After we announced that the AT&T Microcell was coming nation wide, I began to check for availability almost everyday. Finally on Monday i was able to get one of these devices.After an astonishingly easy setup I must say, if you are an AT&T customer you must get an AT&T Microcell from your home.
What is a Microcell
The AT&T Microcell broadcasts a 3G wireless signal in a small area up to 5,000 square feet. The Microcell is then connected to your broadband connection (FIOS, UVerse, Cable, or DSL). No changes are needed to the phone as it believes it is connected to a traditional mobile tower but calls are actually being sent over your internet connection.
Setup
I already wrote a post about the un-boxing and setup of the Microcell. I could not believe how easy it was to get running. You essentially register the device on your account. Next you take the device out of the box and plug it into your network. Finally after a few updates taking me about 30 minutes, you are making phone calls over the AT&T Microcell. There are a few options involved in the setup so this is a bit simplified. But when you are done you will agree it was pretty easy.
It works well
My Nexus One began using the Microcell as soon as it was ready. So did my wife’s iPhone. I live in a three level townhouse. The typical placement of the AT&T Microcell is the middle floor. But for me, I need it in my basement. My office is there and of course that is where the AT&T signal is the weakest. I live near some mountains and a military base, therefore I don’t blame AT&T for this problem. And before you think it, NO phone get’s a good signal there not event the mighty Verizon. Surprisingly, even though the device is in my office, I have full bars on the third level. I am even picking up the signal in the parking lot outside. I gave Rod a call over the AT&T Microcell first and he said I was coming in loud and clear.
My Only Concern
When I first decided to get the AT&T Microcell I was worried about one thing. Because I work from home and the nature of my job, I upload and download massive files all day. I had Vonage before and the calls were affected by my internet use. I decided to test this concern by uploading a 25 mb file to a remote server. I did this while talking to Rod. As my luck would have it, I received a call during my test. The second call lasted during the entire upload. Not only did I not drop the call but the conversation was very clear too. My internet is provided by Comcast and I typically get 20 Mbps down and 3-6 Mbps up. This is nothing earth shattering. As it turns out my concern is no big deal. Also I do have the option to change the setup of my microcell and give it priority over my internet bandwidth.
The Microcell Changed My Habits
Before I got the AT&T Microcell I would leave my phone at the front door. Only using it for some quick web browsing when I didn’t want to use the laptop. This entire week I realized my phone is with me all the time. I am so happy with the Microcell that I am considering dropping my home phone line. This decision will be made easier because I own the GE Bluetooth Cordless phone. Basically, I can pair my mobile phone with the cordless phone, and just use that throughout the house. Rod has the Vtech version which he is very happy with. If I do make this decision, I will add the 20 dollar a month plan so that all calls over the AT&T Microcell are free.
Not everything is Perfect
While I really like the AT&T Microcell there is one piece that does not work so smoothly. The switching of towers is a little spotty. What is supposed to happen is when i leave my house the call that I am on seamlessly switches from the Microcell to the AT&T tower. Unfortunately this does not work so well. At this point I am about 50%. I have dropped the same amount of calls that I have successfully transferred. I am guessing this has to do with the weaker signal around my house but can’t quite put my finger on it. Either way this is not my use case for getting the Microcell but I know a lot of people want this feature.
Go Get One
As I said before if you have AT&T go get the Microcell. It will set you back 150 dollars. I can tell you that as far as I am concerned there is no price on happiness. Finally having a solid mobile signal throughout the house definitely makes me happy.