On July 31, 2024 at 10:29, highfigh said...
The only micro-cells I was somewhat familiar with were the ATT and T-Mobile and I never heard glowing reports about either of them. The T-Mobile needed to be close to a window and in that house, the Wilson didn't work, either- surrounded by tall trees, at a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan so the signal came from the other side, the village didn't want more cell towers and the house is definitely not RF friendly.
Fortunately for this customer, she was elected to the village board and after she told me that many residents commented on the poor cell phone performance (I explained what NIMBY means), she understood and they now have a new-ish tower on village property.
There must be some disconnect between us. Yes, this micro-tower is specific to a carrier. From what I've heard in the past ATT was locked into only phone numbers that the account holder allowed. But that was over 10 years ago, I think they might have opened that up to anyone.
Verizon, which is the carrier I have and I also have a micro tower. It has been opened to anyone since I received it 5 years ago.
Both connect to my Internet for communication between it and ATT/Verizon. Both also needs a view to the sky, not for the regular towers but for GPS. The ATT micro tower my old landlord had, it had to be near a window. The Verizon unit that I have. Actually can be hidden as it has a 30 foot cable with a small antenna box at the end. Which that would need a view of the sky.
Both needs to have the street address for where it's located for 911 services. Even though GPS is available, not sure why though for backup maybe?
There is no need for an ATT or Verizon regular tower near by. There could be NO signal whatsoever. Just as long there is internet at the house.
I had used mine for the fact that my place was below ground level for the most part. And it worked perfectly. Sure I could've used wifi calling, but I would have to remember to turn cell off otherwise my battery would die as it was constantly looking for a tower.
KOT