Tech & Biz

Can You Hear Me Now? Femtocell?

by corbinse | November 20, 2008 at 12:54 pm

245 views | 10 Recommendations | 1 comment

Sounds funny Femtocell, has nothing to do with the ladies! I don't know about you but I do have issues with Cellular phone service in my own home (eventhough I have the service "Can You Hear Me Now... Good". Just can't get reception! This little item may be the key. Looks like it would eventually be just like installing a home wifi router, but for your cell phone coverage not for the computers. Couple of draw backs I see my self, first off it would add another cost to my current cell phone bill which is already outrageous. Second my provider does not have this out and probably will not have it for quite a while.

The last question I have is: With all the electronic devices (including this) that are emitting signals (EMF, radio, or other) when is my brain going to explode?? Are these things affecting (or is it effecting) us?

Corbinse

Femtocell FAQ: Time for a 'Personal Cell-Phone Tower'?
Ed Sutherland, Computerworld
Nov 20, 2008 9:27 am
Are you one of those unlucky souls who enjoys decent cell phone reception when you're out and about, but can't get a signal at home or in the office? You're not alone. Indoor phone calls have long been a weak point of cellular coverage.

That's why femtocell technology has created such a stir over the past year or so, as the idea of using a device like a broadband router to boost cellular reception indoors has seemed to be on the verge of materializing. Analysts and the media speculated that consumers would see a flood of such devices, known as femtocells , by the end of 2008.

How far do they reach?

Femtocells have a range of around 5,000 feet and are intended for use inside a single home or small office. If you leave the building in the middle of a call, the call is handed off to your carrier's nearest cell tower.

How much does it cost?

Cost is one of the questions still without a clear answer. Critics point to the many fees associated with Sprint's Airave femtocell service. First, there's the $100 cost of the box. Then there's the $5 monthly service charge, in addition to the fee for your regular calling plan and minutes used. If you don't already have an unlimited plan, you can opt to pay an extra $10 a month for unlimited Airave minutes; for families, that's an extra $20 per month. Finally, add the cost of your broadband service.

"If the 'network is everywhere,' it might be a hard sell to tell their customers, 'It's everywhere but in your house, and for that, we want another $100,'" said Allen Nogee, an analyst at In-Stat.