AT&T Microcell Launch in April

AT&T will begin its national roll out of femtocells, which it brands as the AT&T 3G MicroCell" beginning in mid-April, with new markets activating in cities across the continental U.S. for the next several months.

The AT&T 3G MicroCell improves in-building reception for mobile devices by creating a local mobile repeater site, like a Wi-Fi connection does. The femtocell uses the home broadband connection for access, offloading mobile traffic to the fixed broadband network and therefore avoiding any reception problems in the home or building.

Developed in conjunction with Cisco and in a public trial in select markets since September, AT&T 3G MicroCell is available for a one-time cost of $149.99.

Consumers with AT&T 3G MicroCell will be able to easily activate the device the same day it is purchased.  Customers may define up to 10 mobile phone numbers that can use the femtocell and up to four devices can operate on it simultaneously. There is no recurring cost, but mobile minutes will be deducted from a user's account as they would be if on a mobile macro-cell.

Customers on "Family Talk" plans can pay an additional $19.99 a month to make unlimited calls from the Microcell, without deducting any minutes from their plans.

Consumers who select 3G MicroCell calling plans at purchase are also eligible to receive a $100 mail-in-rebate toward the purchase of AT&T 3G MicroCell. Customers who also purchase a new line of broadband service with AT&T (DSL or U-verse 1.5MB or higher) are also eligible for $50 rebate.

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