Developer enables tethering in iPhone 3.0 beta
updated 06:25 pm EDT, Wed March 18, 2009
iPhone 3 tethering
A developer has allegedly enabled tethering with the iPhone 3.0 beta operating system, after "hacking around" with APNs in the Carrier.bundle file, according to MacRumors. A new preference window indicates that users will be able to tether via USB or Bluetooth, effectively turning the iPhone into an external modem for desktop or notebook computers.
Apple acknowledged that the upcoming operating system would provide the functionality, but the company must negotiate individually with each carrier to set the contract terms. Many cellular companies have resisted the idea, some citing bandwidth concerns.
AT&T recently announced that tethering would arrive soon, although specific details remain undisclosed. If the carrier decides to charge extra for the service, customers could be forced to pay an estimated $50 to $60 per month on top of the existing contracts.
The public release of iPhone 3.0 is expected to occur sometime this summer.
$50-$60?
03/18, 06:37pm reply
Estimated by whom? Maybe you should update that to say could cost an "estimated $.01 to $3,000.00 per month" since that's my estimate. Bet I'm right too (unless it turns out to be free).
malax
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2006
motorolla q
03/18, 07:58pm reply
currently with business plans, my motorolla q phone (which has unlimited data) can be 'tethered' by calling AT&T and adding the 'usb tethering' option to my account for an additional $15 per month. not sure where they are getting 'additional $50-$60' per month quote from.
nomimes
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2004
The estimate isnt bad...
03/18, 08:40pm reply
If the carrier decides to charge extra for the service, customers could be forced to pay an estimated $50 to $60 per month on top of the existing contracts.
The estimate isnt bad... what I don't like is that (according to MacNN) I could be FORCED to pay the fee. Apparently, it's not even an option. Lets hope it's not $3,000 a month like Malax estimates!
eldarkus
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2004
$
03/18, 09:55pm reply
FTA: "If the carrier decides to charge extra for the service, customers could be forced to pay an estimated $50 to $60 per month on top of the existing contracts."
Or, you could just jailbreak your iPhone, enable this option manually, and give AT&T the finger for even thinking of charging anything close to that.
WiseWeasel
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 1999