ktwalrus

Airvana: An Opportunity in Femtocells

Unless the Microcell box is free, I can't see it catching on. VoIP over wifi and 3g is the future. AT&T in October announced they would allow Apple to support VoIP over 3g for third party apps. With VoIP alternatives, why would I pay $150 for a Microcell router? I predict that with the next major iPhone OS release this summer, the standard phone app will make/receive VoIP calls if wifi is available. You can already download a bunch such apps to do just this. And, Apple is even rumored to be purchasing iCall to keep up with Google on this front.

Makes no sense to expect people to add yet another box to their network setup when the wifi router will work just as well (and even better/faster).

Here's What Will Happen To Apple's Rivals

New iPhone is not "half-as-expensive" in the US, since AT&T simply increased the monthly subscription (which is required) by $10, more than offsetting the up front outlay.

Also, "twice-as-fast" is Apple marketing hype that only applies to use of the iPhone for browsing/downloading in areas that have 3G service available. In the US, much of the country will only have EDGE for a long time. The processor in the new iPhone is exactly the same as the original so for many, the iPhone will not see any speed improvements.