calling.

Article Link: T-Mobile Launches New 4G LTE CellSpot, Free for Simple Choice Customers
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/11/02/tmobile-launches-4g-lte-cellspot/
This sounds good to me. T-Mobile coverage at my home is pretty terrible. I currently use their Wi-Fi CellSpot router. WiFi calling works great, but sometimes my iPhone 6S Plus doesn't connect to Wi-Fi Calling automatically. This will allow for an extra layer of coverage for when Wi-Fi calling doesn't work.
 
Nice that it is free, I remember when AT&T tried to charge for these, in addition to counting the minutes towards your plan.

Though I do wonder...how far is the broadcast range? Would people in neighboring houses be able to use your LTE cell?
 
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jclardy said:
Nice that it is free, I remember when AT&T tried to charge for these, in addition to counting the minutes towards your plan.

Though I do wonder...how far is the broadcast range? Would people in neighboring houses be able to use your LTE cell?
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If the signal from the CellSpot manages to be stronger than their native signal, they'll connect to your CellSpot, essentially using your home Internet connection.
 
What's the setup for this device? Is it all wireless or does it need a hardwire connection from my cable modem?
 
jclardy said:
Though I do wonder...how far is the broadcast range? Would people in neighboring houses be able to use your LTE cell?
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No, you're limited to just a couple rooms if there are lots of walls, but up to 3,000 square feet I believe in the open.

TG1 said:
What's the setup for this device? Is it all wireless or does it need a hardwire connection from my cable modem?
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Looks like it connects to your home broadband.
 
I'm hoping businesses could adopt these. Wi-Fi Calling is great, but it requires you to have to ask for a Wi-Fi password to authenticate to their hotspot, and that's so 10 years ago when everyone was carrying around various Wi-Fi only devices and before tethering was a thing.
 
The 4G LTE mini-tower works in areas where a broadband internet connection and T-Mobile wireless spectrum are available
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I wonder why this requirement if it's broadcasting at a low level?
 
BeSweeet said:
If the signal from the CellSpot manages to be stronger than their native signal, they'll connect to your CellSpot, essentially using your home Internet connection.
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Unless I'm mistaken, you need to enter the phone numbers for anyone requiring access to the CellSpot. Otherwise, they won't be able to piggyback onto the tower.
 
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xero9 said:
I wonder why this requirement if it's broadcasting at a low level?
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Cell phones operate in a licensed spectrum, unlike Wi-Fi that is unlicensed. They can only use frequencies they are licensed for in that area. This also prevents you for using it for "free" international roaming because you can't take it with you outside of a T-mobile area.
 
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xero9 said:
I wonder why this requirement if it's broadcasting at a low level?
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I bet it's due to some FCC regulation. You walk out of the cellspot's coverage during a E911 call or something, and should be able to hand off to the actual tower, or something to that regard. Or they want to make sure you're not putting it in a beach house in another country over some VPN that makes it think you're back in the States.
 
Bacco said:
Unless I'm mistaken, you need to enter the phone numbers for anyone requiring access to the CellSpot. Otherwise, they won't be able to piggyback onto the tower.
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As far as I know, anyone with a T-Mobile device can connect to the CellSpot, unlike AT&T's MicroCell.
 
BeSweeet said:
As far as I know, anyone with a T-Mobile device can connect to the CellSpot, unlike AT&T's MicroCell.
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I think you're right. If the service is available for visitors, as their PR notes, it must be open to all T-mobile customers.
 
Ironic how TMobile fans spent years stating that an AT&T MicroCell was stupid because their WiFi Calling was superior, but are now changing their mind YET AGAIN because TMobile is bringing out a very similar device...

Hilarious.
 
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I'm in an area with LTE but only get 1 bar so this would be great for my home but a little unnecessary since I have their Wi-Fi router.
 
This is great for businesses. But I don't see the point if you are already set up for wifi calling. It's a bit redundant. In what case/situation would my phone use this device over wifi calling in my home? If my broadband is down, then both of wifi calling and this microcell would be down also. Plus, with a 31ft radius, you are pretty much limited to 1 or 2 rooms of coverage with this thing. Wifi calling is much better imho.
 
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