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AT&T chooses Raleigh, Charlotte for 3G MicroCell trial

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RALEIGH, N.C. – AT&T (NYSE: T) wireless customers in Raleigh and Charlotte are the first to have the opportunity to try out a service designed to boost data and voice reception inside buildings.

The so-called 3G MicroCell offering began Friday in Charlotte and rolls out In Raleigh today.

“Anybody who has coverage issues within a home may be interested in purchasing the MicroCell,” AT&T’s Amy Bristle tells Local Tech Wire. The service is intended to mitigate coverage problems created by home structures, buildings with thick walls or geographic challenges.

However, customers need to check with AT&T first to see if 3G MicroCell will work in their situations.

“They can go into any of our stores and a representative will determine if they live in an area where the service will work,” Bristle said.

Targeted at consumers, 3G MicroCell enables up to five 3G-capable wireless devices of connecting to the outside world at one time.

“The device serves as a small cell tower in the home and utilizes the customers’ broadband internet connection to carry the call or data traffic to the AT&T network,” Bristle explained.

3G Microcell is designed to augment AT&T’s standard 3G cellular network as well as WiFi coverage.

Features, according to AT&T:

• Enhanced coverage indoors — supports both voice and data up to 5000 square feet.
• Available unlimited minute plans — individual or FamilyTalk plans.
• 3G handset compatible — works with any AT&T 3G phone.
• Supports up to four voice or data users at once.
• Device is secure — cannot be accessed by unauthorized users, easy and secure online management of device settings.
• Seamless call hand-over — start calls on your 3G MicroCell and continue without interruption, even if you leave the building.

Small business might be interested in the offering as well since multiple simultaneous connections are available, Bristle said.

Costs of the MicroCell device, which is made by Cisco, and of the service depends on the plans a customer wants. Unlimited minutes packages are available.

The device retails for $150 and plugs into a broadband modem. AT&T broadband service is not required, according to Bristle.

The modem is free if a customer signs on for digital subscriber line (DSL) service from AT&T, she added.

AT&T plans to offer the service nationally but no date has been set, Bristle said. There could be trials in other markets, too, she added.

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