Tethering apps being blocked from the market?

[Dark Wizard Matoya]

Has anyone seen this story?

Is Wireless Tether About to Get the Android Axe? Carriers Finally Starting to Block it? - Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog

I don't tether so I don't know if it's true or not but if it is it's a sad day indeed. I hope this isn't the next step towards cracking down on all root users, even those who don't tether, but I have a sinking feeling that it is.

EDIT-Apparently Sprint users can still download the apps but Verizon, AT&T and T-mobile are all blocking.

 

[kwonyu80]

It's true.

I'm so frustrated.

 

[DarkSorrow]

You can still download them directly from the developers websites. They can't block it all.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

 

[pazzo02]

Anyone know if they can be sideloaded, or do you have to be rooted?

 

[DD917]

Android Tethering Free Ride is Over | PCWorld

Has to be rooted.

 

[DarkSorrow]

You can side load them but some require root to function such as wireless tether.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

 

[Jalarm]

ATT users are never going to be able to sideload now.

 

[DarkSorrow]

ATT users are never going to be able to sideload now.

Wouldn't that violate Google TOS?

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

 

[pazzo02]

Android Tethering Free Ride is Over | PCWorld

Has to be rooted.

Actually, no. I saw an app in Amazon Appstore. EasyTether. Although it's only a wired solution and appears to only work on PCs and laptops. It's promising though, maybe it will eventually be updated to work with tablets.

 

[raginkestrel]

I called Verizon and they are not trying to stop tethering, but they are controlling how it is done. Smartphones have an unlimited data plan, but Verizon feels that you need a separate data plan for tethering other devices. The current "tethering" data plan is $20 for 2G. The rep told me that they will be coming out with other options since the current unlimited Mobile Hotspot promotion is ending on May 15th.

 

[EisBlade]

Another option/payment scheme, that is; I'm sure. I would still rather avoid an additional charge just because I decided to use a different device to enjoy the unlimited plan I'm already paying for. Maybe if they allowed internet access however users choose; allowing, say, 1Gb data maximum monthly with additional charges incurred if exceeding bracketed data amounts. idk...

 

[pazzo02]

Maybe if they allowed internet access however users choose; allowing, say, 1Gb data maximum monthly with additional charges incurred if exceeding bracketed data amounts. idk...

Then that wouldn't be unlimited, which is what I'm paying for. Plus 1GB is way too low, just as I think their limited data plans are. On a light day I use around 100MB, according to my Elixer app. If AT&T changed their tiered plans from 200MB & 2GB to maybe 1GB and 10GB then they wouldn't be getting so much flack about it. Their plans haven't evolved along with the technology.

 

[raginkestrel]

The rep at Verizon told me that the data plans are tied to devices, with the exception of WiFi hotspots devices that allow you to daisy chain five devices. What he really means is that you can tether with anything but your phone. Before getting my Thunderbolt, I had a USB modem for my laptop and shared the connection with my other devices through a wireless router. I did that for a year without Verizon complaining. I asked him about that and his only answer is that Verizon will be coming out with new data plans before May 15th to address smartphone users concerns.

The part that I don't understand is that my phone plan is unlimited. It shouldn't matter if I tether, since my phone works exactly like a their WiFi hotspot device. Oh well, we will see what plans they come out with.