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Rumor: Apple, AT&T Working On iPhone Tethering Plan

Submitted by Edward Kirk on August 29, 2008 - 1:41pm.
in

The reason NetShare was so great was that for the first time it was possible for people who don't hack their iPhone to share its "unlimited" internet capabilities with a laptop in the absence of a Wi-Fi. But, now that it's gone, it can only be done by jailbreaking, and the ones playing it safe are left in the dark. One user decided to share this information with Steve Jobs, and it looks like he got a reply.

The sender's email:

"AT&T offers data plans for BlackBerry that include tethering for an additional $30 per month (a total of $60 per month for the BlackBerry+tethering plan).
It seems ludicrous that the same thing is not offered with the iPhone. I understand the desire to prevent tethering with the current data plan, but I am willing to pay more money to allow tethering! With such an advanced device, why can I not do so?"

The sender claims that Steve replied with the following email:

"We agree, and are discussing it with ATT.

Steve

Sent from my iPhone"

We're not sure if it really is from Steve himself (especially with that "Sent from my iPhone" bit), but it does seem to follow his style of answering pertinent emails from users in a concise way. Either way, it's certainly got the proverbial rumor-ball rolling.

Still, if AT&T does decide to start offering tethering, you can bet that they'll make you pay for it (probably more than it's worth), regardless of how much data you use on a regular basis on the iPhone already. The main reason for Apple not including the capability themselves already is thought to be that AT&T wanted to set it up in a way that requires users to pay extra. Frankly, we might be better off jailbreaking.

[via Gizmodo]

This is so retarded.......

Submitted by Barry (not verified) on August 29, 2008 - 6:53pm.
Prior to making the switch, I used and still own the Nokia N95. Although it really isnt quite the iPhone buster one has been led to think it is, it is a great phone with a plethora of great software. One of the programs that's freely available is Joiku Spot Light (free) or more recently the full edition (paid edition) which has all the bells and whistles). Either of these versions will provide a laptop access to your phone edge or 3g through wifi brilliantly. All of this "without" jailbreaking the phone. I love the iPhone (although not the battery life or the glitches in the os ver 2.0, 2.01 or 2.02) for the simplicity of design, ergonomics and user friendly design. However,..... big however,..... Apple must learn to let go and let their child grow up and mature. AT&T is across the lake from where I am and I'm content with that however I am not content that they are forcing their policies on the world market. Obviously other OEMS don't police the software (including Nokia) so I see no reason why Apple has to assume the role of brig brother.


That's my two cents.... I hope it makes sense to you........

Submitted by Unregistered (not verified) on August 30, 2008 - 5:30pm.
Well the 'Sent from my iPhone' thing shouldn't be a big deal. It is just the default signature that iPhone places at the end of iPhone-sent emails. My iPod touch does that too. I wouldn't be surprised if Steve kept his iPhone at default.

Submitted by Unregistered (not verified) on August 30, 2008 - 11:07pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
Well the 'Sent from my iPhone' thing shouldn't be a big deal. It is just the default signature that iPhone places at the end of iPhone-sent emails. My iPod touch does that too. I wouldn't be surprised if Steve kept his iPhone at default.
obviously that's just to promote the iphone.

and it's not really steve, but someone at apple who reads all the misc emails that random common fuckers send to 'steve'.