AT&T seems to be in a giving mood -- the company is offering its "most valuable customers" free 3G MicroCells. For those unfamiliar with the MicroCell, it's a device that will boost AT&T cellular reception in "dead zones" by tapping into your home's broadband connection.

Over the weekend, reports from Engadget and Gizmodo explained that customers were starting to receive notices in the mail saying that they qualified for the free MicroCells. Today, I found one of the letters in my mailbox.

I nearly ripped the letter up and threw it in the trash, as I was expecting it to be typical AT&T spam mail about their home phone service or free after rebate mobile phones. To my surprise, it was the free MicroCell offer that has been making the rounds this weekend.

Considering I've only had AT&T service for just over a year, I was surprised at being considered an MVP. I've also never called AT&T to voice concerns over receptions issues in my area because I never had any until picking up an iPhone 4.

I'll be stopping by the AT&T store tomorrow morning to get my unit and will update this article to note whether the MicroCell cures the "Death Grip" phenomena that has stricken my iPhone 4.

Updated 7/14/2010 @ 8:11 am

Just a small update to my story. I was finally able to snag a 3G MicroCell from an AT&T store in my area after numerous calls. After getting the device home, it took about 30 minutes for it to complete its initial setup. 

With the 3G MicroCell active, I now get 5 bars anywhere in my house and performing the death grip on the iPhone 4 results in no dropped bars at all. It allows me to make calls with the death grip and incoming calls no longer go to voicemail when holding it firmly in my left hand.

The 3G MicroCell at least solves the issues I'm having at home, but it still doesn't begin to address the reception issues I face out around town.