Verizon Wireless to sell $250 femtocell to boost indoor coverage

Looking to boost indoor coverage for customers, Verizon Wireless is rolling out its femtocell offering through its Network Extender base station that will be available for $250.
The wireless provider unveiled its new product today. Existing customers can purchase the base stations online, by phone or at select Verizon Wireless stores. Verizon becomes the second carrier to offer femtocell technology to its customers. Sprint Nextel Corp. was the first carrier to hit the market with a base station; AT&T Mobility also has plans to offer a product later this year and has updated its website to show information on its 3G MicroCell. The device can support up to four users. It does not say what company is making the device.
Verizon Wireless is using technology developed by Samsung. Femtocell technology enhances wireless coverage inside homes where locations, geography or structures interfere with wireless signals.
“Current and prospective customers have told us they want this and we are responding to that demand,” Jack Plating, Verizon EVP and COO, said in a statement. “For those who have wanted to sign up for Verizon Wireless service but hesitated because of reception problems unique to their home location, this is the answer.”
Research has forecast the femtocell market will take off the second half of this year with strong sales expected. According to ABI Research, 2010 is expected to be a huge year for the market, with the number of femtocell base stations that will be sold could reach double digits in the millions.
Verizon’s Network Extender is about the size of a wireless router box and routes network calls through a customer’s broadband Internet connection. Verizon officials say the base station is easy to set up and can provide coverage of up to 5,000 square feet.
Customers do not have to pay a monthly fee for the service, which can boost coverage indoors for voice calls, sending text, picture or video messages and accessing the Internet or smartphone data.
“It’s like getting a million-dollar cell site in your home for $249.99,” Plating said.
Customers who do buy the base station can also use their current phones and calling plans and can manage their account online.