AT&T 3G MicroCell available in some unlaunched markets, if you try hard enough
By Chris Ziegler 
posted May 3rd 2010 10:54AM
posted May 3rd 2010 10:54AM
Store 1: "We're supposed to have them in a couple of weeks."
Store 2: "We'll have them on May 6."
Store 3: "We have them in stock. Oh, hold on a minute. (long pause) I'm sorry, we're not allowed to sell them until the 10th."
Store 4: "Yes, we have them in stock."
In other words, there was no shortage of variety in sales reps' stories. I don't know how this happens -- it's conceivable that AT&T really is telling each store something entirely different, but it seems far more likely that these guys simply haven't been effectively educated on what's going on here. At any rate, I was able to march down to the fourth store I called and pick up the MicroCell with no hassles, therefore ending a many month-long personal nightmare of mine (and by the way, the device works just wonderfully).
The lesson learned? Even if the MicroCell hasn't launched in your market -- that is, you go to AT&T's MicroCell site and it tells you it's not yet available in your zip code -- be persistent and keep calling around. You've just got to find that one sales guy who's willing to flip it.
I don't get it. AT&T can't fix their crappy network, so they offer microcells that use YOUR wired internet connection, and then charge you $150 ON TOP OF your existing phone and data plan for the privilege.
Why are gadget sites so eagerly anticipating THIS?
@corneliusm Because I need a signal. It's not AT&T's fault I live in a virtually impenetrable box. I don't know how T-Mobile and Verizon are getting in, but honestly, I'm not faulting AT&T here.
@corneliusm Also, bear in mind that AT&T's not forcing you to by this -- it's a spot fix for a spot problem. Only a very small subset of any carrier's subscribers are going to find benefit from a femtocell, but generally, I think they're happy to pay a one-time fee to get a strong signal where they wouldn't otherwise.
@corneliusm This is obviously for the 3% of americans that at&t's network doesn't cover. Don't you listen to Luke Wilson?
@corneliusm wow corneliusm, do you really need to keep beating the same drum that everyone's heard already? WE GOT IT WHEN SPRINT'S AIRAVE CAME OUT IN 2008!!!
@zephxiii
You're missing the point. I'm not just beating up on AT&T but any carrier that charges extra for users trying to spot-fix their network. I can understand the cost overhead for the device itself, but there shouldn't be any added surcharges to use it, given that the user is supplying their own bandwidth. There isn't any reduction for voice and data charges either.
Seems like a win-win for the network, since they don't have to do any extra work. Does that make sense?
@corneliusm
In this case, it really is a problem with the building, not just at&t being fail. The fact that Sprint doesn't work in his place bears that out too.
And I think Engadget reported this too, but if your at&t coverage sucks when the coverage map says it should be good and you call up and pitch a bitch about it, you can get the Microcell at a reduced price, possibly free.
I also need this little rig. My very hilly neighborhood is bad for all cell phones. Verizon seems to do well but my modern iPhone life keeps me from enjoying that coverage. So the one time hardware charge is it? Not a PITA to setup?
@exboy99 Not bad at all.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/atandt-3g-microcell-unboxing-and-impressions/
This Is a great idea. I have sprint, but I believe there is a monthy charge to do the same or boost signal. I may be wrong. By the way I love how the writer comments on his on article good job chris!(this is my first engadget post by the way :)) eek lol
@Rolaundo I had sprint and my service was really bad in my house so i called up customer service and they sent me an AirAve for free with all monthly fees waived!
It's worth a try!
I live in Virginia and it's still not available here but i just went to my local corporate store and talked to the manager telling him how awful the service in my house is and they sold it to me!
@Stevenk what part of VA? I to am in Virginia and the corporate store here is clueless. I understand that they need to probably train people on how to sell these things but seriously? Every time I go to their lame website it says we will send you an email saying when this item will be available.
@kangoljas I live in Northern Virginia
@kangoljas only one store out of the 10 i called was selling them
@Stevenk that make sense I am near Blacksburg. And the Christiansburg store gave me an unknown date. They said they were told around the end of April but they still have not gotten anything. I am will try and contact a few more stores, or perhaps I will just venture up to NoVa and get one at the store you shopped at.
@kangoljas You better go quick! the store i went to only has 3 in stock!
@Stevenk I might have to. I just called a store in Roanoke, VA and once again clueless employees. He said that "those had not been released for any other market other then the Carolinas". So if the product is obviously available in Chicago, Texas, New York and now Northern Virginia seems to me like the store employees would find out eventually.
So you plug this to the Internet and it shoots out At&t's voice and data(3G) signal or is it just one of them. This would be great for my office, which is really closed in. I get about 1-2 bars of signal and always on egde.
Bought one about a week ago in Mckinney,TX. North of Dallas. Works as advertised.
I want this for the unlimited talk option.
Also got it with the Corporate discount. End cost was $120.
Still looks like a big, toy, Y wrench.
I really want one, it seems that the AT&T corporate store here in my area has no idea when they are going to get them in. One sales rep said they were told the end of April and that has passed and still nothing.
So, Chris, you live in a bomb shelter?
Better late then never.
but the price they are asking for is outrageous.
And on top they charge a monthly fee....
I would buy it just for that.
I hope to pick one up as soon as our store gets it. It's cheaper than buying out of two contracts to switch to Verizon.
FYI I called 7 Chicago area AT&T stores and they all told me the microcell would be available on either May 9th or 10th. Just passing on the info.