While T-Mobile(DT Quote - Cramer on DT - Stock Picks) was the last major cellular provider to begin rolling out its 3G data network (the Las Vegas announcement was made this morning). It has also been active in getting subscribers to use the service for calls inside their homes.
A Closer Look at T-Mobile's Home Phone Service |
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The service is called HotSpot @Home, and it's $9.99 per month (in addition to your other monthly cellular charges) for unlimited nationwide calling (via Wi-Fi service).
I use the HotSpot @Home service all the time on my
Blackberry(RIMM Quote - Cramer on RIMM - Stock Picks) 8820. In some locations, it lets me make and receive phone calls where cellular signals don't exist.
Now, T-Mobile is expanding its home services. Instead of using specially designed cellphones, T-Mobile now has a service that lets you use standard, landline home phones (touch-tone or wireless).
T-Mobile @Home (no hotspot in this title) is available to any current T-Mobile subscriber with a qualifying (at least $39.99/month) cellular calling plan.
It works by using a special @Home HiPort Wireless router with Home Phone connection made by Linksys ($49.99). It's a normal 802.11b/g wireless router that connects to your home broadband Internet connection, with a twist. There's also room for two cellular SIM cards inside and two RJ-11 jacks to plug in two phones. That means you can have one or two home phone lines, with separate phone numbers, all being routed through your Wi-Fi box.
Gary Krakow
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