USB Tethering discussion (updated)

[dropnbassonu]

I was just playing around with my new Bionic and it wouldn't let me wireless tether b/c I didn't pay for the service. Well, I plugged my phone up to my computer and checked the box for USB Tethering, and let's just say WOW! First, I didn't think it would work for some reason. Maybe my mindset has always been "tethering" wasn't legal unless you paid for it. I then disconnected from my wifi at home and ran a speedtest.net scan and brought back this:

 

[Frisco]

Verizon may contact you about the tethering, or the data may just show up on your bill.

 

[dropnbassonu]

Verizon may contact you about the tethering, or the data may just show up on your bill.

Yeah, I was thinking that, but I didn't get any type of warning saying "you might be charged for using this".....strange.....I'll be curious to see if anybody else is able to get it to work like me, without it flashing up any warnings.

 

[Frisco]

Yeah, I was thinking that, but I didn't get any type of warning saying "you might be charged for using this".....strange.....I'll be curious to see if anybody else is able to get it to work like me, without it flashing up any warnings.

I'm hoping you'll report back about that.. interesting that it did it for you in the first place. It would seem insidious of Verizon if this turned out to be a way of upping user's data plans: let tethering hook up and then start charging for it.

 

[Kelmar]

When the Charge came out they offered free tethering for a bit (likely in hopes that people would buy the tethering plan). I would imagine that it's similar here.

 

[skwalk47]

Uhh I would like to try this but I cant even figure out how to do anything but mass storage mode with my mac... Help!

 

[rexboe]

I just tried mine and it is working too. I couldn't get the wireless to work it wants me to sign up for a plan. Don't know if this is mistake on Verizon part or why it is working.

 

[skwalk47]

The hotspot you definitely have to pay for. The free trial of that ended a few months ago.

 

[tehsusenoh]

This is great for me. Hopefully it works just as well over Bluetooth. I don't like lots of wires when I'm on a car trip.

 

[ChiefIlliniwek5]

When the OG Droid was given USB tethering capabilities, I tried it out and it worked the first time even though I didn't buy a tethering package. But when I tried it another day, it gave me the message that I had to pay for the tethering data package and wouldn't let me browse. So for those of you who have tried this, try turning it off, then turn it on a try it again and let us know if it still works. Or wait a day or two and try it again and see if it still works. If so, this is awesome.

 

[feivel]

I tried it today and found it to be buggy this time. Not sure why. But... EasyTether is down to 4.99 again on Amazon Appstore! Bought and it works great!

I'd still love a good working WiFi tether, but at least for now I can read my Gmail and post here while traveling.

 

[aaronmach1]

FREE!! im using it right now works great and fast!

 

[ryanbroham]

Ugh, I can't seem to get speeds like everyone else is reporting. I purchased easytether and got a connection, but a ridiculously slow one (less than 1mbps with 4g though the speedtest app shows over 6mbps). I tried the stock USB tethering method and couldn't even establish a connection. Am I being an idiot and doing something wrong? Any advice?

 

[dockmaster]

1. So, if i use the boinic as a wireless hotspot and my daughter connects her ipod touch (via wireless) to it, it will cost me money, even though I have unlimited (grandfathered)?
2. Can I connect my laptop to the bionic as a wireless hotspot for free?

They advertise that it can connect up to 5 devices...did they forget to mention it may cost money?

Thanks
BillD

 

[HadouGhost]

1. So, if i use the boinic as a wireless hotspot and my daughter connects her ipod touch (via wireless) to it, it will cost me money, even though I have unlimited (grandfathered)?
2. Can I connect my laptop to the bionic as a wireless hotspot for free?

They advertise that it can connect up to 5 devices...did they forget to mention it may cost money?

Thanks
BillD

1. you may be billed for using the hotspot feature, not the data.

2. yes you can use your bionic as a hotspot but for free i do not believe so.

3. they do advertise it can connect 5 devices but no i dont believe they mention that it costs money.

 

[dockmaster]

Please hold for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience. You are now chatting with 'Ashlee M.'
Ashlee M.: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?
You: does it cost money to use this device as a hot spot?
You: the bionic
Ashlee M.: That's a great question.
You: and the answer is?
Ashlee M.: Yes, to use the Bionic as a hotspot, you would need to select the data package that has the hotspot feature inclouded.
You: I have the unlimited data plan
Ashlee M.: We offer 3 data packages with the Hotspot feature. They are 4Gb, 7GB, and 12Gb.
You: so i would have to give up my unlimited data plan?
Ashlee M.: Are you an existing customer with the unlimited data package?
You: yes
Ashlee M.: Which phone do you currently have with that data package?
You: the HTC Droid Eris
Ashlee M.: Great, you would be able to keep your current data package when you upgrade to the Bionic.
Ashlee M.: To add the hotspot, you would need to call Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204.
You: I know i can keep my current pkg, but I have to pay to use it as a hot spot if I purchase the bionic? thats horrible
You: sprint is free.......
You: also why doesnt your website mentione the extra cost anywhere?
Ashlee M.: I'm sorry that you feel that way.
Ashlee M.: Is there anything else I may help you with?
You: no, have a nice day ashlee... thanks for your help!

 

[HadouGhost]

yup.. however where theres a will theres a way. OH and just like the good old apple saying ''theres an app for that!'' im pretty sure there is somewhere.

 

[aaronmach1]

how will they know if I tether to my computer with the usb port?

 

[jimdibb]

I'd still love a good working WiFi tether, but at least for now I can read my Gmail and post here while traveling.

Why do you need tethering to do that? Just use the phone in the first place.

 

[rossman26]

I have the grandfathered unlimited data plan and when I bought my phone I had them add the $30 unlimited tethering data plan. It was $20 for 2GB or $30 for unlimited. Since I'm ditching the 3G service on my iPad now the cost was a push.

If you decide to add the tethering data plan you WILL NOT lose your unlimited data plan for the phone.

Or you could continue to work around Verizon though I find that distasteful and you then run the risk of Verizon discovering you are tethering and then forcibly converting your unlimited plan to a tiered plan. Not worth the risk in my opinion.

 

[kento812]

I used pdanet and it worked fine. Just like it did on my og droid.

 

[marine one]

i used pdanet and it worked fine. Just like it did on my og droid.

+1 :d

 

[Darkhawk_76]

Pdanet here as well ftw!

 

[may2700]

easy tether works fine for me and its only $4.99 in amazon store right now, what a bargin!
!

 

[aaronmach1]

why do u guys use pda net and easy tether apps?????? all i had to do was plug phone in to computer and click tether. i was instantly connected.