http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/ Engadget Comments for AT&T's 3G MicroCell still on track for release sometime before the end of the year http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 7:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
My big question is whether or not this device will work for all 3G networks (ie, work for T-mobile), or if it is somehow limited to AT&T only?]]>Jun 25th 2009 12:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
yes, i know its impossible to ask for "more bars in all places," but i have to pay the monthly bill regardless if i get reception in the office or not.]]>Jun 26th 2009 1:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 7:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 8:23AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Counting down the days till my contract expires in September (from original iPhone....why did I have a contract again?)]]>Jun 25th 2009 9:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Ive been with Att wireless( well bellsouth, then cingular) since the late 90's and ive seen the new tech come, improve wireless service, and about when the iphone came out, ive noticed a downhill slope of the quality and reliability of ATT service(im not blaming it on the iphone, im blaming it on att). I usually only have about 2 or 3 bars of signal most of the time in the houston area. My calls are dropped, crappy sounds sometimes when the call is connected, and 3g service that used to be rock solid, is very spotty around the city.... ATT get your shit together. I dont want to buy more eqiupment to make my service better. You should make it work in my house better, not me having to buy a freaking repeater....]]>Jun 25th 2009 10:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 7:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 8:23AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
With the way phones are improving, it seems that the ability to automatically switch to VOIP (via WiFi) would be more cost effective.]]>Jun 25th 2009 8:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 8:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 9:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 9:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 10:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
I get exactly the same service from my Motorola V3xx as I do with my new iPhone 3G[S]

I am far from an iPhone FB, but it is nice for many reasons and lacking in others. I am pleased with it, just not with the service I get at my house with AT&T (or any carrier as I have fam and friends with various carriers getting the same issues there)]]>Jun 25th 2009 12:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
but for anyone who NEEDS this, you should have checked coverage in your area and got a phone accordingly. ]]>Jun 25th 2009 8:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Although if AT&T wants to charge a monthly fee for this, I'll probably just continue to do my calls from the back porch.]]>Jun 25th 2009 8:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Should we all make sure we have a friend on each carrier, then have them over during the times I would like to be on the phone and see what kind of service they are getting?]]>Jun 25th 2009 8:50AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 8:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 9:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Dec 24th 2009 8:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Seriously, AT&T should GIVE people the Microcells if we're paying for their damn service. The iPhone isn't worth this, going to move back to Verizon when my contract is up]]>Jun 27th 2009 12:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Are you guys paid from Apple? ]]>Jun 25th 2009 8:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Bloody conspiracy nut.]]>Jun 25th 2009 8:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Can't we just say "a lot of" or "most of what I read" instead of tossing any percent you find appropriate up on the web as gospel? This is engadget, not Fox News.

You know, I read somewhere that 72% of all statistics are made up?]]>Jun 25th 2009 3:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 8:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 8:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 8:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
As for AT&T I get excellent service once I step out the apartment and everywhere around here. And at work I get full 5 bars. But yeah inside it's a lil weak.

On principal I don't like the idea of paying extra for better service/coverage inside my own home but in the end it depends on how expensive it is and if it actually works. ]]>Jun 25th 2009 8:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 9:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 9:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 9:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Jesus, for $100/month, THEY should be the ones beefing up the infrastructure around peoples' houses, at no additional cost to the consumer.

I just don't understand this new paradigm. Oh yeah, fuck AT&T.]]>Jun 25th 2009 9:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/> not talking about HSPA coverage here as this is understandable smaller)]]>Jun 25th 2009 12:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 10:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 1:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 10:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Going about it this way is actually cheaper. Buy the device once(the femtocell box), and it will work with any phone from that carrier/technology.]]>Jun 25th 2009 10:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
At best, 3G coverage is around 27% (in the UK; Germany and France come next at around 21% and 17% respectively) so all this talk about better service is a lot of NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) baloney designed to make us feel good, or at least better than others.

The truth of the matter is that the widespread global use of the iPhone as an email/web-surfing/ app-using data cruncher is starting to show up the cellular networks all over the world for what they are - in dire need of evolutionary upgrade for the next generation of corporate and consumer usage.

We are simply witnessing the birth-pangs of that evolution, and nowhere more so that the AT&T network in the USA, which is where it started with their momentous decision to do a deal with Steve Jobs & Co and pave the way for their vision of the future.

Make no mistake, RIM, Samsung, HTC, LG with Symbian, Windows, Google and others will not always be far behind with their offerings to match the iPhone revolution, and before long all the invective and abuse directed at AT&T will be repeated at Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile, O2, Orange and various carriers round the globe UNLESS they anticipate the future and get with the program of creating a proper infrastructure to carry the projected usage of the coming years.

To be forewarned is to be fore-armed...]]>Jun 25th 2009 11:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 11:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
Given that AT&T gets most of the benefits from these boxes (moving data off their network & not having to build out additional towers to serve you), they ought to practically give them away at cost. Nobody is going to pay a monthly fee for one of these. It should be a one-time, modest charge.

]]>Jun 25th 2009 12:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/The point is that the whole EU(not talking about specific contries) is roughly the same size and only the EU has about 400 mil citizens , and it has better coverage than the US . That is because we're a bunch of "communists" who actualy enjoy our corporations to be regulated by goverment , so that in turn these corporations don't f@#k us .
That's ok you kep on defending AT&T/Verizon/Sprint etc. from the regulatory organisms since they bring you so much Joy and Happiness]]>Jun 25th 2009 12:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 12:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Jun 25th 2009 1:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
]]>Jun 25th 2009 2:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/
The MicroCell on it's own would be a good product, but compared to the other options AT&T could have used, it really SUCKS.

The best system is UMA, and AT&T should have used UMA. UMA works on any wifi network, not just at the user's home. Devices like the Blackberry 8900 can connect to even enterprise level wireless networks, like those that are used at universities.

Also, you can cover a LOT more than 5,000 square feet with wifi, as a good wifi setup can cover a few hundred feet, and much more with multiple AP's, effectively building a small cell network, just with a different technology.

Secondly, devices like the 8900 that have UMA, but not 3G are being excluded with this device. Of course the opposite is also true, so the best answer may ultimately be for AT&T to offer both systems.

The other system that has been in use for years are GSM repeaters. While they wouldn't work in an area that has no signal at all, using an outdoor and an indoor antenna, they can boost the signal from one bar outside to five inside. This would work in 95% of locations, and would work with other's phones, since you are still using the cell phone network as an intermediate level backhaul.

This device combines the disadvantages of both systems, with no additional advantages that a repeater cannot offer for 95% of users.

The reason that this cannot be used outside of the US is not because AT&T is a bunch of money-guzzling corporate monsters (they are, but that's not the reason in this case), its because other countries use different frequencies, and this device could cause interference if used overseas. This is another advantage of UMA, as UMA is just wifi, which is used worldwide.

It's not that they cheaped out on the network, at least not in this case. There are many places that get no more than one bar from any network. This is the nature of cell networks and buildings.

AT&T's 3G network sucks, but the 2G is rock solid, at least in my experience. I am staying on 2G for a while.

They had better not charge a monthly fee. It would be nice if they offered an unlimited plan like T-mo's UMA plan. Of course, it would also be nice if they would turn on UMA. Even without any freebie minutes, it would make the network so much bigger with a relatively tiny investment.

The N97 is on AT&T (and T-mo) since it is GSM unlocked.

To those of you who are complaining about the iPhone or some other AT&T device, get a Nokia. They outperform the other brands, especially in the fringe and deep fringe, where they will often hold onto a call with good quality where another phone won't place a call at all.

This isn't going to create enough internet traffic to be a problem. Even a family using 1200 minutes a month would only be using about 1GB, which is nothing.

This isn't going to significantly offload data, as users would just use wifi, as all of the data centric devices like iPhone, E71, and BB Bold have wifi.

They may sell this at a loss in order to encourage people to use more minutes and take traffic off of their network. Of course, it would be nice if they would implement UMA, which would cost the user nothing, as everyone already has wifi.]]>Jun 25th 2009 8:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/atandts-3g-microcell-still-on-track-for-release-sometime-before-t/Sep 2nd 2009 3:13PM