For homes or businesses, Verizon is selling the unit, based on Samsung small cell tech, for $250
In an effort to improve indoor voice and data coverage for consumer and small business customers, Verizon Wireless worked with Samsung to develop a LTE network extender. The device went on sale June 30, selling for $250 here.
Drawing on technology from the networks division at Samsung Electronics America, the network extender is said to boost coverage and capacity across a 7,500-square-foot area. The device can support up to seven devices with an eighth channel set aside for 911 calls. Samsung self-optimizing network technology is said to ease self-installation and configuration. Verizon Wireless officials said the network extender is designed to provide seamless handoff to its macro network.
“Whether at home or at the office, more people are demanding high-quality, uninterrupted mobile communications – which includes streaming content and high-bandwidth mobile applications for accessing content on the go,” said Magnus Ojert, VP and GM for the Verizon Customer Team, Networks Division at Samsung Electronics America, in a prepared statement.
Last year, T-Mobile US launched its LTE CellSpot femtocell designed to boost in-building LTE coverage for customers on the fringe of the carrier’s cellular network footprint. T-Mobile US CEO John Legere pitched the device/service as another point of differentiation between the carrier and its competitors.
“The big difference between us and the carriers is they’ll do absolutely everything they can to bleed you dry,” Legere explained. “We’ll do absolutely everything we can and use every proven technology available to give you the best coverage possible. Where the T-Mobile Wi-Fi CellSpot’s like a T-Mobile tower, this new 4G LTE CellSpot is a T-Mobile mini-tower – and it’s a huge feat of engineering.”