3G Microcell Activation

I can understand your frustration, to a point, but it still clealy says "postpaid voice plan". Some folks don't want, or use WiFi. So, in those cases the MicroCell is an option to maintain their 3G connectivity for those devices without the use of WiFi where 3G is spotty. Keep in mind that the MicroCell is 3G only. A 4G device will drop back to 3G speeds once connected to the MicroCell.

The GoPhones are prepaid voice plans so they don't qualify, period. Yes, the statement could be better worded but the bottom line is if you don't have a postpaid cellular account, you won't be able to use the MicroCell for in-home celluar use.

I am not trying to sound rude either but a prepaid service plan is not a prepaid voice plan in the eyes of AT&T despite your insistence that it should be. 

I doubt anyone uses a Mcell with the DataConnect Pass, but consider this:  A person may just have a modem in their home and no router.  They technically could get a Mcell and wirelessly connect a AT&T SIM card-equipped iPad or Galaxy Tab to the internet via the Mcell using a DataConnect Pass and not by WiFi.  Is this the best way to connect to the internet?  Of course not.  But that's not what the DataConnect Pass product was designed for in the first place.

AT&T is quite clear about prepaid Gophones regarding the Mcell.   On their Mcell FAQ page:

Do AT&T prepaid GoPhone® devices work with the AT&T 3G MicroCell device?

"You cannot activate an AT&T 3G MicroCell device, because a postpaid myWireless account is required. However, prepaid 3G wireless devices can be added to the Authorized User List of someone else's device."

So while you can't activate a Mcell with a prepaid GoPhone, you can use it on someone else's Mcell if they add you to their Authorized User List.

AT&T hasn't provided any documentation stating that prepaid VOICE customers can register a Mcell.  AT&T makes a distinct differentiation between voice services and data services in their literature.  That you interpret it differently is unfortunate.

I suggest you send your Mcell back to AT&T for a refund and if you are in a poor cell tower reception area that prompted you to get the Mcell in the first place, I would suggest you look at signal booster products made by Cel-Fi or Wilson Electronics instead.

Excellent advice.

Better yet, I cancel all AT&T services I have and move along. I'll be giving some of my other family members the 'push' they've been needing to make the switch too.

Goodbye to AT&T for good.

Charter and T-Mobile(Wi-Fi calling) here I come and for the record it does say PREPAID 3G or 4G Wireless device on the support page to register and that would include a prepaid wireless cell phone by definition.

You know it does.

I'm done with this thread, like I'm done with AT&T.

Bye.

WiFi Calling is a different animal than a Mcell.  I hope it works out for you.

Keep in mind with a prepaid phone that you'll have to make sure it's UMA compatible in order to work with the T Mobile WiFi Calling system.  I know iPhones are not compatible and many other cellphones aren't either.  You'll also have to get the unlock code for your cellphone from AT&T in order to switch your phone over to T Mobile.

Also, as a prepaid phone user, any use of the WiFi Calling system counts against your minutes unlike a Mcell.  Postpaid accounts with T Mobile do not count minutes when using WiFi Calling.

There are a lot of complaints about T Mobile's WiFi Calling Plan, specifically concerning dropped calls.  The system has its own unique set of problems that you will no doubt experience.

Good luck.

It's too bad he misunderstood the requirements, albeit they could have been a bit clearer. But he certainly could've asked before he made his purchase. The grass is always greener......

Another satisfied customer....sigh.

Yep.

Hi there @frostphase

Thank you for posting your concerns. I’d be happy to clarify this! The eSupport article states:

To use the AT&T MicroCell, you will need:

• AT&T postpaid voice plan or prepaid service using a 3G or 4G wireless device.

This eSupport article does not appear to be available currently, which may indicate it has since been updated to be worded more clearly. What was stated is correct, however, I understand how it may have caused some misunderstanding.

GoPhones and devices using GoPhone service can use a Microcell device as an approved user. GoPhone lines/accounts cannot, however, be the owner of the Microcell. The reason for this is due to the Microcell requiring a postpaid account to be registered to.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused!

Thanks,

Charise

Uh....Charise, that post was from over a year ago.  I'm sure he left AT&T for greener pastures.