I can't seem to find an official tethering solution for my HTC Droid Eris (Verizon). In the Market I can scoop up a copy of PDA NET which I'm currently using but unlike tethering my Wife's BlackBerry Storm, nowhere does it prompt me to accept a hefty $30/month charge for mobile broadband. Now we do have this mobile broadband plan on one phone -- her Storm 1 which she's using right now, but when I connected my Android device, it took me straight to the Internet without any "Big Red" strings attached, or so it seems. Should I expect hefty data charges for using PDA NET on my Android phone since I haven't accepted the mobile broadband plan on my line or does having it on my Wife's phone somehow connect both our devices (2 lines, 1 plan) into tethering? Also, how's that 5GB/month cap? Do they monitor it often? Looking for feedback on if I'm being "naughty" for using PDA NET to get my laptop online from Droid Eris! Thanks.
I've used PDANet to stream shows from hulu to my laptop and my data usage jumped over 400 MB over the weekend. I'd also like to know how closely Verizon monitors this.
AT&T does not allow Tethering. I'm assuming Verizon wouldn't let you do this without figuring a way to tap money from you.
I spoke with one of the Verizon data techs about this same issue and he spoke to a manager that said using PdaNet is ok to tether with the Eris and Droid because everything will just be logged under your unlimited data plan that is required with smart phones for $29.99 and their would be no extra charges for thethering this way. The supervisor said that once the tethering is offerd in the future that you would then have to purchase the tethering plan or you would then be breaking the terms and conditions of the service agreement. Until then have at it with PdaNet. I did ask the tech to note my account about our discussion so I would have proof if they ever came back and tried to charge me. Hope that helps!
just don't go over 5 gigs that's the cap set for over 3g data ussage. you will get flagged as an abuser if you do go over 5 gigs. it's in the tos.
There is a 5GB cap for tethering but not for their "unlimited data usage" plan for smart phones. That is why they call it unlimited. Here are the Terms & Conditions: Terms & Conditions (nothing is said about a cap) but you could get flagged if you are under such heavey use that you disrupt other users service. In the Terms & Conditions it states that you are not permitted to connect to the internet or allow the other devices to connect to the internet through it except by using native applications (I'm paraphrasing and poorly at that) but I specifically asked if tethering using PdaNet on an Eris or Driod would violate the Terms & Conditions and they said "no". They said that since they don't offer a "mobile broadband connect" data plan that allows official tether support from Verizon wireless that we could tether using PdaNet and everything would go under the "Unlimited" plan and they said Verizon could not charge for tethering usage. Once the tethering is offered you must add it to your plan to continue use and use the Verzion software or whatever software / methods they approve.
Ive been tethering my Eris for 3 weeks now with PDAnet. Connection speeds is mid-range DSL speeds 1.8mb/s down. Its very fast. Oh ya, all data usage from tethering was accounted in my unlimited data plan for the phone. I am a happy camper.
I tether every single day. I haven't even bought internet/tv at my new apartment as a result. I even paid the $30 for PDANet because I love it so much. Way cheaper than monthly Verizon/Time Warner bills for high speed internet.
I checked in the forums but didnt find my answer so i apologize in advance if this question has been posted and i just didnt see it. on my eris, i went to "market" and downloaded the pda net app for tethering. it then prompted me to turn on/click the pda net icon on my laptop. this icon never showed up. any idea why? i did not pay for this app as it was a free download. why would i need a pay version? thanks in advance!
ok, followed the instructions to download to my netbook. this is the message is received: "the file 'WinUSBColnstaller.dll' on android WinUSB installation disk is needed. Type the path where the file is located, and then click OK." i tried to proceed but then it asked me to insert the installation disk which of course i do not have. any suggestions? thanks in advance.
So where is everyone coming up with the 5gb data cap for unlimited data plan.....I thought unlimited meant unlimited
It is unlimited as far as the phone go's but if they i/e verizon catch's you tethering you better not go over 5g's.
For the time being that my be true but don't hold your breath. Verizon is really good at charging for thing's that have no explanation.
For the time being that my be true but don't hold your breath. Verizon is really good at charging for thing's that have no explanation.Woops doubled up sorry. How do I delete this.
Personally, I like having the cable since it keeps the phone charged up while tethering. Also, isn't USB faster than BlueTooth?
im thinking its just not gonna work on my acer netbook. it works fine on my hp lap top. thanks for the help!
This is wrong and a common misconception. The 5 gig limit is only for official tethering (not PDAnet) or if you use an aircard. As long as you're just online with your phone, it's unlimited. It's also unlimited with PDAnet as PDAnet disguises the traffic to look like it's coming from your phone rather than a laptop.
so does verizon plan to have a tethering option anytime soon? i would hate to buy pdanet and then 5 days later see that i will get charged for using it
