Apple Issues Update Signaling iPhone Compatibility With AT&T's MicroCell

Late last week, Apple issued a "carrier settings" update for iPhone users in the United States. While Apple provides few details on the contents of such updates, MobileCrunch discovered several image files in the new update package that appear to signal the iPhone's compatibility with AT&T's upcoming 3G MicroCell technology. The 3G MicroCell device connects to a user's existing broadband Internet service and provides enhanced 3G voice and data coverage within a 5000 square foot range.
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.

Pricing and availability for the device and associated monthly plans have not yet been announced.

AppleInsider recently reported on AT&T's plans to deploy the 3G MicroCell technology and compared their so-called "femtocell" offering to related services provided by other carriers. Sprint's AIRAVE device costs $99.99, with an additional $4.99 monthly access fee and additional optional fees to upgrade to unlimited calling via the device, while Verizon's Network Extender device costs $249.99 upfront with no monthly fee.

I wonder what's the benefit of the MicroCell technology if you have a good signal throughout your house anyway?

I wonder what's the benefit of the MicroCell technology if you have a good signal throughout your house anyway?

From my limited understanding, you could get faster speeds (your own private 3G signal hooked through your own internet service), cost offsets like unlimited minutes, or unlimited data.

Though if it only supports 4 users at one time, not really a good deal for small or large businesses.

From my limited understanding, you could get faster speeds (your own private 3G signal hooked through your own internet service), cost offsets like unlimited minutes, or unlimited data.

Though if it only supports 4 users at one time, not really a good deal for small or large businesses.

Yeah, but I have WiFi for that... ... ...

...cost offsets like unlimited minutes, or unlimited data.

It's all speculation, obviously, but most of what I've read is saying that it will count against your normal minutes.

If that's the case this is only for folks who live in non-3G towns or perhaps work in the basement of a large building and get no signal at all.

From my limited understanding, you could get faster speeds (your own private 3G signal hooked through your own internet service), cost offsets like unlimited minutes, or unlimited data.

Though if it only supports 4 users at one time, not really a good deal for small or large businesses.

:confused: I lost on this and really know nothing about the technology. From the macrumors description, it seemed that it would be beneficial to call quality, but your comment seems to imply that it would be beneficial to data speeds. Does that mean that somehow Safari would be faster using the 3G through my microcell than it would be just connected to my same home network?

Updated via iTunes .. iPhone carrier version: 3.1 .. I have noticed I have 3G service at my desk now .. I havent had 3G at my desk since I got my phone last year ...

Obviously, your phone couldn't receive data faster than your wi-fi home network via the 3G on Microcell, because the Microcell adapter gets its data feed from your home network.

Initially, I had heard that the "Femtocell" technology Sprint was deploying was going to be used in situations like subway tunnels or inside buildings where cellular signals were weak or non-existent.

It, now, sounds like they're marketing this stuff (or at least AT&T is!) as hardware HOME users will want to buy for personal/family use. This might make a little more sense for a phone that doesn't know how to use wi-fi signals (many/most still don't) than for an iPhone. But for the iPhone? Yeah, I'd think the biggest benefit would be preventing dropped calls around the house, like I occasionally get in my basement. Still, they're essentially asking the CONSUMER to foot the bill for a device that works around their inability to provide better quality signals everywhere you want to use your phone? No thanks. I think they better mail their customers a FREE one, if they want this to be adopted very widely!

:confused: I lost on this and really know nothing about the technology. From the macrumors description, it seemed that it would be beneficial to call quality, but your comment seems to imply that it would be beneficial to data speeds. Does that mean that somehow Safari would be faster using the 3G through my microcell than it would be just connected to my same home network?

Was there any reason to start this as a new thread instead of appending to the existing one?

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=647501

Was there any reason to start this as a new thread instead of appending to the existing one?

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=647501

the original thread went on for pages about speculating what the carrier update was. Now we know.

arn