To all T-Mobile tetherers, the word’s beginning to spread indicating that if you tether on your device you will begin getting charged for it by November 3, 2010. This tethering feature will now be optional to select from T-Mobile with a monthly recurring charge of $14.99. WiFi sharing is supposed to be included in that charge as well. What this means is that customers can now use their smartphones as a tethered modem or Wi-Fi hotspot as long as they purchase the service.
What’s strange is that tethering with T-Mobile has been like Sprint for a long time, free. They either didn’t notice it was being used or they never really cared. We are curious as to what made T-Mobile make these changes. That hasn’t been explained yet that we know of and who’s to say it ever will? Hopefully we will hear something.
In order to legally share your device’s internet connection on T-Mobile, here’s what you’ll need: a 3G or HSPA+ capable device, an unlimited web plan of $19.95 or higher and the $14.99 tethering add-on. The offer will be available to both postpaid and Flex Pay customers who meet the above requirements. Although most customers will use their laptop to access T-Mobile’s network through their devices, they will also be able to connect using any Wi-Fi capable device, non-T-Mobile tablets like the iPad and music players. Customers can make the phone-as-modem connection using a USB cable, Bluetooth or even through Wi-Fi sharing.
T-Mobile Suggests Tethering/Wi-Fi sharing will be ideal for customers who:
- Need occasional access to the Web using a PC or other device
- Want a connection to the Web on-the-go, wherever T-Mobile has coverage
- Don’t see the need or want the expense of a complete mobile broadband experience, like T-Mobile’s webConnect.
Will this effect customers decisions to use T-Mobile service? We do know of several users who love T-Mobile just for the free tethering. We can’t wait to see what they have to say about this. If you are one of them, let us know your thoughts.
Source: BoyGeniusReport