iPhone Carrier Update hints at AT&T MicroCell coming soon

iPhone users in the US have recently been hit with a "carrier update" when they sync with their machines, and a little digging reveals that the package contains two "AT&T M-Cell" carrier logos -- suggesting that Ma Bell's upcoming MicroCell femtocell is close to launch. Still no word on how much the Cisco-sourced hardware will cost when it does arrive and we're still not super-stoked on the idea of paying a monthly fee to improve AT&T's own service, but if you've been patiently waiting to take matters into your own hands, we'd guess you'll be rewarded soon.

[Via TUAW]

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2009 1:28PM]

There is one scenario that would make this worth it, IMO. If ATT comes out with a "reasonable" plan (say $5-10/mo) that will allow unlimited minutes while on the Microcell - then it would be worth it for those who call a lot from home (I do - I home office). This is what Sprint offers, but Verizon's version just uses your monthly minutes.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 8th 2009 5:36AM]

Would be even more superb if I can take this microcell and use it anywhere in the world.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 25th 2009 8:45PM]

I'm getting the AT&T MicroCell logo in Chicago (Bucktown). But it only appears on a Japanese phone (Vodafone). My other AT&T phones do not display the MicroCell logo. Is the service being tested here? Unsure why the 904T shows it but my N95 (using same SIM) does not.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 26th 2009 4:07PM]

I know ATT has given the Microcell box to some of their employees while it's still being tested. Perhaps you were lucky enough to be close to one of them.