MicroCell

In mid-April AT&T Wireless subscribers will have the option of purchasing their own personal 3G cell phone tower. The MicroCell will run $149.99 and is fully compatible with the iPhone 3G and 3GS. The devices will be rolled out in different markets over the next few months.

The MicroCell is a solution for users who have little or no 3G coverage in their home and access to a broadband Internet connection. The device allows users to make calls and send text messages against their AT&T Wireless account using a 5,000 square foot personal 3G network.

How about making iPhone calls on your own personal cell tower? AT&T has test launched its femtocell solution for individual users, dubbed the MicroCell. This device is compatible with the iPhone 3G and 3GS.

MicroCell data speeds will be slower than the 7.2 Mbps the iPhone 3GS is capable of delivering, however they will achieve 3.2 Mbps, matching standard 3G speeds. The device allows users to make calls and send text messages using a 5,000 square foot local 3G network.

Interested in your own personal cell tower? AT&T is poised to release its femtocell solution for individual users, dubbed the MicroCell. iPhone users rejoice, you have not been forgotten. iTunes has started delivering a carrier update that will support the use of 3G iPhones with the MicroCell device.

Carrier updates are files that include settings which tell the iPhone how to connect to the cellular network and where to look for data such as maps, stocks, and weather. The AT&T MicroCell will require a broadband Internet connection, GPS reception, and will provide support for up to ten 3G mobile devices (even if they're not iPhones).