Once the security problem is licked, communal Wi-Fi microcells will take over many of the wireless Internet functions that phone companies hope to offer, Carrico says.

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When it comes to data transmission and streaming video, what you really want to provide good service is many, many small microcells transmitting service at high bandwidths.

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Apparently, a lot of other iPhone users have MicroCells too, but for some of them upgrading to the iPhone 5 or iOS 6 on an iPhone 4 has broken the service.

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These microcells are small devices, about the size of a DSL or cable modem, that create a local cellular service zone up to about 40 feet from the device in which you can make and place cell phone calls and, if you have a smartphone, use data services to access the Internet.

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