Can Sprint track your data usage on wireless tether?

[LS2982]

And if they can will I be charged for it?

 

[Paul627g]

No I don't think they can track it as being used on "Wireless Tethering". It most likely just registers as general data usage I don't believe there is a specific "signature" linked to what is being used.

I have never had any extra charges appear in the past on my bills and there are numerous people here that have used it for extended periods of time and never mentioned anything.

 

[intulsa]

Just for the sake of discussion, I would think they could, email programs leave a trail as do browsers. If they wanted to they could tell if you were using say a laptop on their network, they could tell, but would they really do it? They could tell if my browser was Dolphin or IE Explorer, Safari or whatever. By default these programs leave their trail. Same for email. I/we used to track these things in the corporate settings and I wouldn't think it'd be any different for them. They have access to every packet that runs across their network. But would they bother? That would be the real question to me. I run wifi tether daily and heavily, I would be one they would get for sure.

 

[capitaltpt]

If you ever get a charge for it just argue that it should fall under the "Premium Data" tax they're charging you for using a smartphone.

 

[intulsa]

If you ever get a charge for it just argue that it should fall under the "Premium Data" tax they're charging you for using a smartphone.

That's kind of what I thought that was why I was paying that extra fee.

 

[nmoreman]

I was told they can trace by IP address which would be the same as above.

But if you read the "contract," we have unlimited usage, it doesn't say how. The only thing that would make them unhappy is we are paying for Mobile Hotspot.

 

[Paul627g]

All valid points. My OP post I guess I should of said sure they can track it.. Anything is track-able in with the technology available now. I guess the most valid response is would they bother? Doubt it. That would require someone to sit there and monitor what is being done/used on a account by account basis which I don't think your going to see any carrier spend the extra time/money to pay someone to monitor accounts for this reason.

Trust me Sprint or any carrier can surf right on over to these places or google it just like we do. They know that rooting and use of programs like Wireless Tether exist and people are using them. Its not like this is hidden information.

 

[BBooDad]

As far as data usage, how fast is a phone connection by WT? I have used it when I had a Pre, and it was adequate to work with on my laptop doing office paperwork, but not enough to stream good video or music at the same time. Of course, it may have been more a factor of where I was camping at the time that determined the connection speed. But in the overall big picture, a few thousand WT'ers probably don't use 1% as much bandwith as several million people driving around listening to Pandora twice a day for an hour, which is what I like to do, lol!

 

[shook187]

As far as data usage, how fast is a phone connection by WT? I have used it when I had a Pre, and it was adequate to work with on my laptop doing office paperwork, but not enough to stream good video or music at the same time.

Just a note. I used my wireless tether to stream my live NBA games via NBA league pass and Use my PS3 online to play COD Black Ops with voice chat without any problems.

I'm sure it helps that I have 4g in my area

 

[Jinded]

Just a note. I used my wireless tether to stream my live NBA games via NBA league pass and Use my PS3 online to play COD Black Ops with voice chat without any problems.

I'm sure it helps that I have 4g in my area

Haha yeah, I tried Modern Warfare 2 with my friend's PS3 once over 3G WT, and the lag was pretty bad.

 

[rcorry]

Even if they can tell you're using a computer attached to the phone, I don't believe they can tell if that device is connected via wireless tether or usb. Now if your abusing their unlimited data plan and shoving 25, 50, 100 GB of data or more through their network, I think you're going to attract attention and justifiable so. An occasional link when you're stuck and nothing else is around or just messing around to try it isn't going to have them look at your usage under a microscope.

If you regularly use the tether for large amounts of data though, you really should have the tethering plan. The only real issue with Sprint's network as noticed above with the lag is the VERY slow latency in 3G. Their latency tends to run 2.5-3x that of Verizon or At&t's network. The Clear 4G used by Sprint on the other hand is a rocket with fairly low latency in addition to the higher throughputs.

 

[darrinbc]

I listen to Pandora all day long at work and on the drive to and from. I bet they love people like me. LOL