AT&T introduces 3G Femtocell
3G Femtocell acts like a miniature cell tower that is installed in your home, which provides 3G mobile coverage where there is none or weak for voice and data access. Instead of using the cell tower’s own backhaul, the femtocell connects back to your provider’s network using your broadband access.
AT&T 3G MicroCell plans to begin its national roll out beginning in mid April. Developed in conjunction with Cisco and in a public trial in select markets since September, AT&T 3G MicroCell is available for a one-time cost of $149.99. Consumers with AT&T 3G MicroCell will be able to easily activate the device the same day it is purchased, thanks to easy, self-install instructions. A brief feature overview:
- 10 lines access defined, handles up to four simultaneous calls
- Allows call transfer to the cellular network
- Works on UMTS bands (1900 MHz and 850 MHz)
- Supports E911 Service
AT&T who signed up for a supplementary voice plan or purchase a new line of broadband service are entitled to a $100 or $50 mail in rebate which lowers the cost of ownership for the subscribers.
In Malaysia its unheard of that subscriber should pay to improve their mobile coverage, but with the right business model and incentives, this may just change. 
