I mean, Sprint will gift you an Airave femtocell if you're thinking about leaving (normally $5 a month). Though we don't yet know if AT&T is planning a similar monthly fee—or a one-off charge like Verizon's Network Extender—I'd like to see users in known dead zones get the hardware free.

Even if you don't want to pay the possible $20 a month for unlimited calls, at least you'd get actual network coverage at home. Think about it: they could make everything right with these things, and make up for the last few years of shitiness.

To be fair, AT&T says it's working to not only speed up its network, but boost reliability in iPhone heavy areas like New York and San Francisco. Carriers also face opposition from local officials and home owner associations when it comes to building new towers. And you can likely get out of your contract if you get your shiny iPhone home and find you live in an AT&T black hole.

But here's the thing: AT&T users have heard about promised upgrades for years, and many still have no joy. They're angry. A complimentary MicroCell 3G would be a great apology, and help AT&T turn around its falling public perception. What do you think?

Also see: Full AT&T MicroCell 3G Details

You can register up to 10 phones (3G models with AT&T accounts) to work with the device, but it only supports four simultaneous calls or data sessions. It has a roughly 5000 square foot range, and calls originated from it are automatically handed over to AT&T towers once you leave the house/office.

The MicroCell page also confirms an unlimited calling option where domestic U.S calls made using it won't deduct from your regular minutes. Problem is, AT&T hasn't coughed up what the pricing will be. An apparent leak over the weekend suggested it could be $20 per month ($10 if you have an AT&T Internet or landline service; free if you have both). No word yet on how much the device itself might cost.

Travelers will be sorry to hear that, as with Sprint and Verizon did with their femtocell units, AT&T's device has a GPS chip, so it can't be used out of the country. For that reason it's recommended to be placed near a window.

You'll need to have a net connection of at least 1.5Mbps down/256kbps up, and find your ZIP code in the availability checker at the site. Please let us know if you find your area is listed.

Also See: Should Users in Known Dead Spots Get the MicroCell 3G Free? [AT&T 3G MicroCell Site | 3G MicroCell Manual (PDF) | via @bugdave]

According to PC World, FCC Chairman Michael Copps hinted that if they do discover unfavorable effects as a result of exclusive handset deals, they won't be opposed to regulation. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar also rambled on, saying something about how if Microsoft and IBM had exclusive deals Google would have never existed. Um, what?

But there's a twist! AT&T's Paul Roth fired back at this line of thinking, mentioning that exclusive deals prevent the mobile handset world from completely devolving into a lowest common denominator mentality when it comes to new tech. Both sides have valid points, I suppose. So let the battle begin. [PC World]