A new, Google-backed startup by the name of Ubiquisys has announced its first major product in the attocell, which is a femtocell that plugs into a laptop or desktop to make calls over VOIP and use 3G data via internet connection.
The company is in discussion with carriers to brand the device and distribute it as an alternative to international roaming, as well as speaking to local regulators to define the maximum radio power output for each country it intends to make the femtocell available.
The attocell can then adjust power via IP address detection and set output accordingly, which would allow for whole room coverage in one country or require the phone be set on top of the device in another to account for the reduced output, then calls are made over Bluetooth or via speakerphone.
The company has designed the attocell primarily for use with the iPhone, but the femtocell will also function with other phones.
