Licensed photo by AP/Paul Sakuma
While racing around Vegas during CES, I received a few inquiries regarding magicJack’s new cellular femtocell. Unfortunately, I missed them at ShowStoppers and the rep on the convention show floor was uninformed. Fortunately, post-show, I’ve been able to dig up some details (and a photo) via their PR firm. And magicJack’s solution is pretty wild.
Like the existing magicJack VoIP solution, a small USB widget is attached to your computer to route phone calls over the Internet for about $20/year. Unlike the traditional solution, used in conjunction with a POTS-style telephone or PC headset, the magicJack femtocell essentially intercepts registers your cellphone signal — allowing you to bypass your carrier’s network at home, saving minutes and potentially improving “reception” by routing cellphone calls through magicJack’s network.
I’m trying to get additional detail on supported frequencies, as all we know at this point is that the magicJack femtocell will provide at least some GSM coverage (think AT&T and T-Mobile handsets). But I’m also wondering if their solution is voice-only, or does it also handle SMS and data like the carrier’s own femtocell solutions? Lastly, we could use some pricing and timing details. Stay tuned, this one is hot. (And it should also be entertaining – as I doubt the CTIA appreciates these guys encroaching on their licensed turf and may have something to say to the FCC about it.)