Carriers cracking down on tethering apps.

[Chrisy]

Google Voice saves me $20 a month on texting! Love it.

 

[fluidj]

Google Voice saves me $20 a month on texting! Love it.

How so?
Can I use Google Voice for texting instead of my phone's texting? Anything special I have to set up?

 

[Chrisy]

You just need to give your contacts your Google Voice number. I did this with a mass email, posted it on Facebook (when I had that), and sent texts using my Google Voice number until they caught on.

Otherwise, you don't need to do anything else besides linking your cell to your Google Voice.account if you haven't done that already. Just download the Google Voice app and use that to text.

I blocked all texts to my normal cell number as well so I don't get charged.

Google Voice SMS is awesome. It doesn't do MMS but I use email for that.

 

[joebob2000]

Your contract says unlimited data on the device. It also has an add on that states tethering is against TOS.

Just be prepared, and be aware. Don't play dumb or righteous. When you choose the behavior, you choose the consequences.

Like I said I used to tether my BlackBerry. But I didn't pretend it wasn't against TOS.

I think a lot of people would be surprised about what the Verizon contract says... I encourage anyone curious about what they are allowed to do with their "unlimited" plan to read it. Basically, it says that ANY media streaming or otherwise download-intensive activity (such as using streaming music apps, or downloading large photos) is a no-no, even ON the device, and you can be subject to limitation or termination. Unless, of course, you use one of their approved (read: paid for) apps to stream/download music or videos. Tethering is obviously well outside their safe zone. We should all know by now that "unlimited" has a very very VERY specific definition in the eyes of the big carriers.

 

[Chrisy]

Here's a free 7 day trial of "Tether" app. I used this successfully on my BlackBerry. Going to try it on Android.

Download Tether Android | Tether