If you updated to KitKat and lost your free wifi tethering on T-Mobile, contact them

[Diknak]

So once I tried tethering after I updated to KitKat, I, like a lot of other people, noticed that T-mobile removed that free feature.

I am under contract and I sent them a live chat message letting them know that is one of the main reasons I signed a contract with them. I pasted the chat log below, but they ended up giving me the 2.5g wifi hotspot addition for no additional charge. I think there would be some legal implications if they remove features from your contract and tried charging you more for it.

T-Mobile: We have received your information and will connect you with a T-Mobile Chat Specialist soon.
Mellania O: Hi, Keith! We are glad to assist you as a valued member of the T-Mobile family and we appreciate your time to contact us today.
Mellania O: I am sorry to know that you are not happy with your service and I'll be happy to help you out today to see what we can do about this.
Mellania O: Just to confirm, did you set up a PIN on your account before, Keith?
You: I think so
Mellania O: Alright. Do you still remember the PIN? We will need to verify this to access your account.
You: XXXX
Mellania O: Awesome! Thanks!
Mellania O: I will go ahead and update your account so we can use your PIN to verify your account. You will receive a text message with the update.
You: ok
Mellania O: Thanks. I am now reviewing your line to check the hotspot feature.
Mellania O: Thanks for waiting. Upon checking, your line currently has the Unlimited Data without the included mobile hotspot feature which is $20.
Mellania O: I can go ahead and replace this with the Unlimited Data with 2.5GB hotspot feature for the same price, $20. Would you like me to proceed?
You: so there would be no increase in my bill, right?
Mellania O: Yes, that is absolutely correct, Keith.
You: so I would have a max of 2.5g through hotspot?
Mellania O: That is right!
You: ok, that would be great if you could make that change
Mellania O: Of course! I'll be glad to make the changes for you.
Mellania O: I am also seeing here that your line ending in XXXX also has the same plan that you currently have, would you like me to update this line as well?
You: yes, that would be great. thanks
Mellania O: You're welcome. Please be advised that the changes will take effect within 2 hours. I am now applying the changes.
You: ok, thank you
Mellania O: Pleasure is mine! The changes has been completed, Keith. Would there be anything else that I can assist you with today?
You: no, that is all.

 

[CoMoNexus]

Unfortunately that's only for postpaid plans. I have the $30 100/unlimited/5 GB prepaid plan. I just chatted with TMO. Here's what they said:

Nemia M: Upon checking, you could do hotspot on your account but we would need to add a hotspot feature for $15 monthly.
Nemia M: The rate plan probably that they are talking about are under our postpaid. In which we provide a 500mb of data for free and capability to share it.

So I'm sticking with 4.3 indefinitely. I rarely use tethering, but I like the peace of mind knowing that it's there in a pinch. Losing that option is a deal breaker.