When AT&T announced their signal boosting femtocell a.k.a. the 3G MicroCell, I knew it was the answer to our coverage woes. Essentially, the MicroCell is a miniature cellphone tower which increases indoor coverage by utilizing your existing internet (Cable or DSL) connection. The idea sounds awesome until you start to digest the monetary details.

So the current situation looks like this:

• $150 – One MicroCell plus taxes so that I can enjoy an iPhone.
• $180 / mo. – Two iPhones sharing minutes, unlimited data and unlimited messaging on AT&T’s Family Talk plan.
• $60 / mo. – Comcast internet connection which AT&T is going to use to improve our cellphone coverage.

Ok, that’s a decent chunk of money going towards communicating on a cellphone via AT&T Wireless. But it’s hard to let go of the iPhone. I’ve tried.

I’m tired of having poor service. I’m even more tired of friends who come over with their non-AT&T service who are able to use their devices without fuming. I actually walked into an AT&T Wireless Store on the way home from work today with the intention of purchasing a 3G MicroCell. I was so close to pulling the trigger until I asked the sales rep:

What do you think about a customer having to pay $150 for a piece of hardware that piggybacks on a home internet connection to fill AT&T service holes?

The answer that convinced me that today was not a day to give AT&T more money:

We’re actually doing you a huge favor by subsidizing the MicroCell. The actual price of the device is $500. $150 for reliable home service is a great deal.

No AT&T, I would be doing you a favor by staying on as a contract customer and reducing your wireless network load in the area. Wouldn’t it be great if AT&T has some kind of system in place that would provide 3G MicroCell towers to customers in order to maintain quality service?

• $20 includes 200 SMS Text Messages
• $30 includes 1500 SMS Text Messages
• $40 includes Unlimited SMS Text Messages

Under the above plan terms for two lines (rounded to the nearest dollar) + unlimited text messaging for both:

• $70 Two lines sharing 700 minutes + rollover
• $80 $40 x 2 for unlimited SMS Text Messaging for both lines
• $150 pre-tax for two lines sharing 700 minutes + rollover & unlimited SMS

What is not publicly advertised as being compatible with iPhone specific lines is Family Messaging Unlimited ($30). With Family Messaging Unlimited, any shared family account lines will receive unlimited SMS text and picture messaging to anyone ony any network for a flat rate of $30.

Using the previous account example adjusted for use with the iPhone plans:

• $70 Two lines sharing 700 minutes + rollover
• $40 $20 x 2 for 200 SMS Text Messaging for both lines
• $30 Unlimited messaging to anyone on any network for all shared lines
• $140 pre-tax for two lines sharing 700 minutes + rollover + unlimited SMS

A savings of $10 per month. Of course, more lines equals more savings. A family account with 5 lines, sharing 700 minutes, and each using an iPhone unlimited SMS Text Messaging plan would total $300 before taxes. That same account making use of the Family Messaging Unlimited would total $230 before taxes. That’s a savings of $70.

If you’re sharing minutes but paying for unlimited messaging plans for each line independently, save money and add the Family Messaging Unlimited plan. It’s a small change that can save you a considerable amount of money.