Maven Mapper's

I realize it is not the best headline we have ever written, but sometimes you just have to classify things correctly in titles.  Using some catchy or trendy title to call the Verizon Network Extender anything other than STUPID is . . . well STUPID!

If you haven’t heard of this, Verizon (along with competitors like Sprint and T-Mobile) are coming out with their own branded devices that help to ‘extend’ the range of your cell phone.  The primary reason for this need hinges upon the failure of mobile networks to actually get coverage of cell phones into people’s homes and sometimes into their workplaces.

Great, where’s the extender?  My coverage at my home 20 minutes from Charlotte is terrible both for Verizon and T-Mobile.

Not so fast.

The Verizon Network Extender is essentially a mini-cell tower that works by using a customer's existing broadband Internet connection to provide coverage in an area up to 5,000 square feet. The femtocell, which is made by Samsung, can also enhance the ability to send text messages, surf the mobile Web, and download e-mail, but it doesn't support 3G speeds on Verizon's 3G network. ~ Informationweek

 

So let me get this straight.  The consumer gets to pay $250 up front.  They get to plug the device into their broadband connection so that they can use their phone at speeds slower than both broadband and 3G.

They are charging to provide a device that slows your cell phone connection down!

Well, that’s just stupid.

I tell you what, just get a Skype connection through your broadband and have your cell phone forwarded to Skype.

Alternatively go and by a power booster for about the same price (sold by third party providers).  Then you can send and receive at faster speeds with more power, wonder why Verizon didn’t use one of those ‘real’ extenders? 

Maybe they are trying to protect their broadband and home phone business.