Many of the iPhone users in the US have been eagerly waiting to see how much AT&T will charge to use their iPhone as a modem with their netbook or laptop via iPhone Tethering. Details have been leaked, and it looks like AT&T intends to charge iPhone users a massive $55 a month.
O2 in the UK has already announced their prices for iPhone Tethering, which range between £15 and £30 a month. This pricing strategy by O2 has set a precedent, and many hoped that AT&T would follow suit with a more reasonable pricing structure.
Why the High Cost?
This high cost is bound to anger iPhone users, as many already have unlimited data with their iPhone contracts. The question arises: why should users be charged more for tethering when they are effectively using the same data? The additional charge seems to be a way for AT&T to capitalize on the convenience of tethering, rather than a reflection of increased costs on their end.
The $55 monthly fee is particularly steep when compared to other carriers and international standards. For instance, in Canada, Rogers offers tethering for free as long as users have a data plan of 1GB or more. This discrepancy in pricing highlights the lack of uniformity in how carriers approach tethering charges.
Alternatives and Workarounds
There is a way to enable iPhone Tethering for free, which can be particularly appealing given the high costs imposed by carriers like AT&T. You can find more details about how to do it in the link below.
Free iPhone Tethering in iPhone OS 3.0
However, it’s important to note that using unofficial methods to enable tethering can come with risks. These can include potential breaches of your carrier’s terms of service, which might result in additional charges or even termination of your contract. Additionally, unofficial methods may not be as reliable or secure as the official tethering options provided by carriers.
The debate over tethering charges is not new. Many users feel that since they are already paying for a data plan, they should be able to use that data in any way they see fit, including tethering. Carriers, on the other hand, argue that tethering can lead to increased network congestion and thus justify the additional charges.
In conclusion, while AT&T’s $55 monthly fee for iPhone tethering is steep, there are alternatives and workarounds available. Users must weigh the convenience and potential risks of these alternatives against the high cost of official tethering options. As the demand for mobile data continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how carriers adjust their pricing strategies and whether more reasonable options will become available.
via Gadget Venue
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