Rumor hints at either iPhone tethering or iTunes glitch
An allegedly leaked internal document from AT&T refers to tethering the iPhone in what may point to either a data modem capability for the Apple device or else a significant flaw in the iPhone model upgrade process.
Specifically, the document seemingly addresses a flaw discovered in tethering the device to a computer which asks customers upgrading their iPhones to accept a new two-year contract regardless of any existing agreements. AT&T is aware of the problem and will reset the contract's start date to match what customers originally saw when they first added an iPhone plan.
"Please advise all customers that to complete the tethering process of their new iPhone they will be required to accept a new two-year agreement including the [Terms and Conditions]," the message reads. "However, their agreement will not be extended from their original iPhone activation or upgrade date."
Employees are also given a script to recite to customers upgrading their iPhones.
AT&T's exact meaning is unclear. The cellular provider's references to "tethering" may represent internal phrasing for the initial iTunes activation process and may well refer to customers upgrading to the 16GB iPhone from an existing model rather than any special features.
However, the choice of language is unusual, particularly for speaking with customers more familiar with Apple's own references to activation and sync. In smartphone terms, "tethering" most frequently refers to using a phone as a substitute Internet connection for a computer when a landline or a cellular modem card is unavailable. The handset typically serves either as the modem itself or as a relay.
Apple has not announced any plans to offer data tethering for the iPhone, though the feature has commonly been requested by some current and potential customers, particularly frequent travelers without reliable sources of Internet access.
If the information simply references the higher-capacity iPhone already on sale, however, it nonetheless indicates a wider problem with transitioning customers to newer iPhone models inside AT&T's account system. Apple is said to be aware of the issue regardless of its exact nature.
26 Comments
This is really a stretch. The word 'tethering' is not used in this context. I've never heard the word used in reference to Bluetooth connections along these lines. I doubt ATT&T would want their network being used this way given the unlimited nature of the data plans.
It sounds like it's both things, to me.
Given that AT&T wouldn't want people to tether (share Internet) their computers without paying more for the inevitable increased usage... this contract agreement issue could stem from the need for a NEW (higher cost) plan that will allow tethering.
Maybe people sign up for tethering, and the system thinks (at least for now) that they are activating a new 2-year plan, when in fact they are only modifying the remainder of their existing plan.
So it seems to me, this could be about BOTH. Both true tethering AND and iTunes activation glitch related to that new option.
I doubt I'd use tethering enough to be worth the cost, unfortunately. It would be cool, but I'd go months without using it since I normally just use WiFi with my laptop. Sounds like we may know the price soon though!
I have a 4GB iPhone, purchased in October. When I received it, I noticed a screen defect, and returned it to the Apple Store. They exchanged it for a new iPhone, removed the SIM from the old defective iPhone and placed it in the new iPhone. I was then told to go through the activation process again, and to select the iPhone data plan. They told me that this would not charge me or extend my contract, but was necessary to activate the new iPhone with the old SIM.
Apple's iPhones all come with SIMs pre-installed, my guess is that this is just to let AT&T employees know if people are upgrading to the 16GB iPhone that they'll have to go through the signup procedure again to unlock the iPhone, but it won't extend their contract, provided they are using the same SIM.
This is really a stretch. The word 'tethering' is not used in this context. I've never heard the word used in reference to Bluetooth connections along these lines. I doubt ATT&T would want their network being used this way given the unlimited nature of the data plans.
I agree. This is some AT&T definition of "tethering". Besides, why would anyone want to
tether (in the normal sense) to a device working over EDGE? Let's revive this rumor
after 3G comes along . . .
This is really a stretch. The word 'tethering' is not used in this context. I've never heard the word used in reference to Bluetooth connections along these lines.
I have, but I also believe the choice of words was misleading.
In lieu of actual tethering, the iPhone SIM can be legally used in an appropriate modem like the Merlin XU870, by calling AT&T to activate their LaptopConnect feature. It costs $40/month more than the $20/month for the iPhone unlimited data plan, but the cost is pro-rated for the portion of a billing cycle that it's activated. Historically at least, there's been no fee for activating/deactivating LC. While the SIM is in the modem, you just can't send/receive calls.