PDA-Net question

[nightelvesreasy]

So i just started using PDA-Net, my ISP is having issues in my area, so far I like it, but my only question is, is there a cap on the data usage, or is this basicly free internet. I have unlimited data on my plan and the woman I talked to at verizon did not know if I will be charged. Has anyone used pdanet on here? or can anyone tell me a better service to use if pdanet isnt the best. I'm not looking for a new ISP, just something to get by on.

 

[Optimus]

I use it and don't get charged. Your best bet is to just use the net like you would on your phone and it will be fine. I only view pages and download the occassional podcast. I don't do windows updates, gaming, or torrents when using pdanet.

 

[BlueIce5249]

I use it and don't get charged. Your best bet is to just use the net like you would on your phone and it will be fine. I only view pages and download the occassional podcast. I don't do windows updates, gaming, or torrents when using pdanet.

I 2nd that. Simple browsing is ok, but I wouldn't go beyond that. Remember Verizon can tell what apps you've downloaded. So if your usage spikes and they look into and see you ahve PDAnet, it could be bad news since you're technically not allowed to tether.

 

[Flahusky]

So i just started using PDA-Net, my ISP is having issues in my area, so far I like it, but my only question is, is there a cap on the data usage, or is this basicly free internet.

There is no data cap on your 'unlimited data'(unlike AT&T)

I have unlimited data on my plan and the woman I talked to at verizon did not know if I will be charged. Has anyone used pdanet on here? or can anyone tell me a better service to use if pdanet isnt the best. I'm not looking for a new ISP, just something to get by on.

10's of thousands of people have used PdaNet since its inception, it is on multiple platforms and has been available for years. Most people tether responsibly and there is no issue.
As for other choices, short of rooting your phone they are all the same. I like many other here use PdaNet while on the road and when my local ISP craps out.
In other words, Don't worry, be happy

 

[Lock-N-Load]

do you guys ever try to use it with "USB Debugging" set to off?

they want it set to on, but that makes me a bit nervous when you read what that allows in the pop-up warning box.

I found this.. edited down

"It is for developers and serves no purpose at all if you are not debugging software on the phone.

always on will slow down the time it takes to charge the droid but keep the screen on when connected to the charger."

 

[Soultics]

My droid charges to full in like an hour. I've always had it on. About pdanet, like someone said above..unless you're rooted its a good app, used it for a bit.

The rooted usb tether app is free and doesn't have a limit on what it can do. Oh and I believe it doesn't need the software on the pc.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

[fedrich519]

Installed PDANet last night. It does require software on the host PC.

I believe Verizon does have a cap of 5GB per month. If all you are doing is web surfing, then you shouldn't come close to ever touching this unless you surf constantly for 12 hours a day every day. If you download torrents or warez a lot then it wouldn't take any time at all to reach 5GB, so I would stick with simple web surfing.

When I'm not using PDANet, I disable the USB debugging thing. If you have bluetooth on your PC/Laptop, or a Bluetooth adapter then the USB thing wouldn't be an issue since PDANet supports Bluetooth. Its what I do and I love it.

 

[kratos]

Installed PDANet last night. It does require software on the host PC.

I believe Verizon does have a cap of 5GB per month. If all you are doing is web surfing, then you shouldn't come close to ever touching this unless you surf constantly for 12 hours a day every day. If you download torrents or warez a lot then it wouldn't take any time at all to reach 5GB, so I would stick with simple web surfing.

When I'm not using PDANet, I disable the USB debugging thing. If you have bluetooth on your PC/Laptop, or a Bluetooth adapter then the USB thing wouldn't be an issue since PDANet supports Bluetooth. Its what I do and I love it.

The unlimited data plan is just that, unlimited. There are no data caps on the 29.99 unlimited data plan.

Now, if you use an excessive amount of data, it will probably throw up a red flag and Verizon will then investigate. They will then see the type of data that is being sent and received and know that you are tethering.

But again, there is no data cap for the unlimited data plan.

Kratos

 

[fedrich519]

The unlimited data plan is just that, unlimited. There are no data caps on the 29.99 unlimited data plan.

Now, if you use an excessive amount of data, it will probably throw up a red flag and Verizon will then investigate. They will then see the type of data that is being sent and received and know that you are tethering.

But again, there is no data cap for the unlimited data plan.

Kratos

You're right, I am mistaken. I was thinking of the Mobile Broadband Connect (tethering service VZW offered for Blackberry). I had it with my Blackberry Storm and after that piece of junk broke and needed replaced (third time in a year which brought me to the Droid) I made the switch and didn't pick the service back up for the Droid.

I did find it odd that the Mobile Broadband Connect did have a cap of 5GB. Not worth it.

But yes, bottom line that we both agree on...

PDANet should be used for websurfing. Major downloading will throw up red flags.

 

[swe3t23]

i too downloaded pdanet but i didn't root my phone. Simply downloaded the app and downloaded the application for my laptop.

so will i get an extra charge on my bill??

 

[kratos]

You're right, I am mistaken. I was thinking of the Mobile Broadband Connect (tethering service VZW offered for Blackberry). I had it with my Blackberry Storm and after that piece of junk broke and needed replaced (third time in a year which brought me to the Droid) I made the switch and didn't pick the service back up for the Droid.

I did find it odd that the Mobile Broadband Connect did have a cap of 5GB. Not worth it.

But yes, bottom line that we both agree on...

PDANet should be used for websurfing. Major downloading will throw up red flags.

When I first used PDAnet, I had no idea that Verizon had a no tethering without paying extra policy. I have since discontinued my use of PDAnet, except for if I absolutely need to use it. For example, I had to use it to finish an online final last week because I was halfway through it and my ISP crapped out on me. I used a total of 2MB of data (up and download) and was using it for about 10 minutes.

Other than the very rare instances when that happens, I play it safe and just don't use PDAnet.

Kratos

 

[fedrich519]

Yes Kratos, you are right and that is a distinction that should be made.

I would never use PDANet for downloading, only for websurfing and not on a regular basis. Let's face it, how often do we have our laptops out and are in places that have no Wi-Fi? Kinda hard if you ask me. I recently went on a five hour roadtrip and used it traveling down the interstate. On rare occasions when my ISP craps out for long periods of time I might use it then.

I would never recommend using PDANet as a replacement for internet service. VZW would probably catch on. I don't really think that you would run into a problem using for short periods of time a few times a week.

If you use your phone for data intensive applications like Pandora all the time then I don't see an issue using PDANet from time to time.

 

[Flahusky]

Yes Kratos, you are right and that is a distinction that should be made.

I would never use PDANet for downloading, only for websurfing and not on a regular basis. Let's face it, how often do we have our laptops out and are in places that have no Wi-Fi? Kinda hard if you ask me. I recently went on a five hour roadtrip and used it traveling down the interstate. On rare occasions when my ISP craps out for long periods of time I might use it then.

I would never recommend using PDANet as a replacement for internet service. VZW would probably catch on. I don't really think that you would run into a problem using for short periods of time a few times a week.

If you use your phone for data intensive applications like Pandora all the time then I don't see an issue using PDANet from time to time.

Not defending anyone/myself. FREE WiFi is NOT as prevalent as one thinks.
example 1; Higher end hotels charge for internet access (WiFi) at about $9.99 a day. The speed is abysmal, at best 28.8k. So what if my company is paying, its frustrating. Sure, I can go down stairs to the business center or lounge area and get free WiFi but again 28.8 and having to work in a open area...
2; Most gov't offices/bldg`a don't have open Wifi, and won't let a 'non-standard' client attach to their network. Same for most office buildings.
3; Airports are sub-contracting their Wifi access to Boingo/JWire. Yes you can get a monthly plan for $9.95 or try and grab a 'Club' signal IF its open. Yes some Airports have seen the light and offer free WiFi but it is just SOME.
4; Not everyone wants to set in a Starbucks, McDonald s, Panera Breads, B&N`s.
Just sayin'

 

[fedrich519]

You're right. Everyones experiences are different. Majority of the hotels I've stayed in over the past year have had decent free wi fi. Most friends and family I visit have with fi. But you're right a lot of places charge, deny access, or don't have access at all.

PDANet is a good alternative but not a replacement. I'f I got stuck at a hotel with bad or no wi fi then PDANet would be the way to go.

 

[CptGemini]

One thing I have noticed when using PDAnet is that it stops recieving data when it gets to so many connections open at once as shown when watching the app on the screen.

For example when I play wow at work using pdanet on my G1, sometimes I will tab out to do a quick check of the email then after a couple of minutes the internet stops working.

Just thought i'd share this little bit of info to keep you from having any issues.

 

[scoobythegambler]

Rooted my phone im using wireless tether for root users aka the greatest app ever

 

[fedrich519]

One thing I have noticed when using PDAnet is that it stops recieving data when it gets to so many connections open at once as shown when watching the app on the screen.

For example when I play wow at work using pdanet on my G1, sometimes I will tab out to do a quick check of the email then after a couple of minutes the internet stops working.

Just thought i'd share this little bit of info to keep you from having any issues.

I noticed that too. Best to have one tab open at a time.