Verizon today noted that it plans to add a data tethering option for the Motorola Droid. A representative tells Gearlog that, regardless of the open nature of Android, the new smartphone will eventually support the same $15 Broadband Connect add-on plan as other devices and can share its 3G connection with others. The support should go live in early 2010 and will carry the same 5GB transfer cap as Verizon's regular tethering and 3G modem plans.

Adding tethering to the Droid is a symbolic but additional blow to AT&T. It alluded to iPhone tethering coming sometime in 2009 but has yet to show signs of nearing its target and just recently warned it may not activate tethering until 2010. When asked, AT&T has explained the months-long wait as the result of necessary network improvements to prevent its network from buckling under the added strain.

Verizon's service also stands to cost less. AT&T hasn't announced its iPhone tethering rates but typically charges $30 for tethering on top of its regular $30 data plans.