AT&T has announced that their femtocell-based Microcell service, previously in limited testing, will roll out nation-wide this April:

AT&T 3G MicroCell is available for a one-time cost of $149.99.

[...] In addition, AT&T will offer a companion rate plan option for MicroCell customers – especially customers on Family Talk plans -- who want to supplement their existing voice plans. For $19.99 a month, individual or Family Talk customers can make unlimited calls through a 3G MicroCell, without using minutes in their monthly wireless voice plan.

Consumers who select 3G MicroCell calling plans at purchase are also eligible to receive a $100 mail-in-rebate toward the purchase of AT&T 3G MicroCell – effectively making the device about $50. Customers who also purchase a new line of broadband service with AT&T (DSL or U-verse 1.5MB or higher) are also eligible for $50 via mail-in-rebate– effectively making the device about $100. If a customer is eligible for both rebate options, the customer will be able to get the device for $0, after mail-in rebate.

So any iPhone owners with zero bars at home or at work contemplating a shiny new Microcell next month?

George Ponder over at sibling site WMExperts brings word that AT&T's Microcell -- the device you plug into your home cable/DSL connection to boost your phone reception -- is being rolled out to Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, San Diego, and Las Vegas.

If you are lucky enough to live in these areas, all you need to do is visit AT&T's 3G Microcell website and enter your specific zip code to see if the Microcell is available. If you are in one of these trial areas, you will be provided with a list of retail locations where you can purchase the Microcell. There was no mention on the pricing for the Microcell itself but it appears, in reading the fine print, the service will run $19.99 per month. There are still rumors that bundled discounts will be available to lower the monthly cost.

UPDATE: Per wxbrad in the comments, here's what those discounts looks like:

You buy the Micro-cell for $150 if you buy a calling plan you get a $100 rebate. The plan allows you and up to 10 3g devices to make unlimited calls off your Micro-cell. IF you have other AT&T services this plan rate drops to 9.99 a month.

While many might gaff at the idea of paying AT&T for the privilege of using their home internet connection to fix AT&T's coverage, for others -- especially in business who just. need. a. signal -- this rollout likely can't come fast enough.

If you're in one of those markets and take the Microcell for a whirl, let us know how it works for you. If you're not, how eager are you for it to get to your market?

We mentioned AT&T's femtocell way back in February, but we don't blame you if it doesn't ring a bell. In a nutshell, femtocell is a box you add to your internet setup at home that lets your route the AT&T service you're paying for through the broadband connection you're paying for -- and you'll get to pay for the privilege as well.

Yeah, makes no sense to us either, but the bottom line is our sibling site WMExperts picks up an update from Slashgear that says it should be here by the end of the year.

No word on pricing for the femtocell unit, but it was reported earlier that the unit would cover approximately 5,000 square feet and allow up to four simultaneous, secure voice or data connections.

Mike and Dieter discussed this newfangled tech being offered up by AT&T (and others) called Femtocell during the last Phone different podcast, and our sibling site, WMExperts has posted up the quick and dirty:

AT&T is joining the femtocell bandwagon with their 3G MicroCell. While pricing and availability aren't indicated on AT&T's site, we do know that it will cover up to 5,000 square feet, allow up to four simultaneous, secure voice or data connections, and will require a broadband connection to operate. It is also only compatible with 3G phones.

Gizmodo has an update as well, but basically if you have poor to no 3G reception, you can stick this box on your home broadband network and it will route all your smartphone connectivity (including voice calls) through your cable or DSL. Cell to internet adapter, in other words. Negatives will likely include an additional -- though hopefully small -- upfront or monthly fee. Positives could be free nationwide calling while your phone is on the home femtocell network.

Anyone in a bad area think they'll consider this? Would you rather pay $250 up front and no monthly charge like Verizon, or $100 up front and $5 a month like Sprint? Or is AT&T not scratching one more dime out of your already picked-clean pockets?