Tethering refers to connecting one device to another. In the context of mobile phones or Internet tablets, tethering allows sharing the Internet connection of the phone or tablet with other devices such as laptops. Connection of the phone or tablet with other devices can be done over wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), over Bluetooth or by physical connection using a cable for example, through USB.
If tethering is done over Wi-Fi, the feature may be branded as a Mobile Hotspot. The Internet-connected mobile device can thus act as a portablewireless access point and router for devices connected to it.
Many mobile phones are equipped with software to offer tethered Internet access. Windows Phone 7, Android (starting from version 2.2), and iOS 3.0 (or later) offer tethering over a Bluetooth PAN or a USB connection. Tethering over Wi-Fi, also known as Personal Hotspot, is available on iOS starting with iOS 4.2.5 (or later) on iPhone 4, 4S, 5, iPad (3rd generation), certain Windows Phone 7 devices (varies by manufacturer and model) and certain Android phones (varies widely depending on carrier, manufacturer, and software version).[1]
In some countries this feature is only legitimately available by paying to add a tethering package to a data plan or choosing a data plan that includes tethering. There are, however, several ways to use tethering without paying for it, including rooting Android devices or jailbreaking iOS devices and installing a tethering application on the device.[2] Some operators have asked Google or any mobile producer using Android to completely remove tethering support from the operating system on certain handsets.[3] Tethering is also available as a downloadable third-party application on most Symbian mobile phones[4] as well as on the MeeGo platform[5] and on WebOS mobiles phones.
Tethering in carriers' contracts
Depending on the mobile phone's carrier, tethering may be provided at no extra cost. However, some carriers impose a one-time charge to enable tethering, while others forbid tethering or impose added data charges. Contracts that advertise "unlimited" data usage often have limits detailed in a Fair usage policy.
As cited in Sprint Nextel's Terms of Service:
Except with Phone-as-Modem plans, you may not use a phone (including a Bluetooth phone) as a modem in connection with a computer, PDA, or similar device. We reserve the right to deny or terminate service without notice for any misuse or any use that adversely affects network performance.[7]
T-Mobile USA has a similar clause in its Terms & Conditions:
Unless explicitly permitted by your Data Plan, other uses, including for example, using your Device as a modem or tethering your Device to a personal computer or other hardware, are not permitted.[8]
Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility currently offer wired tethering to their plans for a fee, while Sprint Nextel offers a Wi-Fi connected "mobile hotspot" tethering feature at an added charge. However, actions by the FCC and a small claims court in California may make it easier for consumers to tether. On July 31st, 2012, the FCC released an unofficial announcement of Commission action, decreeing Verizon Wireless must pay $1.25 million USD to resolve the investigation regarding compliance of the C Block Spectrum (see US Wireless Spectrum Auction of 2008). [9] The announcement also stated that "(Verizon) recently revised its service offerings such that consumers on usage-based pricing plans may tether, using any application, without paying an additional fee." In another instance, Judge Russell Nadel awarded Matt Spaccarelli $850 USD via the Ventura Superior Court, despite the fact that Spaccarelli had violated his terms of service by jailbreakinghis iPhone in order to fully utilize his iPhone's hardware. Spaccarelli demonstrated that AT&T had unfairly throttled his data connection. His data shows that AT&T had been throttling his connection after approximately 2GB of data was used. [10] Spaccarelli responded by creating a personal web page in order to provide information that allows others to file a similar lawsuit, found athttp://www.taporc.com
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