Interesting: AT&T Microcell

March 16th, 2011

Got an email offer for a free AT&T microcell, much appreciated since I’ve long had crappy reception within the confines of home. The microcell connects to your home network and uses your broadband connection to make mobile phone calls, providing cell reception in areas lacking AT&T coverage.

The Good

• Straightforward set up with clear instructions. The microcell connects to your network via an Ethernet cable, and registered via an AT&T webpage. After about an hour  The microcell began working about an hour after registration.
• All rooms once featuring poor coverage now contain five bars, and I completed two long phone calls with no drops.
• Manage a list of allowed phone numbers, keeping strangers from leeching your broadband connection.

The Bad

• The philosophical annoyance of paying AT&T to use your Internet connection to make up for crappy service you’re also paying for.
• Ethernet-only limits the microcell’s placement location.
• The “free” offer has some fine print regarding sticking to your AT&T contract for at least a year, and not — presumably — breaking it for a Verizon iPhone which would likely provide better coverage. My next upgrade window will be the iPhone 6 when my contract is up.

Conclusion

The AT&T microcell solves a huge, long-running personal complaint of crappy coverage at home with an AT&T iPhone. If you can get beyond the morality of this device — the only question is whether you want to pay for it or try to score one for free.