T-Mobile introduces its 4G LTE CellSpot today. The miniature cell tower can be installed in homes and business aims to expand cell coverage to more users by solving three reoccurring problems—poor connectivity, range and reliability. At home or work the CellSpot easily connects to the 4G LTE network to expand the signal to a 3,000 square foot range. And, it allows up to 16 devices on the T-Mobile network to connect for calls, text messages and data use. The CellSpot uses the carrier’s Wi-Fi to route calls or text to a local 4G LTE Wi-Fi network, eliminating additional charges.
The device, which is 8.5-inches by 8.5-inches, “works in any place where a customer has access to broadband Internet and a T-Mobile wireless connection,” T-Mobile claims. The mini tower is a solution that increases connectivity of weak signals inside of buildings. The 4G LTE CellSpot is free to T-Mobile Simple Choice postpaid customers, and it includes a refundable $25 deposit with a non-return fee, which is limited to one per business or home.
So should you get one? Brian Fung asked in yesterday’s Washington Post. In some individual circumstances, maybe, but for the vast majority of consumers, you might be better off using plain, old, boring Wi-Fi. Here’s why, wrote Fung:
“T-Mobile’s CellSpot doesn’t provide an Internet connection all by itself. It has to be plugged into an existing wired broadband connection, the kind of service you might buy from Comcast or Verizon. That requirement ultimately makes the CellSpot impractical for many consumers.”
He continued his argument against getting a CellSpot. “Think about your current home Internet provider. Chances are, the company included a Wi-Fi router with your installation, and if it didn’t, you likely went out and bought your own. Not only does the CellSpot effectively duplicate an Internet access technology already present in many people’s homes—it comes with other drawbacks. The CellSpot’s data speeds are only as fast as your fixed broadband connection, so it’s not as though you can plug the device into a 10 Mbps service and suddenly be surfing at 60 Mbps.”
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