Sprint makes it clear: Internet tethering will never be allowed on Everything plans
October 30, 2009 | by Robert Nelson
Sure, there are apps available for Android that will allow you to share your phones Internet connection with other devices such as your netbook or notebook, one that comes to mind is PdaNet.
That said, those of you, like myself who are using a Hero on the Sprint network will never be officially allowed to tether — despite having an Everything plan. This news comes courtesy of Sprint executive David Owens who was quoted as stating;
“No tethering for phones that require Everything plans (such as all smartphones) from here on out.”
This quote came by way of a virtual chat that was recently offered on the Sprint website. Nothing really to say here, other than it looks like Sprint would rather you pick up a second device and second plan in the form of a 3G modem (such as the MiFi).
Of course, there was also a mention that Sprint was “considering an Android phone with a built-in MiFi-type router.”
[via GearLog]
I wonder if this means that they're going to take steps to prevent rooting and installation of tethering apps. I currently use my G1 as a wireless router, and it works great. Not sure what T-Mo's official line is on this.
I doubt there's anything they can do. modders are just as intelligent/creative as the people building these phones. no matter how hard you try to keep them out, they will find a way to crack security solutions. the only thing Sprint could do is block excessive use if someone goes crazy on torrent sites or downloads 2 gigs of music in a day.
Not sure how they would prevent you from using an app like PdaNet though.
Of course it has to be like this. The data that goes to your laptop is fundamentally different from the data that goes to your smartphone. Everybody knows this.
So why would you be surprised that you need to buy a completely separate device and sign up for service for your laptop?
dave, I can't tell if that's sarcasm or ignorance a work. Data going to your smartphone and data going to your laptop are exactly the same, ones and zeros. You may pull down more to your laptop, but that doesn't mean the delivery mechanism is any different.
Interesting. I don’t have an Everything plan, just an older data plan, but tethering works just fine for me on my Treo 700p.
Ok here’s a question for you and I hope to get an answer soon before continuing to use my g1 as a tethered modem through PDAnet.
Today on, 11/01/2009, I installed the app from PDAnet to use my g1 as a modem. I used it for a couple of hours and it was mediocre. I stopped using after a couple hours of use , however, because of paranoia that tmobile could charge for extra data being used for tethering on a lap top as they do not support tethering on the g1. Is this at all true that they could charge extra and if so how much would they charge for data being used for tethering?
Of note to the above, is that I have an unlimited internet plan through tmobile of where I’m paying $34.99 (this includes unlimited text messages). If someone could get back to me asap regarding this it would be much appreciated.
Could be that Sprint is saying they are not gonna take a side, They might be stepping to the left and letting the free access ocure,, Basically just not partolling that border,, pardon the teledemex pun
WE CAN HOPE
I can't believe Sprint won't let you tether. I know it will tax their network but if you do some basic math you can see that sprint is making a killing off of us. (Actually all the companies do) Make the networks better! Where does all the money go when you pay your bill?? Seriously! Sprint alone has over 40 million customers paying their monthly bill. They all offer over inflated pricing and seem to offer very little for that. If they let you tether your device it will cost THEM money because of the increased data transfer. The LEAST they can do is let people tether their phone. My two cents anyway.
To the tethering G1 user, it shouldn’t cost any extra. The keyword in your plan is unlimited, so whether or not you are using your unlimited data on your phone, or you are tethering it to your laptop, I doubt there Is anything in your contract saying transference of the unlimited data will cost extra.
Sweet Tutorial – outstanding job. I some new things for traffic generation. Thanks!
hi guys, i read something in the past that talked about the legal process of tethering. There is an area in the contract that said any unauthorize use of tethering is against company policy. With that said, they can disconnect the service and seek for criminal charges based on the usage value(s).
I deeply want to tether since i am paying for the unlimited data for the phone but not as a modem. I am still researching about unauthorized tethering usage.
Please if any one knows something, let me know so that I can stop researching and not waisting my time.
I don't ever recall Sprint asking me to approve their many contract and plan changes, so they I read the letter of 'unlimited' as I see fit.
Thanks, and #777
i have no idea what tethering is like on google phones , but in windows mobile or atleast 6.1 anyway it will make you redial #777 and it will pop up on your screen as phone as modem ….
i have used a free fix for 2 years never had a problem or a huge bill but i am on a sero plan and i wonder how it will work out with 6.5
Has anyone been "fined" by Sprint for tethering?
How can they tell if you are tethering?