AT&T handing out free 3G MicroCells to loyal customers

[zerocool84]

While we've no clue how widespread AT&T's generosity is, or how you might get one, it appears that the company's "most valuable customers" are now receiving free range-boosting femtocells. Today, loyal reader Jason got a old-fashioned paper letter in the mail, offering his iPhone-wielding family a 3G MicroCell with no strings attached. Driving down to the local AT&T store, he got the product, but the dumbfounded reps offered no explanation why. Though his calls do frequently drop at home, Jason says he wasn't terribly vocal about the issue and only pays around $180 per month for his family plan -- the only thing that might possibly qualify him, in his opinion, is that his contract was set to expire. We've reached out to AT&T for more information; in the meanwhile, see Jason's letter after the break.

Anyone here get a letter??? I don't know anyone who's gotten a letter that has AT&T. Also seems some people who commented have gotten free ones as well.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/10/atandt-handing-out-free-3g-microcells-to-loyal-customers/

 

[TheInternet1980]

lol

AdmAckbar Posted Jul 10th 2010 9:03
ATT+Generosity=TRAP

 

[vshah]

hmm

maybe if they spread say 1000 out across busy downtown areas, it will improve their signal piggybacking over other people's net connections?

 

[gorcorps]

Pretty smart IMO. If they gave me a free microcell I'd drop my thoughts of switching to another carrier as I mostly only have trouble in my apartment.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

How do I get one of these?

 

[Cuda1447]

Not to bash AT&T but I have a good friend who has had ATT for years. He is a diehard Apple fan, thus ATT. He also is a nut about cell phones and has used every service and probably more phones than anyone here. (returns within 14 days a lot). That said, he had a microcell (purchased) and he said it was awful. It caused all sorts of connection/data issues with his Iphone and as soon as he disconnected the microcell it worked fine again. I'm sure its a YMMV thing, but food for thought.

 

[gorcorps]

I've heard the exact opposite. The couple reviewed I've read about it point to it doing exactly what it's supposed to do, and doing it fairly well. The one acquaintance who has it seems to not have any issues with their iphone.

 

[SunnyD]

Why wouldn't AT&T want to hand these things out like candy? Put up a free open 3G base station, use your internet connection as their backhaul for free, and charge you minutes at the same time. It's pure marketing genius.

 

[TheWart]

Why wouldn't AT&T want to hand these things out like candy? Put up a free open 3G base station, use your internet connection as their backhaul for free, and charge you minutes at the same time. It's pure marketing genius.

Yea, I have thought that as well. I wonder if the manufacturing cost is too steep to give them away to everyone for free....

 

[preslove]

Yea, I have thought that as well. I wonder if the manufacturing cost is too steep to give them away to everyone for free....

I'm sure it's cheaper than adding or improving existing towers. Charging for microcells is bullshit.