Apple may be working with AT&T on iPhone tethering plan
Apple is discussing with U.S. wireless carrier AT&T the possibility of offering iPhone 3G users the option to purchase an additional data plan that would allow the handset's 3G connection to be shared with notebook computers.
In an email to Apple chief executive Steve Jobs on August 4th, shortly after NetShare's disappearance, one iPhone owner argued that it's "ludicrous" that a tethering option is not offered alongside "such an advanced device."
The owner pointed out that AT&T offers this option to users of Research In Motion's BlackBerry smartphones for an additional $30 per month, and said he'd be willing to shell out the extra change each month for the same luxury.
In a response via his iPhone, Jobs is reported to have said: "We agree, and are discussing it with ATT."
AppleInsider has worked to verify the authenticity of the email passed on to gadget site Gizmodo, as it does with others alleged to have come from the Apple co-founder. It can confirm that the transmission originated from an Apple I.P. and via the same D-class as other responses from Jobs known to be authentic.
164 Comments
I would love it if this would also lead to a piece of software that would work "the opposite way" of NetShare, that is, the iPhone creates the "ad-hoc" network and the computer(s) can join it.
Seems somewhat easier to use than the current solution, even though NetShare works well when set up correctly.
It was not right for them to remove NetShare. That was a crappy move on part of AT&T (which I believe to be the one to have had the say on pulling it). I was lucky enough to get it.
It was ridiculously poor management on Apple's part to allow NetShare to be sold in the first place if they were going to pull it in the way they did.
Um.. where is my mother F**in refund Apple ?
and yes, I want this from you and not NullRiver
AT&T... you're idiots.
Although... let's agree on something... I don't think their network can afford any form of additional activitity until they upgrade it.. add more cell stations or something... I was at the US Open yesterday and couldn't use my dang iPhone.
Personally, I don't think Nullriver's app is the best.. you need a way to keep the iPhone awake in order for the app to work well... additionally.. you can only use a few apps on your computer.. you can't use things like VPN, Skype, etc.
I think THE ANSWER is : 1. allow full wireless or wired tethering for $10 a month and 2. upgrade your network AT&Twe pay too much for this phone plan already to charge an extra $30 a month
or at least have a tiered plan for tethering.... like: $5 per 50 Mb of usage
listen up!
Just plug a usb cable up the cellphone's undersides and the other end to the PC and bingo.
What the heck is this drama about charges and the rest ?
I am paying for the device, I am paying for the net - why pay extra for using the net I am paying for already ?
This is like saying - "Oh, you have comcast high speed internet, you can't use your wireless PC with it - that will be $45 extra".
Morons.
And to top it off, their network is nothing but crap.
I'd rather by an AirCard from Verizon for the same prize and have better coverage.
Aside, why does the iphone not have a bluetooth based syncing or OBEX yet ?
And you will know....my name is the LORD....when I lay my Vengeance upon thee!!! LOL