So, is using a free hotspot w/unlimited data OK?

[not2gutta]

Wondering if using a free hotspot that turns on the native Verizon hotspot is fine or will Verizon charge me? I have unlimited data, with no share plan therefore it doesn't come with a courteous hotspot.

Basically I don't want the hotspot changing my unlimited data plan. I previously used foxfi but after the jellybean update, it started the native Verizon hotspot as well. Didn't want any surprise charges so I stopped using it.

It's been a while since browsing the boards so I was just wondering if anyone has continued using an outside hotspot, and whether or not they got extra charges or ran into trouble with Verizon.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[nexusisneecesary]

Wondering if using a free hotspot that turns on the native Verizon hotspot is fine or will Verizon charge me? I have unlimited data, with no share plan therefore it doesn't come with a courteous hotspot.

Basically I don't want the hotspot changing my unlimited data plan. I previously used foxfi but after the jellybean update, it started the native Verizon hotspot as well. Didn't want any surprise charges so I stopped using it.

It's been a while since browsing the boards so I was just wondering if anyone has continued using an outside hotspot, and whether or not they got extra charges or ran into trouble with Verizon.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Is it fine with verizon? probably not.Should you do it anyways?yes you should..

 

[meyerweb#CB]

I don't think the OP was asking if it's morally "OK." I think he wants to know if using foxfi, which turns on the native hotspot, is going to get him charged for tethering.

I'm afraid I don't know. You might try contacting the FoxFi developer and see if he can tell you what's happening.

 

[drmaf894c]

I used foxfi for the first few months that we just moved into a new rental and didn't have home wifi set up. We streamed Netflix and all kinds of other things for those months. I ended up using more than 20 gigs per month of data. I never saw a single charge on my bill for it. So as far as I know it still doesn't show up on your billing statement. Hope this helps and happy tethering. :-D

Posted via Android Central App

 

[jnnyr]

Yes, it's ok. No extra charges.

 

[D_Train_33]

Yes it is fine. Verizon cant stop you from using it. They got fined for it already. The spectrum that they use lets us use data how we want. I work for vzw. That is how I sell my extra lines with unlimited data. Haha

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Android Central Forums

 

[TemporalBeef]

While I don't use FoxFi (it never works right for me on my GS3), I do use a paid version of SVTP which I've never had problems with. I'm around 11-12GB/month and i've never been charged. You can't be charged unless you provision the actual hotspot app on your phone, or call in to customer care to have the feature added.

 

[snookasnoo]

Details here about why Verizon cannot stop LTE unlimited users from tethering.
The Right to Tether: What the Verizon/FCC Settlement Means to You

 

[Juannut]

Try it and see. A screen will pop up telling you.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Android Central Forums

 

[not2gutta]

I appreciate the info! Sounds like I'll be fine, however that article points out that it's a different story for those who have the unlimited data. Thanks for the feedback y'all!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[paintdrinkingpete]

I appreciate the info! Sounds like I'll be fine, however that article points out that it's a different story for those who have the unlimited data. Thanks for the feedback y'all!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Here's the thing...*IF* you are on an unlimited plan, you're supposed to pay an extra monthly fee for hotspot use. Obviously, there are ways to circumvent this. I believe what the various FCC/LTE settlements allude to is that Verizon can't stop you from installing tether apps or block them from the Play Store, but it doesn't say that they can't make you pay for it. If they believe you are using data out of scope of your contract, they could potentially drop you. When you are on a tiered data plan, the terms of your contract state that your data allowance can be used for the mobile device or a tethered device...unlimited plans, however, only allow data use via your mobile device, and you have to pay extra if you want to included tethering.

Keep in mind, if you're on an unlimited contract, chances are that you're also past the term of your contract, so Verizon reserves the right to terminate it at any time (just as you do)...so if you attempt to use the MH and circumvent their policies, that is always a risk. That, or they could force you to add the MH option to your plan, which I believe is $30/month.

Having said all that, these hotspot apps have existed for a long time, and I've never seen any posts from folks who were charged extra for using them...though I haven't really investigated the issue myself.

 

[Frankn Stein]

Read this thread and wanted to check out the latest truth so I chatted up two different Verizon agents who both told me slightly different stories but with the same result. If you use PDAnet/foxfi for hotspot on your unlmited data plan, there is no charge. You don't have to sign up. If you want to use the official Verizon 4G hotspot it'll cost you an additional $30/month. I'd type more, but I need to go watch some movies now! )

 

[dfunk235]

i have used pdanet/foxfi for a couple years and it has worked fine until recently. Now the wifi tethering no longer works; the phone has no errors and devices can connect but they get no internet connection. Since i am still on the unlimited plan, i am wondering if verizon has found a way to block the internet access for wifi. Bluetooth tethering still works, but my windows tablet and ipad don't just connect automatically.

Has anyone else on unlimited plan had similar problem, or maybe its because i am using such an old phone (Droid X, android 2.3)