Yesterday, Apple announced iOS 4.3, and one of the features that is coming to iOS 4.3, which is already available for the Verizon iPhone 4, is the Hot Spot feature.
AT&T has now announced that they will support the Hot Spot feature in the iPhone 4 on their network, although it looks like they will be charging you $20 for the privilege of using your iPhone 4 as a Hot Spot.
The $20 will be charged on top of the $25 per month Data Pro plan, and you will still be subject to a 4GB data cap, so basically you get an extra 2GB of data a month and the ability to tether your iPhone 4 for the $20.
Understanding the Hot Spot Feature
The Hot Spot feature essentially allows your iPhone 4 to act as a mobile Wi-Fi router. This means you can share your phone’s internet connection with other devices such as laptops, tablets, or other smartphones. This is particularly useful for people who are frequently on the go and need to connect multiple devices to the internet without relying on public Wi-Fi networks, which can often be slow or insecure.
For instance, if you’re traveling for work and need to send emails from your laptop, you can simply enable the Hot Spot feature on your iPhone 4 and connect your laptop to it. This can be a lifesaver in situations where you need reliable internet access but don’t have access to a traditional Wi-Fi network.
Comparing Carrier Plans
While Verizon and AT&T both offer the Hot Spot feature, their pricing and data plans differ. Verizon’s plan also charges an additional $20 for the Hot Spot feature, but it’s important to compare the overall data caps and additional costs associated with each carrier.
AT&T’s Data Pro plan costs $25 per month and includes 2GB of data. When you add the $20 Hot Spot feature, you get an additional 2GB, bringing your total to 4GB. However, it’s crucial to note that this data is shared between your phone and any devices connected via the Hot Spot. If you exceed this 4GB limit, you’ll incur additional charges.
Verizon’s plan, on the other hand, may offer different data caps and pricing structures, so it’s worth investigating both options to see which one best fits your needs. Additionally, some users have reported differences in network speed and reliability between the two carriers, which could influence your decision.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
While the Hot Spot feature is undoubtedly convenient, there are some potential downsides to consider. First, using your iPhone 4 as a Hot Spot can drain its battery more quickly. If you plan to use this feature frequently, you might want to invest in a portable charger or battery pack to ensure your phone doesn’t run out of juice when you need it most.
Second, the data cap is a significant limitation. With the increasing size of web pages, emails, and other online content, 4GB of data can be consumed relatively quickly, especially if you’re sharing the connection with multiple devices. Streaming video, downloading large files, or even just browsing the web can eat into your data allowance faster than you might expect.
Finally, it’s worth considering the security implications. While the Hot Spot feature is generally secure, it’s essential to use a strong password to prevent unauthorized access. Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure, and while using your iPhone 4 as a Hot Spot is generally safer, it’s still crucial to take precautions to protect your data.
Cnet via Gizmodo
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