Archive Pen & Links

ATT leeches off your home connection with femtocells

July 14, 2010

There are times when I wonder if I’m cut out for the business world. Not because I lack the skill, resolve or majestically good looks, but because I don’t think I sling crap as well as some of these things I read.

I’ve avoided the AT&T microcell/femtocell story for a few months just because it felt like something that was going to fade away. The concept goes something like this:

  • AT&T’s network sucked in some areas.
  • AT&T noticed people have home Internet connections.
  • AT&T said “Hey can we borrow a cup of internet with this device”
  • AT&T’s magical device sells you cell service from your internet connection in the form of a $150 device.
  • AT&T still charges you for using their network when you’re providing the bandwidth. More interestingly, AT&T essentially charges you twice for the same data if they’re your home ISP too.
  • AT&T realizes most people aren’t stupid enough to pay $150 for a device, so it begins sending them out for free. People like free things.
  • AT&T hopes people get used to the devices so they can kick back and not have to build out their network as much and count the money.

It’s enough to make my head spin.