For many households, staying connected through reliable cellular service is essential, but cell reception can sometimes be spotty at home, especially in remote or densely populated urban areas. AT&T’s solution for boosting weak signals in your home is the AT&T MicroCell, sometimes called a home cell tower. By creating a stronger, more stable signal, this device helps you avoid dropped calls and slow data speeds. Here’s what you need to know about AT&T’s home cell tower options, how they work, and if they’re the right choice for your needs.
What Is the AT&T Home Cell Tower (MicroCell)?
An AT&T MicroCell, or home cell tower, acts as a small-scale cellular tower inside your home. It connects to AT&T’s network via your home’s internet connection, boosting coverage by creating a mini cell network. This is especially useful for people who live in areas with poor or inconsistent AT&T coverage but have a reliable broadband internet connection.
The AT&T MicroCell allows up to several devices to connect simultaneously, improving signal strength for calls, texts, and data usage within a defined radius of the device, typically covering an entire home. Although the original AT&T MicroCell was discontinued, AT&T now offers other options for home signal boosting that accomplish similar results.
Benefits of Using an AT&T Home Cell Tower or MicroCell
-
Improved Call Quality and Fewer Dropped Calls
A MicroCell ensures that calls stay connected and clear, reducing disruptions caused by poor signal strength. This is especially important for work-from-home professionals or those who rely heavily on mobile phones for communication. -
Enhanced Data Speeds
A stronger signal translates to faster download and upload speeds, allowing you to browse the internet, use apps, and stream content more smoothly. This can be a significant improvement for homes located in low-signal zones. -
Support for Multiple Devices
AT&T’s home cell tower solutions can typically support multiple devices at once, meaning that family members can all enjoy improved connectivity on their phones, tablets, and other cellular devices. -
Easy Setup and Use
AT&T’s MicroCell and alternative solutions are designed for simple, user-friendly setup. Once connected to your home internet, it automatically strengthens your signal and requires minimal ongoing maintenance.
Options for AT&T Home Cell Tower Alternatives
Though AT&T’s original MicroCell device has been phased out, there are other ways to improve your cell signal at home, including:
-
AT&T Cell Booster
AT&T’s Cell Booster serves as an upgraded replacement for the traditional MicroCell. This device also connects to your internet and broadcasts an LTE signal in your home, improving coverage for AT&T users. It offers broader compatibility with newer devices and can enhance coverage in more extensive spaces than the original MicroCell. -
Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi Calling is another option that AT&T customers can use as an alternative to a MicroCell. By enabling Wi-Fi Calling on compatible phones, you can make calls, send texts, and use data over your Wi-Fi connection. This can significantly improve connectivity without needing additional hardware. -
Signal Boosters
AT&T offers approved third-party signal boosters that can amplify an existing cellular signal in your home. Unlike the MicroCell or Cell Booster, signal boosters don’t connect through Wi-Fi; instead, they capture existing AT&T signals from outside and amplify them inside. This can be a useful option for homes with a weak but stable signal outside.
Setting Up Your AT&T MicroCell or Cell Booster
Setting up an AT&T Cell Booster is straightforward:
- Connect to Power and Internet: Plug the device into a power outlet and connect it to your router with an Ethernet cable.
- Activate Your Device: Register the device on your AT&T account and follow the on-screen prompts to complete activation.
- Place the Device in a Central Location: Choose a central spot in your home to ensure that the boosted signal reaches as many areas as possible.
- Test Connectivity: Once setup is complete, test your signal to confirm that your calls and data speeds are improved.
Pros and Cons of AT&T Home Cell Tower Solutions
Pros
- Provides improved signal strength and reliability
- Supports multiple devices and users in the home
- Offers options like Wi-Fi Calling for enhanced flexibility
Cons
- Requires a high-speed internet connection
- May have upfront costs for equipment
- Doesn’t work without a broadband internet connection
Is an AT&T Home Cell Tower Right for You?
If you frequently experience weak AT&T signals at home and have a reliable internet connection, an AT&T Cell Booster or home cell tower solution may be a worthwhile investment. It provides a straightforward, effective way to improve signal strength, supporting smoother calls, faster data, and a more reliable connection.
Conclusion
An AT&T home cell tower, such as the AT&T Cell Booster, offers a practical way to enhance connectivity and avoid common issues like dropped calls and slow data speeds. Whether you choose a Cell Booster, signal booster, or simply enable Wi-Fi Calling, these solutions allow you to stay connected and enjoy better service at home.