Possible details of AT&T iPhone tethering plan emerge
As we get closer to the release of firmware version 2.2 for the iPhone which could drop as soon as next Friday, possible details of the impending iPhone tethering plan have just come out. While these details still have rumor status for sure, they certain sound feasible if not likely. It has been presumed that AT&T’s tethering plan would be introduced at the time 2.2 is released, so the timing of this info is just about right. Here’s what it looks like:
- Monthly fee: additional $30
- Data cap: 5GB (hard cap – tethering will supposedly be cut off once the 5 GB mark is reached)
- Connect through iTunes, though this may only be required for the initial connection
- Expected speeds: GPRS: ~30k / EDGE: ~110k / 3G: ~1000k
The 5 GB data cap, though lame, is right in line with current BlackBerry offerings so it certainly makes sense. The bad news is that this 5 GB cap might get trimmed down a bit for all smartphone tethering users. Hmm. Let’s hope that last bit was just some kind of miscue if AT&T has any hopes of swaying people from jailbroken alternatives. In fact, lowering the cap all around might just be enough incentive to push other smartphone users to seek out free and low cost tethering alternatives as well…
That’s expensive but not a bad idea.
Wow, first off I have to say I am not a ATT user but the more I read about ATT the more I realize I made a good choice with T-mobile. My T-mobile 8320 support 4.5 software, myfavs, WiFi/UMA support and unlimited internet, email and tethering all for 19.99 a month.
Tmobile blackberry rocks!!!
@Tony, yes all that for 20 bucks, with a maximum speed of 234kbps when not near wifi……which t-mobile has a hard time getting close to.
The tethering plan won’t be available until Feb 2009
I typically tether at speeds around 110-145 never got above 200. Now if you last comment was your attempt at sarcasm the joke is on you and att. I am getting tethered speed the same or faster then what ATT offers at no extra cost.
@Tony
“I am getting tethered speed the same or faster then what ATT offers at no extra cost.”
^^^You’re an idiot
Too expensive.
$30 MORE on top of the already inflated iPhone price plans?!?!? HA! I can tether on my “not allowed to tether” Simply Everything plan on Sprint for no additional charges or price plan or data caps.
As for T-Mobile… Their EDGE is faster to start, but also their 3G is now moving fast in flipping switches, and will be worth it when it starts going.
Sorry, but damn…
$30/month is exactly what VZW charges for this service. I’m surprised that the iPhone doesn’t already have this capability, as I currently BT-tether my laptop with my year and a half old LG VX8700.
Ha even Verizon the “expensive” carrier only charges 15.00 to add 3G tethering to your blackberry!!! I love the iPhone but don’t have one & HATE AT&T so this price point should NEVER come as a big surprise to anyone.
Martin.
If I am idiot, please enlighten everyone on why that might be the case. I know you have a right to your own opinion you just need to back it up. My comment wasn’t just my opinion but what has been proven as fact.
This article states that ATT is charging their customer extra, beyond the basic blackberry addon to be able to use phone as a modem with speeds around 110 using edge. What is so idiotic about me saying that I am able to use my T-Mobile Curve as modem with no extra cost beyond my monthly 19.99 at speeds the same or greater then the ~110 that ATT offers?
Martin Please bring it on, you can’t deny the truth. If you try I guess that makes you the idiot. Yeah you’ll most likely going to post some sly remark saying how T-Mobile doesn’t have any decent phones or how ATT has a stronger 3G network. I am not talking about ATTs 3G coverage or their phone selection. We all know ATT has a stronger 3G network and better phone selection then T-Mobiles does so don’t go there.
@Tony
I really hope you don’t think 110kbps down is good. That SUCKS. I usually get anywhere from 500kbps- ~1mbps tethering my iPhone. T-Mobile is cheap for a reason. They don’t have a choice because they basically have NO 3G network (and clearly not in your area). Even on ATT’s comparable 2.5G EDGE network which is really all that T-Mobile has, it still gets ~200kbps.
Ok I know I was talking about teathering my Curve. Not sue why you are talking about the iphone and 3G. I guess you are like most fanboys, you just are a stubborn fool and doesn’t know any better. I have never used an ATT blackberry as a modem so I have to go by what the story says about their edge speeds. I use the Blackberry not the Iphone so it doesn’t matter what your iphone can do. The choice of using a blackberry instead of an iphone is just a matter of person preference.
I have nothing against you or your iphone. I actually thought about jail breaking one, not necessarily to use with T-Mobile more so that I could actually use it. We all know that with all the restrictions Apple and ATT puts on the iphone a locked Iphone is nothing but crap. Martin Isn’t that reason why you unlocked yours?
I didn’t unlock it. I’m using a legally paid for application called NETSHARE.
Anyways, I don’t why you decided to bring iPhone vs. Blackberry into this. All I was showing you was how much of an idiot you are for comparing ATT’s data speeds vs. T-Mobile’s and trying to use pricing plans as a comparison.
ATT has a 3G Blackberry if you’re so inclined. It’s called the Blackberry Bold. Any other questions?
While $30 is expensive compared to some other carriers…
Please understand –
IT’S THE SAME AS ANY OTHER PDA!!!
I’m sorry – but I’m sick of the iPhone complaints. Windows Mobile Data plan? $30 Blackberry Data plan? $30. Therefore – iPhone Data plan? $30.
Soooooo – Windows Mobile Tethering? $30. Blackberry Tethering? $30. THEREFORE – IPHONE TETHERING – $30!!!
I just wish you guys would understand!
The original iphone plans were essentially “medianet” plus texting. Since the iPhone is really a PDA and now being sold as a business device – it’s plans fall DIRECTLY in line with all AT&T PDA plans. Plain and Simple.
The iPhone is great – but it’s not special, and ddoes not deserve any special dispensation on pricing.