T-Mobile Will Let Subscribers Bring Tiny 4G LTE Towers Into Their Homes

Wireless carriers have been experimenting with small cell technology to boost a network’s performance in crowded neighborhoods or smaller places, like coffee shops or doctors’ offices. T-Mobile said it would allow subscribers to bring this technology into their homes, with the 4G LTE CellSpot -- essentially a mini-tower that will deliver a 4G LTE wireless signal inside a residence or small business.

“It helps T-mobile in areas where coverage might not be optimal -- say, [if] you are an organization that would like to consider T-Mobile as your provider but coverage in the office is poor,” said Kantar Worldpanel research chief Carolina Milanesi. “It’s no coincidence that the release mentioned, specifically, small businesses. Second, it gives customers another reason not to leave.” Other carriers offer signal boosters that amplify an existing network strength in the home. AT&T markets a MicroCell Wireless Network Extender. Verizon offers something called a Network Extender to enhance indoor calling and data.