Using a Broadband Internet
Backbone to Enhance
Cell Coverage
As a custom integrator of digital solutions
in homes, we are always looking for
ways to leverage our clients’ broadband
connection.
The latest broadband service that
has captured my interest is the “mini”
cell tower, which has been designed
to improve cellular phone signals in
the home. This is especially useful for
clients who live in mountainous areas
with poor or no cell phone service.
Instead of using amplifiers that just
repeat a strong outdoor cellular signal
to the interior of the home (e.g the
Wi-ex zBoost product line), these
mini cell towers convert a phone’s cell
signal to a packetized IP stream that
travels across the broadband internet
connection to the home.
Of course, clients that have phones with data connectivity could
leverage the wireless access points in their homes with services
like Skype to place outbound calls, but the drawback with this
approach is that it requires them to maintain two cell phone
numbers–the one assigned by the phone carrier and the other
assigned by the Skype service. In addition, Skype fees would
apply to these calls.
Let’s review two of these solutions a little more closely:
ATT Microcell
The $150 AT&T 3G MicroCell device acts like a mini
cell tower in the home and connects AT&T phone
clients to their existing broadband internet service.
The client receives improved cell signal performance
for both voice calls and cellular data applications like
picture messaging and web surfing. In addition, the
client may grant access to other AT&T 3G phone
customers, for up to 10 lines. The service requires
DSL/cable/fiber broadband service of at least
1.5 Mbps downstream/256 kbps upstream,
and the signal range is approximately 40 feet
from the base station (in all directions), or
about 5,000 square feet.
There are no required additional monthly fees associated with the
AT&T 3G MicroCell. The client just uses the wireless minutes and
data from their existing plan. Installation near a window is strongly
recommended to ensure access to a GPS signal (a GPS link is needed to
verify the device location during initial startup.)
Verizon Femtocell
The $250 Verizon Femtocell is a mini cell tower that can be used in homes
that have poor Verizon wireless signal or no Verizon wireless signal. The
Verizon Femtocell requires the customer to have a broadband internet
connection, such as DSL, cable, or FIOS, with a minimum speed of 1
Mbps download.
Calls, whether incoming or outgoing, must originate within 15 feet of
the Verizon Femtocell device. After that, one can roam to as much as
40 feet from the Verizon Femtocell without losing a connection to the
Femtocell. A call that is already in progress using a cellular tower cannot
use the Femtocell. However, calls that originate on the Femtocell can
seamlessly move to a nearby compatible cellular tower if you move too far
away from the Femtocell.
There is no subscription fee to use the Verizon Femtocell. However,
normal rates and policies for the cellular device (in accordance with the
chosen rate plan) still apply. For example, calls that go out or come in using
the Femtocell will still deduct minutes from a plan. The latest Verizon
Femtocells allow up to eight concurrent cellular devices/connections,
whereas earlier Femtocells allowed only four. Like the AT Minicell, the
Verizon Femtocell also must be placed near a window so that the device
can acquire GPS information.
Keeping the Lines Open
I have found that these mini cell towers are not only useful for our clients’
daily use but for our technicians as well. Often, we are configuring and
programming an AV rack in the basement of a home, which typically
offers the poorest cell reception in the home. Having one of these mini
cell phone towers in these homes has been very beneficial to keeping
the lines of communication open between our onsite technician and
their phone technical support needs.
The more ubiquitous and faster the broadband internet pipe
is to our client’s home the more services the custom integrator
can offer their clients. In a time when getting more clients
has become increasingly challenging, it’s rewarding to
know that there are more products and services–like mini
cell towers–that we can offer our existing clients that
enhance the broadband enabled infrastructure that we
have already provided in their homes.