Image purchased through Fotolia.comA few days ago I read a great blog about Femtocell's by John Sigler. In his blog, John mentioned that AT&T users would have to wait until April for the release of AT&T's device. Hey, April is around the corner so time to start investigating a way to improve my cell coverage as I have become quite dependent on my IPhone.

Today, I found this March 24, 2010 article specific to AT&T's Femtocell and this FAQ on the AT&T site specifically about their product, the 3G MicroCell. A banner on their site proclaims, "5 Bar Coverage in Your Home."!

Since everything I read discussed "home" and "home office", I called AT&T to verify that, once available, I could use the AT&T Microcell in my commercial location. Seemed logical....the specs call for plugging the device into a broadband connection or router, plugging in for power and entering up to 10 phone numbers for access. 

The representative, first initial "C", did not seem familiar with the MicroCell, but did look up the information. After quite a delay, "C" informed me that my commercial location would not qualify to use the MicroCell ...it is for use in homes and home-offices. hmmmmm....see what "R" had to say below.

For now, use of the device is a moot point as it is not yet available except in the 4 trial states of Georgia, NC, South Carolina and Florida. San Diego is a trial city.

To verify availability now and in the future, you can click on the "availability" tab on this portion of the MicroCell website.  An option is available to receive notification of availability via e-mail.

Image purchased through Fotolia.comWhen the AT&T rep could not answer my question about 3rd party devices, she transferred me to "R".   In fact, "R" said that I would be able to use the MicroCell in my office.

"R" was unable to give me a time frame on availability but he did suggest that I send an e-mail once a week expressing my interest/need and  to encourage others to do the same. Not sure I'm willing to go that far yet.  Urging people to "Mark the Spot" using a free App is one thing...

To my question regarding use of 3rd party devices or "boosters," R was understandably (I guess) unable to comment. 

So, I'm off to research 3rd party devices in search of a solution.  I'm going to start by returning to John's blog, as he mentioned something about booster kits.

 

 

 




Mary Kay Hopkins, GRI, CRS, CRB, e-PRO  Lake Charles, LA
Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC  mkh.com

Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.

 
This post has been included in Louisiana Real Estate News Calcasieu Parish, LA Real Estate News
Post is included in group: iPhone Power
Post is included in group: Technology

9 Comments on In search of a solution for AT&T dropped calls

MAR
28
2010
384,022 Points 8 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

The most reliable solution to AT&T's dropped calls I have found is Verizon.
1:11pm • #1
156,683 Points 1 Featured Post

Hey Mary Kay, the only reason I am with At&t is becuase I can't live without my I-Phone.  Otherwise I would be gone!!
1:51pm • #2
135,851 Points Called Shot Master

Mike, HA.  I agree, Verizon's service was quite good when they were the carrier of choice for my lap-top-on-the-road connection.  Stopped traveling so much so gave it up. 

Jennifer, same boat, especially after a series of calls to them earlier.  But, I'm told by those with other carriers that they experience problems as well.

Boosters appear to be a solution, but I'm not sure which one to buy. I just posted the results of today's research in hopes others would have input. 
4:56pm • #3
APR
03
2010
205,888 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I would go to Verizon too....however...in SW Florida...ATT is not bad.  Who knew!  No dropped calls!  I love my i-Phone and would suffer lots to stay with it. :-)
6:18pm • #4
APR
04
2010
135,851 Points Called Shot Master

Marcia, count your blessings that you are in an area with reliable service.  Last week, one of my most frequently used iPhone Apps was AT&T's "Mark My Spot." And I agree re the love affair with my iPhone.
10:10am • #5
APR
13
2010
1,005,067 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

You might consider either waiting for the Verizon iPhone or adding a Verizon mifi device and using the VOIP feature of TruPhone or Fring until your service gets better.
3:10pm • #7
135,851 Points Called Shot Master

hmmm, Sam! Since I'm not familiar with the VOIP feature of TruPhone or Fring, will check them out. Thanks a bunch.  (You should know....you are one of my ARH (Active Rain Hereos)
6:45pm • #8
MAY
28
2010
2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp

I just bought a mophie battery extender, since another problem is a short battery life.  It kills the reception of the phone, just a warning if you have marginal service already. It took moderate coverage, and made it worse.  Nice to have power though, and not have to carry a charger everywhere.

 
12:49am • #9
135,851 Points Called Shot Master

Joe, your comment makes me glad I held off.  Some time back, I purhcased a Kinsington add-on battery for those times when I'm concerned about battery life.  I did not notice a degradation in service while using.

For a few weeks, the dropped call problem seemed to have improved, but this week has been a disaster.
9:58am • #10

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Mary Kay Hopkins, e-PRO,GRI,CRS

Lake Charles, LA

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Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC e-PRO, GRI, CRS, CRB

Address: 120 Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive, Lake Charles, LA, 70601

Office Phone: (337) 439-1079

Cell Phone: (337) 515-5137

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Besides writing a bit about my listings and services, I enjoy sharing information about Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana, and The Margaret Place Historical District and general real estate.

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