A T & T 'Microcell'

[Dan Schultz]

I've finally put my foot down and created a stink about only having 1 or 2 bars in my house... which is smack in the center of an area that A T & T deems 'best service'. Actually... it's not only WITHIN my house but in the whole area withing 300 feet of the structure. A T & T wants me to buy a 'Microcell' to resolve the problem... to the tune of about $200. Today, the local office offered to reimburse me for the one-time cost but advised that the piece of equipment will rely on my Internet connection (provided by others) to create a pseudo-celltower here.

Anyone else have experience with these gadgets?

I'm seriously thinking about dumping A T & T but would rather not take a chance of crappy service from another provider.

[Dan Schultz]

I've got a friend who has one. It works fine, as long as his Internet connection is up and running. I wouldn't shell out $200 from my own pocket for one though. As long as AT&T is paying, it's not a big deal. But if they change their tune and it looks like you'll have to pay... You should be able to dump them without incurring any fees, since they aren't providing you with satisfactory service.

Ask your friend a question for me.....

If the Internet connection goes down, is it easy to revert back to a crappy connection? ... or are you stuck until the Internet is restored?

[Dan Schultz]

Dan,
I have had one for over a year and it works like a charm. I went from zero bars and total uselessness in the basement (where I spend most of my time) to full signal. Yes, if the internet goes down, you're back to the crappy connection but not totally shut down. Our internet, however has been very stable of late.
Configuring it is a snap. IIRC I gave it a fixed IP address off the router.
I was PO'd at AT&T as well, but explained the situation calmly and succeeded in getting the deal described above.
Jim

Thanks, Jim. I was concerned that once I configured for the Microcell... the phone would simply be 'dead' if my Internet suddenly went south. Am I correct to assume that no changes have to be made in the phone?

[scottw]

Does anyone know if there is something comparable for Verizon customers? I have the same issues as Dan and it is very frustrating. They gave me another phone, but the problems remain the same with the new one.

[NCSUSousa]

Does anyone know if there is something comparable for Verizon customers? I have the same issues as Dan and it is very frustrating. They gave me another phone, but the problems remain the same with the new one.

Here you go:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/stor ... oFemtocell

Make sure to read the reviews. It's not a plug-and-play device. You have to do some set-up with Verizon to activate it. There are also tips for how to make sure your cell phone jumps onto it as a priority over a weaker cell tower signal.

Sidenote: Most 'Verizon' stores are just independant contractors that aren't trained by verizon. They just sell phones and plans. IF you're having an issue, call the customer service folks at verizon, they're much more helpful than the guys at the stores.

[scottw]

Does anyone know if there is something comparable for Verizon customers? I have the same issues as Dan and it is very frustrating. They gave me another phone, but the problems remain the same with the new one.

Here you go:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/stor ... oFemtocell

Make sure to read the reviews. It's not a plug-and-play device. You have to do some set-up with Verizon to activate it. There are also tips for how to make sure your cell phone jumps onto it as a priority over a weaker cell tower signal.

Sidenote: Most 'Verizon' stores are just independant contractors that aren't trained by verizon. They just sell phones and plans. IF you're having an issue, call the customer service folks at verizon, they're much more helpful than the guys at the stores.

Cost is $250. for their version. I resent having to pay that much money to remedy Verizon's problem with my phone. Should have just kept my reliable old dumb phone!

[Dan Schultz]

... Cost is $250. for their version. I resent having to pay that much money to remedy Verizon's problem with my phone. Should have just kept my reliable old dumb phone!

I feel the same way about A T & T's 'Microcell'. Theirs is about $200 but they did offer to reimburse me. Verizon will probably do the same.

I'm gonna do it.

[Bob Kolada]

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=56585&hilit=+pro" target="_blank

[Dan Schultz]

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=56585&hilit=+pro" target="_blank

Ahhhh.... technology! Ain't it great?

[Tubachin]

I have a AT&T Microcell and it works as promised. I now have about 3 bars to 5 bars throughout the house. Before, my coverage was barely 1 bar.

You need to register specific phone numbers so it won't connect all AT&T phones in close proximity. No change to the phone is required.

I got my Microcell for free after complaining bitterly. I don't think I would pay $200 for a remedy for bad service.

[Dan Schultz]

Sequel....

I visited my local A T & T store last Thursday (10/31) and picked up a MicroCell. The total cost will be deducted from my next two wireless bills.

I installed it around 7pm that evening and set up the software. About 1/2 hour later I received confirmation that the installation and configuration was successful.

Went from one bar at my kitchen table to five! Went from 1-2 bars in the shop to five. Went from zero bars down in my 'watery hell' to four bars. (Those who have been here know what the 'watery hell' is!)

Funny... while I was at A T & T... another couple came in bitching about having the same reception problem. I got the last MicroCell in the store. HA!

[tbn.al]

Funny... while I was at A T & T... another couple came in bitching about having the same reception problem. I got the last MicroCell in the store. HA!

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x166ij ... inch_music" target="_blank

[Dan Schultz]

Well.... it's been about a month since I broke down and got an A T & T 'Microcell'. It cost me $220 but A T & T agreed to reimburse me with credits to my monthly bill. I just received my monthly bill and it was 'zero' and still had a credit of $59 and some odd cents. They held to their word to refund my purchase price.

Installation was a breeze with only a few programming steps and a wait of about 15 minutes for their systems to update and sync with my Microcell.

I can say that my cell reception in my home and shop has improved greatly. Data downloads are very quick and I think I've only had two dropped calls in the last month.

I'm impressed (and that ain't an easy task!)

[Dan Schultz]

Thought you'd like it!! Mine has worked flawlessly for quite some time.
Merry Christmas, Dan!
Jim

Merry Christmas to you too, Jim. Hope you got the water problem all straightened out.