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Rumor? AT&T charge for tether?

Hey again,
I rooted my captivate using the JH2 Rom and the Unleash the beast rooter thingy. So i was all hunky dory playing around setting up my wireless tether and showing some friends, but then one of them told me that AT&T can find out if i'm tethering and will bill me an astronomical amount at the end of the month.
Is there any truth behind this?
p.s. off topic i know, but is it possible to unroot unleash the beast?
Thanks!!

It's unlikely that AT&T will find out you're tethering unless maybe they take a closer look at your account (due to excessive usage), and see that your user agent strings are for a desktop browser, etc. But I'm not entirely sure they can even legally do that (examine your data). Just go easy (no bit torrenting) and you'll do fine.
They will charge if you they find out - it's an extra 30 bucks for tethering, and it's only 2 gigs total - which is just absurd. If they're going to charge you extra, they should at least include extra data - a lot of extra data. Tethering is quite possibly one of the biggest rip offs in the mobile industry - neck in neck with the high fees for texting.

My thing...
The initial stock ROM allowed tethering wired whether or not you paid.
The current ROM right now has tethering removed completely.. I find it outlandish that were I paying for the tethering right now I couldn't even do it legally.

AT&T has theoretically charged extra for tethering since nearly the beginning of internet access on a cell phone ...
I tether frequently when traveling (not only on my Captivate but with several other phones previously), and have yet to see any additional charges. Have also never paid the extra $20-$30 for an AT&T data plan which 'includes' tethering.
AT&T may try to lock it down in future ROMs but I imagine there will always be developers finding 'work-arounds'. They certainly have for wireless tethering ...

Wireless tethering from unleash the beast doesnt even load (FC) on my ohone,.

I'm a former at&t employee the only way they will know is if you have excessive data use. Like downloading. A couple gigs a day. If you use the tethering for normal internet browsing they will never know. Just don't do any bit torrents from Yuri device haha. You would be surprise how many peoples accounts I saw with 10 gigs in a few days. But so you know your save there isn't away for them to know what your doing they only see how much data is being sent a received.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

[Q] AT&T tethering, avoiding detection

From what I can gather there are 2 ways to tether (without buying tethering option), changing the APN or by rooting and running appropriate programs. I have a grandfathered unlimited plan so tethering would be great, but I'm not gonna pay extra for a tether specific plan. AT&T terms of service says that doing so will result in charge/termination...but how do they check? Changing the APN can be read (at least on an iphone, from what I read), not sure about rooting. Can anyone explain how data transfered during tethering by changing the APN will appear to the network vs a rooted tethering system. Also what is with this 5GB soft cap, I've read and believe BS.

Uh, I used my captivate w the USB tethering app from the marketplace just fine. Never got billed additionally.

The only way for them to "know" would be to check the browser agent information on the sites you visit. As long as you don't go nuts and stream netflix for days on end or host torrents you'll be fine.

I've tethered with an N1, Aria, now and Inspire all running stock unbranded froyo or CM, I've never had a tethering charge on my bill. I've gone so far as 10+ gb

while i haven't tried this on the inspire, before on my jailbroken iPhone, i ran a tethering app, using about 15gb a month for a few months in a row (was sitting in florida with no internet connection whats so ever to use but the phone) i never had a problem.

ive been using tethering for years on my incite,pure,tilt2,hd2 and now my inspire and never been charged extra for it.im glad they cant tell or i would owe them lots of money

double post.

I've tethered on my my old tilt 2 every day, with no issues up to 5GB. I sideloaded PDAnet on my inspire already, and plan to use it as well.
Scott

Tethering Data Usage
The Least amount I have ever had in a Month between the Inspire,Iphone 4,Iphone 3GS,Captivate,ARIA,with "MyWi",Rooting,Jailbreaking,Whatever method (I am a phone Junkie)using my Grandfathered Data Plan is 63Gigs in a Month and usually between 150 to 180 Gigs and never a Problem,They actually game me the 3rd Degree when I wanted to keep my Unlimited plan with the 4G Inspire and I told them I stream Movies,ie. Netflix,and I run a router Flashed with "DD-WRT" using the HotSpot and I have 3 teenage Boys that are Gaming,ect Constantly. My Argument is that is what "Unlimited " Means,I said to AT&T I have 5 Smartphones and have had for 6 years,I will take my Business Elsewhere,they called me back the next Day and said I could Keep the Unlimited because of my longtime status,I was one of the very first to win the Argument,I got home with my Inspire and the next day got a Data Usage Warning that I was at my 2 gig Max after the Guy in the Store said I could keep my Data Plan,Corporate said NO Way, I told them I was bringing the phone back and going elsewhere with my Business,Within a Day I had my Plan back in tact,Vegas

Wow....some people need to spring for broadband it seems.

63 gigs a month? WTF?????
Sent from Desire HD or Inspire 4G or whatever this thing is called via premium XDA app.

People like him are why the rest of us lost the ability to choose unlimited
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

daveop said:
People like him are why the rest of us lost the ability to choose unlimited
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your right in that one.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

I'd love to watch him and his boys at the "all you can eat buffet"

newter55 said:
I'd love to watch him and his boys at the "all you can eat buffet"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do believe the owner of said buffet would be crying...

Iphone4 and APN detection vs website red flag, pdanet?
Question: I have an iPhone 4 mod with 4.3.1
Was on a lot recently in last month - 5-10 g possible downloads- got the death message from AT&T . Will charge if I don't reform ways. ( feel like some kid) what bs! Have unlimited data plan. I
I use an HP mini laptop with win 7 starter OPS, I am tethering (wireless),
Guy who jb my phone - said that detection happens by - when tethered- when downloading either by choice or by auto update - programs like flash player and adobe PDF , Microsoft windows , AT&T sees download traffic and flags as obvious tether for laptop thus their 'unauthorized'tethering traffic going on.
Is this the case- not APN ISSUE?- site location issue?
I oftentimes use remote tethering to downloading and updating data files on programs that are native to both desktop and iPhone to exchange data. I need tethering - don't need limit to band width nor 45$month charge.
If monitoring locations what steps needed other than obvious -not downloading flash updates nor adobe reader updates while online? Problem is I have quit a few programs- can't seem to completely be free of auto updates- adobe is not allowing pure manual update preference setting-to set on auto update feature.
Also does pdanet work as stated??
PDA net doesn't shield site location just APN's?! Correct? What is ideAl settings to
Max out protection . Thank-you

Guess not one of you using 60 gigs a month knows that you can get DSL, UVerse HSI, Cable HSI, etc for like $20 bucks a month for a year.

I know. It really tickles me when I hear people complain about not being able to tether or being caught for tethering. And ATT is the bad guy here?? You have never been allowed to tether on ATT without a tethering plan. FACT. Unlimited data is not unlimited. FACT. Even on the prior unlimited plan there has always been a fair useage policy of 5GB. Anything over 5GB is considered excessive. For the most part it has been overlooked by ATT.
The only BS here is those that abuse the system and come here to cry about it.

Agoattamer said:
I know. It really tickles me when I hear people complain about not being able to tether or being caught for tethering. And ATT is the bad guy here?? You have never been allowed to tether on ATT without a tethering plan. FACT. Unlimited data is not unlimited. FACT. Even on the prior unlimited plan there has always been a fair useage policy of 5GB. Anything over 5GB is considered excessive. For the most part it has been overlooked by ATT.
The only BS here is those that abuse the system and come here to cry about it.
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Click to collapse
+1
I too am tired about people complaining about caps and tethering plans. Att networks are not ready for this kind of traffic yet. I'm sure they want to be able to offer it to people as much as they want it. People don't understand that if they just let you do whatever you wanted to now, everyone's experience would be terrible. Let them build up their networks and maybe someday it will change, but until then, just accept the fact that you still need home internet and tv service. Besides, I think its cool that att is letting people even keep unlimited data plans.
Phone: HTC Inspire 4gRadio: 26.13.04.19
Ril: 2.2.0179Rom: GB Sense 4.0 by fshami

The only times I've tethered is when I'm on the road and there is no wifi for my laptop. Even then it was just for web browsing and for no longer than 30 minutes at a time.

Question on tethering to phone

If I tether my transformer to my phone (no I don't have a tethering package) does it send data like a laptop or more like a phone? Just curious I have att and I don't want the hey mother ****er you gotta pay to tether message. I spend most my time cruising the internet and streaming on my phone now I use around 8 to 10 GB a month just curious i'm gonna get busted. I only bought the tablet so I could do what I do on my phone now just more comfortable. Thanks for the answers in advance
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App

It doesn't matter how it sends because its really just TCP. Your data usage is still logged and you run the potential of getting the nasty gram for usage, not necessarily because they know you are tethering. That may have been different with the Carrier IQ scandal but keep below your data allotment and you will be fine.

I have wifi hot spot after sensation ICS update

first want tto thank everyone for helping me S-off yesterday.
Last night i updated to sensation ICS.
to my surprise i still have wifi hotspot...
i never joined up for it or pay for it...
am i missing something here? i thought everyone lost it when they updated?
dont get me wrong, im glad its here, but im surprised thats all.

If you have a 5 GB or a 10 GB data plan, those are now being advertised with the free mobile hotspot. The plan was previoulsy known as "Classic Unlimited - Premium" It's being shown though as a limited time offer. My guess is (only my guess) they are grandfathering those who already had the Classic Unlimited - Premium / Ultra 5 / 10 GB plans to include tethering / hotspot access. And looking at the pricing, it is pretty much what I am already paying.
There are also reports that after upgrading, people have been able to use it temporarily then all the sudden, they get the "upgrade to hotspot" TMOB paage and are then locked out from further tehter / hotspot usage. TMOB also said that there would be a grace period for some who would still have it and then would later be required to upgrade for continued usage. So you may or may not loose it.

wow interesting.
I believe i will fall into the temp usage and probably have it taken away since i am only on the 2gb plan..
this is good info.. thanks..

In case that ever does start to fail (HOPEFULLY it doesn't), there seems to be a few options out there for providing hotspot from 3rd parties (such as FoxFi on the google market).
I haven't personally used this since I don't particularly need hotspot much myself, but it's good to know there should be other ways around this if necessary.
[Edit] Apparently I spoke a bit too soon. Wifi mode on FoxFi does not work on HTC devices. Bluetooth does however. There may be other options out there as well. There's an app called "Wireless Tether for Root Users" that may work

Yeah my guess is they do "grandfather" you in the plan because I have the 10 GB plan and its included as a "free" service. I called and asked because I DONT want anymore charges on my already too high bill. They assured me it was free for the plan I have. So your correct about it
Being included. I also think its for the 5/10GB plans.I'm not sure about the other plans.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium

I have the 2 gb plan and also have wifi hotspot.
Sent from my SX-SP715A using XDA

I had free Hotspot on GB, but now get flagged and I haven't updated yet -- and I'm stock -- mite as well do ICS now

I manage to update to ICS. My Wifi Hotspot is still on. I have a Unlimited data plan as well, I think its 5GB.
From what I read so far, am good to go.

Tethering A Computer vs. Tablet

Tried to ask this in the general forums and didn't get an answer, wondering f you guys could help. Got an s3 to keep my unlimited data. Reading it says that Verizon can tell if you tethering to a computer due to TTL packets. I don't know much about networking but reading it says that windows computers while tethering push a value of 124 or 128 packets unless configured while android devices have a value of 64. The thing is I never tether to my computer only my tablet. So can I safely go nuts tethering to my tablet as if it was my phone due to it looking like I'm using my phone or am I way off and can Verizon tell I'm tethering and using my tablet. I really just want tot tether the hell out f my tablet when I need it. Anyways as this is XDA can I hide it safely? I have an unlimited data plan so the whole OK to tether thing since that lawsuit doesn't apply to me with this.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2

mrvogel said:
Tried to ask this in the general forums and didn't get an answer, wondering f you guys could help. Got an s3 to keep my unlimited data. Reading it says that Verizon can tell if you tethering to a computer due to TTL packets. I don't know much about networking but reading it says that windows computers while tethering push a value of 124 or 128 packets unless configured while android devices have a value of 64. The thing is I never tether to my computer only my tablet.
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I don't know about the packet size issue you mentioned.
Otherwise, I have read that if*your Verizon tethering indicator turns on or your usage suddenly goes quite high for a month or more, they might suspect you of tethering without a plan and look into it. It's also said that apps like PDAnet make it very difficult for the service provider to figure out if you are tethering or not - regardless of what you're connected to.
- ooofest

VZW can no longer block tethering on 4g phones. Due to FCC saying so. Simple Google search will fond multiple articles.
There is no restrictions on unlimited versus tiered data plan. What counts is that you have a 4g phone. Check out this article ans the tether away.
http://www.zdnet.com/let-my-wi-fi-go-fcc-rules-verizon-cant-charge-for-wi-fi-tethering-7000001916/
Rocking T2 on the unlocked VSG3!

I've read differently. It sounds like if you have an unlimited data plan you can only use that data plan for a single device meaning that you can't tether the unlimited data. I read multiple places that this is part of the terms of service and it doesn't apply to unlimited data plan users... M
aybe somebody can clarify this for me because it would be great to use my unlimited data for tethering when on vacations.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Tethering
Its like not paying you bill. You get a warning. You can always deny it or ignore it. Modern PDANet if thats what you are boing to use has some countermeasures. At least 2 I think. Don't know if they are effective. You can just use Orobot to tunnel your traffic and I'm pretty certain that would work. I don't know what you plan to do but I wouldn't go download something shady from some torrent site though. Web browsing and getting email is probably fine.

I've been tethering my laptop to my phone since I first figured out how to do it with the Droid X. Meaning basically since I rooted it and found a decent tether app. Out of 5 people on a business share plan(business version of family plan - add a line for 9.99 etc) I've always had significantly highest usage. 5 gigs at a bare minimum, and not once has verizon figured out I'm tethering.
I honestly dont think they can really tell if you are or arent tehtering. 4g or 3g.

Curious, is Verizon still charging people today who were paying before the ruling? Is it possible now for me to use built in hotspot instead of wifi tether, regardless of whether or not i am on a custom rom? I am using latest synergy atm with wifi tether, i should have no problem using built in right?

sfetaz said:
Curious, is Verizon still charging people today who were paying before the ruling? Is it possible now for me to use built in hotspot instead of wifi tether, regardless of whether or not i am on a custom rom? I am using latest synergy atm with wifi tether, i should have no problem using built in right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you can if you turn it on through the notification toggles...Why tho? The WiFi for Root Users is a lot more customizable...

sfetaz said:
Curious, is Verizon still charging people today who were paying before the ruling? Is it possible now for me to use built in hotspot instead of wifi tether, regardless of whether or not i am on a custom rom? I am using latest synergy atm with wifi tether, i should have no problem using built in right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
atm no. the software is still there to keep you from doing that. IF you root, the world is your oyster though... and they aren't actually allowed to do anything to do. They just aren't rushing to open everyone up to free hotspotting.