[HDJulie]

I believe that some of you have an AT&T Microcell. My understanding is that when you are on the Microcell, if you don't have cellular data turned off then any data goes through the Microcell instead of your home wireless. Is that right & if so, has that just not been a problem because you don't use much data (or have a large enough data plan), or are you turning off cellular data while at home. I'm thinking about getting one for my mother.

 

[klang]

I have cellular data turned on but my iPhone always uses a Wi-Fi connection if one is available for data. The Microcell is only used for voice. At least that is what I see.

 

[johnck78]

The MicroCell is only used for voice, so data will go through your cellular data or wifi if you have it connected.

There is one major thing to remember about the MicroCell. It only works if you are in a very low -> no signal area. I have one, and have to turn it off and on all the time. There are days where I have no signal at all so I turn it on. On other days where there is strong signal, if I am connected to MicroCell, I usually cannot make a call or maintain a call. It is in the documentation, but near the bottom.

 

[HDJulie]

My mother gets maybe 2 bars in her house & even with that, the calls drop or are garbled. She has lost a lot of her mental edge these last few years so it won't be worth it if it doesn't work seamlessly.

Why does your signal strength differ depending on the day?

 

[johnck78]

I wish I could answer that question, I think it's because we are on the outskirts of signal, and on good clear days we have good signal and on crappy days it is deprecated.

 

[klang]

I've never had any issues. If our phones are within range of the Microcell they use it instead of the regular cell signal. We are out in the boonies and get 0-3 bars depending on who knows what.

 

[dennisj00]

I got one with the 3G iPhone and turned it off when the 5 arrived. I would have 5 bars on the deck but nothing in the house. The microcell just does what it's name implies, it puts your calls on your internet connection.

It works fine, it's currently on eBay for the next two hours, PM me if you're interested.