Update 7/9: We’ve received information that this change has now been delayed. The new date is currently TBA. This post will be updated when more information is known. Original article below.
T-Mobile is making a big change to the way they handle their femtocell CellSpots.
According to a document obtained by The T-Mo Report (embedded below), beginning on July 9th, the personal CellSpots will no longer be available as a free rental with a small deposit. Instead, customers can purchase CellSpots at retail locations for $99. They will then own the units.
The CellSpot was one of three options offered as part of an Uncarrier back in 2015. The device uses a customer’s own internet service as the backhaul for a personal cell tower. This gives localized cell coverage for the customer at the given address. There was also the option of a two-piece repeater, which a customer could use to extend signal at a window towards the inside of their home, and a custom-branded Asus WiFi router for use with WiFi calling.
Existing units already deployed will continue to function. T-Mobile is now considering the CellSpot a “last resort” option for coverage.
