UK Gets Europe's First 3G Femtocell 114
judgecorp writes "Femtocells have been on the horizon for a while, but the UK just got the first 3G femtocell launch in Europe, by Vodafone. The device connects to handsets in the room and links them to the cellular network over broadband. It's a classic win-win, because it gives the user better coverage and takes traffic off the service provider's network. The only complaint might be from the broadband provider, who could be carrying traffic for a rival. Vodafone isn't pushing the data angle, but since it has HSPA, the product could work just fine with laptops and dongles. Femtos have been in limbo waiting for serious launches, but judging from the list of speakers at the World Femtocell Summit in London, Vodafone might not be the only one."
Re:Uh no.... (Score:5, Informative)
With this Vodafone one, "The device will support up to four voice calls, and users will register the handsets they want to use it on the web", so only you and your family/friends can use your picocell.
Orange got there first (Score:1, Informative)
WRONG - Orange was the first UK/European company to offer their service via a broadband connection. Their femtocell offering was called unique phone and was released well over a year ago!
Re:What about wifi? (Score:5, Informative)
All "3" mobile phones have a skype client, the sticking point is the wifi.
On the other hand "3" seem to have gone completely off their rocker and aren't charging for the data skype uses on their wireless network. Net result? Free calls. Completely free calls.
!?
Re:What about wifi? (Score:2, Informative)
T-Mobile in the USA does just this with their Hotspot@Home service. You need to have a compatible handset with WiFi. The service costs about $10 a month and lets you make unlimited calls while you are on your WiFi network or T-mobile's WiFi hotspots in coffeeshops and such.
Only phones you register will be able to connect (Score:5, Informative)
Lots of people seem to be assuming that this is you paying the network to extend their network for anyone to use.
It isn't.
If you read the article (I know, radical), you'll see that only four phones, which you need to register, will be able to use the femto-cell. So no, you won't be providing your neighbours with improved service over your own connection (unless you register their phone).
While it's pretty expensive, I'd actually be tempted by this. I can't get a reliable mobile signal in my flat, because of the construction of the building (mobile reception outside is fine).
Of course, it doesn't say if calls made over the femto cell are cheaper than over their network. I would hope they were, it would mean I could pretty much ignore my landline, which I only use because I can't be mobile reception.
I had this back in 2008 (Score:5, Informative)
"It's certainly the first of its kind in Europe, and I see Vodafone says it will work over every home broadband line,"
I had a Samsung Femtocell installed in my basement last November running over a residential DSL line. It's from a Slovenian mobile operator Mobitel - I even written a blog post [tablix.org] about it.
Re:What about wifi? (Score:3, Informative)
Unless they have made drastic changes lately:
1. Skype on 3 goes via a gateway. From your handset to three is done via the mobile network, then they route it over Skype.
2. No Skype-out. Free calls to other Skype users are only of limited use.
Re:I love it! (Score:3, Informative)
So it does make sense
*cue "the more you know" splash*
Re:Orange got there first (Score:1, Informative)
Orange does it with Wi-Fi phones.
A femtocell is not Wi-Fi, it is a tiny GSM repeater hooked to a broadband connection.
Net difference: you can only use the Orange service with Orange-specific devices. You can use femtocell with any GSM phone.
Re:What about wifi? (Score:2, Informative)
Each VOIP call uses less bandwidth than a voice call, so it's a transition to get people to do this. You still have a monthly contract,
Urm, no I don't. I got 3 on PAYG. What I do need to fork out for is a handset that will run the skype software, which my phone won't. As I don't know anyone on skype it's kinda useless for me. However, what is useful is that you also get "unlimited" free 3-to-3 calls, some free data and free texts on PAYG, providing you top up at least £5 every 3 months.
Re:But would it avoid roaming charges? (Score:1, Informative)
Tesco (a British supermarket) sell a cheap internet phone that gets a real phone number. I know several people who've bought them and sent them to their parents abroad (e.g. in India). So the Indian parents now have a Birmingham, UK telephone number and can talk to the children at local rather than international rates.
Unless Vodafone are checking IP ranges, there's no reason this device shouldn't work in the same way.
Re:Uh no.... (Score:4, Informative)
I do agree the cost is kind of high (I feel less as bad for myself seeing as those in the UK really get screwed with a monthly fee) but if you need service, you need service. I'd rather cough up the extra cash to have good coverage and live where I want to live (aka bumfuck). The only other option would be a cellular repeater with an antenna mounted on your roof and that'd be significantly more expensive and dependant on the reception already available.