In an interview with Michael Arrington at the Web 2.0 Summit, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph De La Vega let it be known that an official, AT&T sanctioned method of using the iPhone as a 3G modem for a laptop is on the way “soon”.
What goes unmentioned is any sort of pricing information, which will undoubtedly be a determining factor in the tethering package’s adoption rate. Amongst those interested in tethering their iPhone, I’d imagine that a sizable percentage of them have already discovered alternative solutions, such as PDANet. As long as the iPhone remains vulnerable to jailbreaking, these free, surprisingly simple solutions will be available – and as of late, Apple has made no indication that they’re attempting to block jailbreaks.
Even if the tethering package turns out to be dirt cheap, would a significant chunk of those already tethering make the jump to AT&T’s offering, simply to follow the rules? Doubtful. Are there enough people out there too wary of jailbreaks (or who fear the wrath of their IT guy) to make this worthwhile for AT&T?
Emperor Steve finally stuck it to AT&T to get this. Please send your regards to Cupertino.
I think those who are already tethering via jailbroken software will continue to do so.
The VAST majority of people (i.e. those who don’t jailbreak their phones) who are interested in tethering will pursue the legitimate method.
Any love for original iPhone customers? 3G is great and I’m sure I’ll upgrade some day, but the additional monthly cost difference was a bit much for me. Occasionally if I’m on a train or something all I need to do is check my email, and slowly browse a few PDFs online. I used to do the same with my Treo 650 (not 3G) and it was just fine.
Will 1st gen users still have to Jailbreak to teather?
I would make the leap over. After having my iPhone hacked for a while I found it frustrating having to wait for a hack before I could install new firmware, so I left the hacking alone and just use the iPhone just as is. So this would be great for me given my traveling and all.
As for the cost, I have an unlimited plan ( unlimited everything ) and still only pay $163 a month. Another $20 or so isn’t going to kill me.
They will probably only allow you to use 10mb. That seems to be their magic number now doesn’t it?
i’ll likely buy an iphone and ditch my blackberry once this is possible through legitimate means (assuming it’s a pricepoint i can swallow…something equal to or cheaper than an EVDO card). steve knows that most people would rather not break rules and will take a legit option + $ when it’s available (cue iTunes case study).
im scott smith and im a douche… i masturbate to Alison Haislips picture autographed picture…
The thing that annoys me in all of this is that in many places outside the US tethering is fine, and you can do it for no extra charge. Except of course on the iPhone. Very frustrating to have that limitation put in place by Apple.
Greg,
Imagine if you are a Home depot employee (I am) and they offer you a phone that can connect your laptop to the internet and have a BB like functionality at the same time; how much money you think we can save by consolidating those two services…. it maybe a way to get in to corporations (good selling point 2 services for the price of 1.5)…..
I like the fact that AT&T is finally willing to do this. It only makes sense especially if they want to attract more business users. I wonder why it took so long.
Kevin
http://www.kidsdesk.net
Nice way to attract more business.
http://vidsonly.blogspot.com
About time, here in sweden we got great Connection and it would be we say “grädden på moset” or the icing on the Cream to use the iPhone as a 3g modem :)
Can’t wait!! ;-)
Okay… same network, same pipes, vastly more throughput in both directions. This is BAD news. Imagine how much this flood of data is going to compromise the already imperfect network. If they don’t cap this or seriously cripple it, a lot of people are going to be unhappy.
bah, forget the iphone, its all about the palm pre now :o
Now 3G has been realized not only in US but also in china now. It has entered into kinds of families. I also bought one in market and appears really very good. I also download some softwares from http://www.copy-dvd.org and try to make some change about it.
Very like.
I just talked to a AT&T rep on the phone and they said they will be announcing their Tethering options today (6/8/09) in about 2 hours! Wahooo!!!
Hmm, I still like the Palm Pre > than the i-phone, even tho the iphone is more popular and has more apps.
-Jack
very like