Posted on 06/02/2010 8:36:10 AM PDT by Clint Williams
_KiTA_ writes
"AT&T announced today that the iPhone will gain tethering, finally, at an extra $20 a month, but only for people on a new 2GB a month plan. They also quietly announced at the same time the real news — that the $30 Unlimited Data plan on the iPad 3G will be axed in lieu of the same data plan. Yes, this would be the same 'revolutionary data plan' that Steve Jobs was so proud of during the iPad unveiling — it lasted just a month after the 3G model was delayed to May 7. People feeling vibes of previous Apple iDevice releases are not alone. Existing accounts will be allowed to grandfather in, although Apple has removed the ability to purchase the iPad from the online store at this time, and AT&T has a history of changing its plans without warning. Finally, there is no word on what happens if you ever let your Unlimited plan lapse for a month at this time."
Glad I got my $30 unlimited plan in time.
Have moved 3GB in the month I’ve had this iPad, not heavy usage.
>> the iPhone will gain tethering
What does that mean, “gain tethering”? I thought the *only* way you could get an iPhone was tethered to AT&T.
And this is surprising...why?
SUckers......................again.............
iPorn?.......
If Jobs knew this was going to happen this is fraud. If he didn’t he should be out there being as pissed about what AT&T is doing and being just as angry at them as he is at Flash.
Wow.
Verizon is talking about doing away with unlimited data for 4G, which upsets me a little, but not a ton considering how much more usage that would encourage.
For some time we used our 3G dongle as our sole home internet and it was plenty fast unless you downloaded games. 4g will cause lots to cancel cable etc.
That said, I can’t say I like it.
As long as the cap is REASONABLE as in something people would not exceed normally even with a mild amount of gaming etc., I would not object. The normal usage keeps going up though, so Apple’s 3G cap may be way too low in just a year or two.
I believe that also includes all smart phones. Blackberry, IPhone etc. etc.
I can do tethering for free on Verizon using PDanet.
It’s pathetic AT&T is just enabling the feature they said would be enabled a year ago.
Since there is no contract requirements, and the iPad is “unlocked”, then any carrier who wants to issue a micro SIM card for iPad users for their network, should be able to compete with AT&T.
Tethering means you can use your cell phone, iPad in this case, as a wireless modem. As an example, say you are in an area with cell service but no wifi. With tethering, you can connect the cell phone to the USB port of your laptop and use it to connect to the internet via the cell towers.
Anyone have an opinion about the T-Mobile MyTouch Slide, coming out today? Tethering is part of the package, at no extra cost imo. Android phone.
probably AT&T just admitting they aren’t technically prepared to handle millions of iPad users on their network.
Old solution: go shopping for another carrier who meets your needs.
Today’s solution: Obama and the Federal leviathon go after AT&T with regulations, prosecutions, and ultimately a multi-billion dollar spending spree to provide “broadband for all”
I’m familiar with the concept of using a cell phone as a wireless modem, but I didn’t realize that “tethering” was the term used to describe it. Thanks.
So, I was planning on getting an ipad soon, but should I hurry up and buy it today, because the unlimited data plan is going away? Will that be grandfathered in, in the same way they are saying the iphone existing customers will be grandfathered in?
Ha ha ha shut up. No. Web surfing takes more bandwidth than people realize.
1. Buy a Palm Pre from Verizon. (I think you can get 2 for $50). Download the Mobile Hot Spot app, for free. Verizon is allowing up to 5GB per month free with a regular data plan. Most carriers charge $30 per month for tethering. This lets you connect up to 5 devices at a time to the phone, which operates as a mobile hot spot.
2. Buy an Overdrive 4G Hot Spot device from Sprint. It costs $99, which is less than the extra cost of getting a 3G iPad. The monthly cost is $60. It is unlimited data, whether you are using 3G or 4G. This is an attractive option if you live in an area that has 4G.
3. Beginning on Friday, buy an HTC Evo phone from Sprint. It is the world's first 4G phone. Cost: $199. It creates a 4G wifi hotspot that up to 8 devices can connect to. There is no data limit. Sprint charges $30 per month for the Hot Spot function, so it costs less than the 3G ATT plan that limits the data. It is a great option if you live in 4G coverage, and if you don't, it still is a good option, since the data is unlimited and it still works in 3G areas.
I don't know why anyone would pay extra for an iPad with 3G from ATT when you can get internet connections anywhere, on better networks, for far less.
I’ve been with AT&T for five years and this provided me incentive to switch. I’m going over to sprint and getting the Evo. 4g no bandwidth caps and good service where I live.
Hands up everyone who didn’t see this coming.
Apple users take one in the ass again!
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