AT&T 3G MicroCell Site Goes Live, Monthly Fees to Be Up to $19.99? [Updatedx2]
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 for unlimited minutes, 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.
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.
Update: Engadget now reports that the 3G MicroCell service is currently only running as a "public trial" in Charlotte, North Carolina. The $19.99 per month pricing is reportedly also a part of the trial, so apparently no final decision on pricing for the full rollout has yet been made.
Update 2: GearLog clarifies that the 3G MicroCell device costs $150 and that, besides the monthly "unlimited minutes" charges, users also have the option of using their monthly wireless minutes for no additional charge.
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.
Update: Engadget now reports that the 3G MicroCell service is currently only running as a "public trial" in Charlotte, North Carolina. The $19.99 per month pricing is reportedly also a part of the trial, so apparently no final decision on pricing for the full rollout has yet been made.
Update 2: GearLog clarifies that the 3G MicroCell device costs $150 and that, besides the monthly "unlimited minutes" charges, users also have the option of using their monthly wireless minutes for no additional charge.
According to an AT&T rep in Charlotte, the MicroCell costs $150 and service is free (heck, you're saving AT&T money by using it) unless you sign up for AT&T's "unlimited talk" option, which gives you unlimited minutes of calling over your microcell. That costs an extortionate $20/month, though it also gets you a rebate on your device.
Top Rated Comments
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31 months ago
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..?
31 months ago
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 mean, seriously?
31 months ago
However, I am left asking, How much does it cost upfront? What are the 3G speeds? Are the speeds of the call capped at whatever your DSL or Cable line is?
31 months ago
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.
31 months ago
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.
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.
31 months ago
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.
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.
31 months ago
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.
31 months ago
I take their $20 and I raise them $20 for them using my Internet connection.
:mad:
:mad:
31 months ago
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?
31 months ago
Sign me up. I live on the fringe of AT&T coverage. I'd pay to be able to use my iPhone at home.
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