3G Microcell with new 4G phones

fuzion9357 · ‎02-10-2011

How will the new 4G phones get along with the 3G microcell?

I am considering getting the Atrix but I love the microcell with my current 3G phone. I definitely want to be able to override any 4G network signal in my home when my microcell is available as I have the unlimited calling via cell.

Will the 4G signal be more preferred than the 3G and therefore never want to join my microcell or is there a way to turn 4G on and off as needed?

Thanks

nsayer · ‎06-16-2009

So far as I am aware, AT&T has not added LTE phones to their lineup yet, so it probably it not yet an issue. What AT&T has been touting as "4G" is merely better backhauls and HSPA+/UMTS, which is what the Microcell does.

If/when LTE phones become available, I would expect they would be backwards compatible with UMTS, EDGE and GSM, and very likely would be able to use the Microcell just like the current generation of phones do. But it's all speculation until they actually release something.

dmunjal · ‎02-20-2004

Motorola Atrix is not LTE, only HSPA+. Should work fine with 3G Microcell.

kipunny · ‎02-15-2011

I just bought the HTC inspire the 13th and I still can't get it to connect to the 3g microcell I have setup at the house. They told me it was compatible but I still have no signal.

however I am connected to the wi-fi

mkztg · ‎10-12-2006

The first day I got home my new Inspire connected to the Microcell, it said AT&T Microcell for the network. For some reason this morning it won't connect to it. I checked the Microcell and all the lights that should be on are on. This doesn't make sense....

DocDeth · ‎03-13-2011

Sometimes you have to remove an approved cell number in the set up and then re-enter it. Also make sure other 3G phones can connect to Micro-cell. The only full proof connection is to have the M-cell connected directly to your cable modem or DSL modem. Any routers or Wi-Fi devices should be connected to the computer port. The M-cell nightly connects to AT&T and if it doesn't have 'clear path' all the lights will be green but no M-cell connections will be available. Also make sure your M-cell is by a window; if the unit does not get accurate GPS location service AT&T doesn't know where the device 'is' so no connection.

rdcinhou · ‎04-04-2006

I bought an HTC Vivid (4G LTE) from AT&T this past Sunday.

It appears to work fine with my AT&T Microcell.

It shows full bars in the house, but displays 4G while connected to it.

I found this thread while looking online to try and confirm whether I really am 4G on the Microcell or if it just displays this since the outgoing speed on my AT&T DSL is as fast (or faster) than 4G.

I did not have to delete and re-add my number to the Microcell--it worked right away.

MikeDiesel · ‎03-11-2012

I have an iPhone 4, which recently prompted a notification to upgrade the iOS. When my friend upgraded his, the "4G" icon showed up versus the 3G (this happened the same day iPad3 was launched). I then, excited about the new 4G, thought to download it myself until I remembered that I have a 3G MicroCell at home. ATT gave me the 3G MIcroCell as I have very bad reception in my area. So, I didn't upgraded thinking that the new 4G would not work with the 3G MicroCell device. Just wanted to post this for the iPhone customers that may have the MicroCell3G.

patput · ‎06-11-2010

I was shocked and pleased to see 4G show up on my mocrocell connected iPhone last night after I did the iPhone 5.1 update.

Otto Pylot · ‎03-20-2011

MikeDiesel wrote:
I have an iPhone 4, which recently prompted a notification to upgrade the iOS. When my friend upgraded his, the "4G" icon showed up versus the 3G (this happened the same day iPad3 was launched). I then, excited about the new 4G, thought to download it myself until I remembered that I have a 3G MicroCell at home. ATT gave me the 3G MIcroCell as I have very bad reception in my area. So, I didn't upgraded thinking that the new 4G would not work with the 3G MicroCell device. Just wanted to post this for the iPhone customers that may have the MicroCell3G.

Read nsayers post above. 4G is probably not "real" 4G yet but HSPA+ which will work just fine with 3G, and once 4G is fully implemented, it will be backward compatible with 3G. The iPhone 4S will indicate 4G and work just fine on the 3G network, ours do.

For MicroCell Setup and Basic Troubleshooting, use this link.
For additional help, please send a PM to ATTCustomerCare.

radiatorn8 · ‎09-22-2012

I know the posts on this page are a bit old and probably rarely looked at, but LTE just went live where I live and now my phones don't connect unless they lose their LTE signal. Right now, I have three LTE capable phones, two display LTE, one simply 4G (HSPA+) and just that one is connected to the Microcell. I imagine that as soon as it latches onto LTE again it will not connect to the MCell. If I find a workaround for this I will repost. For those of you in an area where LTE has gone live and you have an LTE phone, you may be in the same situation I'm in. Perhaps forcing mobile data off, wifi on, will allow the phones to connect? I'll do some testing.

lady-carissa · ‎11-01-2012

I would be interested in know what you find out radiatorn8. I have an AT&T 3G microcell that I have never used because we bought for when we travel to family that we receive poor signal. Unfortuneately, we were not aware of how it set up and it was not something we cared to do yet. Not that it is hard, More asking family to hook it into their computer. I do have family who are moving to a small town and if cell service isn't great where they are an=m think of giving it to them. Will benefit me when I am there. But I also know they are getting new phones this month. So I am wondering if it will work with these new phones. If not I plan to sell it.