You have the best deal that can be had on data with the AT&T grandfathered unlimited data. I would not give that up just because you do not like their tethering plan. The rules you describe have been that way since tethering was introduced. Where I live, there are more AT&T wifi hotspots everyday. I just use one of those for my iPad.
-----I'm curious, does anybody know: Does AT&T charge extra for tethering with their other phones? Or is it just the iPhone?
-----All phones have always required $20 extra for tethering, the difference is that you used to be able to add it to the unlimited $30/mo data plan, now you have to give up unlimited plan and move to 2GB $25 plan and pay an additional $20 for 2GB of tethering data.
-----"Unlimited" is going the way of the dodo-bird.
Even "wired" (cable) companies are trying to figure out how to handle -- charge for-- based on usage for hi-use accounts (e.g. the 24-hr streamers).
I don't know if there are unltd plans for other ATT phones or other carriers for whatever phones, but I don't think you'll be able to get them much longer, with or without any tethering options. Anything grandfathered my expire at some point with a new device or whatever.
One thing has always bothered me about this hotspot idea. I've seen the commercials, someone turns their phone into a hot spot, and complete strangers within range start using the hotspot.
Nice idea - seems generous to give people wifi access, warm fuzzy feeling. But in real life - I don't see this happening:
(1) People are using your bandwidth. Even if you are on an unlimited plan, it will slow your access down. If you aren't on unlimited, you are paying for the megabytes they use. NOT a good idea to give somebody a "blank check" like that!
(2) Consider legal liability / privacy / issues. Suppose stranger 1 is looking at child porn. Stranger 2 is trying to access your bank account. Stranger 3 is an Al Quaida sleeper and is downloading dirty bomb instructions. Stranger 4 is downloading as many copyrighted movies as they can from illegal download sites.
Think you aren't responsible because you gave these clowns access? The guy clearing out your bank account is the least of your worries ----
(3) Just how much bandwidth can you squeeze through one cell phone? Probably not much. Everybody slows to a crawl on your mini wi-fi network, and everybody drops when the cell drops.
It just seems like a bad idea all around. Even from home - what are the neighbors in other houses doing? You better secure that mini wi-fi hotspot, or chaos may ensue!
I haven't tried it, because I don't want to $pend that kind of money myself, but I would be very surprised if the hotspot software did not allow for encryption and passwords to prevent random access.
-----Encryption is the default mode. In fact, you CAN'T have it on in "open" mode.
-----Yea. That is what the story is.
But is there a iPhone with verizon that has unlimited and will allow hotspot?
Yeah - once T-Mobile merger is done and if T-Mobile still offers unlimited, I may see if I can use my GSM iPhone on T-Mobile somehow. Probably yes once T-Mobile gets the iPhone.
I can just see it happening - next upgrade they will try to hit me with limited plans.
My Rogers 3G gives me 5 Mbps download and 3 Mbps uplaods. My home internet connection is 10Mbps down and 512 Kbps uplaod.
(3) Just how much bandwidth can you squeeze through one cell phone? Probably not much. Everybody slows to a crawl on your mini wi-fi network, and everybody drops when the cell drops.
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