Some of you may have experienced dead spots for cell service in and around your home. Several cellphone companies are selling solutions to boost cell coverage in your home. These devices are known as microcells. The way they work is that they piggyback on your DSL or cable modem connection. You plug them into your home switch or router, and they send all of the phone call and data used from your cellphone through your DSL or cable modem connection.
There are two costs for this service. The first is that you need to buy the microcell from your cellphone provider, and the second is a possible monthly service fee for the service itself, depending on provider and options.
Some examples of cost
In AT&T’s solution, the microcell costs $150 for service. There is no additional charge if you are going to use your minutes from your plan or you can pay $20 a moth for unlimited calling when attached to your microcell.
Verizon offers a “network extender” which uses the same technology. Their device is $199 with no additional monthly fee.
Sprint’s solution is called AIRAVE and the device runs $99, with a monthly charge of $5 up to $20 depending on current account setup and if you are looking for unlimited calling.
Check with your cellphone provider for availability and cost.
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