Wi-Fi and USB Tethering for free? - HTC Sensation

Hi, I just came from a nexus one where I ran Cyanogenmod with the built in wifi tether. I was wondering, since this is a stock rom, tmobile can probe your phone to see if you've activated tethering. But I have used it and hav'nt been billed for the tethering charge!?
How long will this last / is this even supposed to work?

dubt17 said:
Hi, I just came from a nexus one where I ran Cyanogenmod with the built in wifi tether. I was wondering, since this is a stock rom, tmobile can probe your phone to see if you've activated tethering. But I have used it and hav'nt been billed for the tethering charge!?
How long will this last / is this even supposed to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an exact thread about this from a couple days ago, please search next time..bt simply, yes its "free" it just goes against ur GB cap
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

piimp said:
There is an exact thread about this from a couple days ago, please search next time..bt simply, yes its "free" it just goes against ur GB cap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you're correct. I have a 5GB cap. But Tmo figured out (or guessed) that I was tethering my laptop (using Android's native wifi hotspot app), and sent me a "Push" message today telling me that I needed to get the add-on plan. It was like a pop-up on my Sensation. I'll attach it. And i was no where near meeting my cap (1.24GB on the line in question with 8 more days in the billing cycle). I have a family plan with unlimited internet (throttled after 5GB per line i believe). They want $15/month to tether. I like your reasoning better. I should be able to watch a couple youtube videos, send a couple emails, and browse xda-developers with my laptop. And if i hit my cap, I'll be reduced to EDGE speeds. I looked at my last 3 monthly bills and I averaged 2GB. So I'm not a burden to the network when i tether 3 times a week. I even save most of my Netflix watching for wifi.
This latest instance on my Sensation, i wasn't even using bandwidth intensive content. I got a notification on my other phone (myTouch 4G) a month ago while downloading a 167MB custom ROM with my laptop tethered. I should have just used the phone and downloaded it to my SD card.
I wonder if I used a different app to tether if Tmo would have a harder time figuring it out... I am under the impression that they look for clues in the transfer rates and patterns. Just what I've gleaned from others on the forums...
Just checked my usage for today. attached a screen shot. Strangely heavy usage at 3:53PM. I looked at my browser history for that time period. I checked a weather blog, quick FB check, looked at Iphone 4S articles (just curios, so don't judge me ), and watched two 4 minute youtube videos embedded in the weather blog at the lowest quality setting. That's it. But I'm sure if I were streaming Netflix on my phone, it would eat way more data than that. So why should they worry about which device is the conduit for my internet experience? I can live within the monthy GB cap!​

Related

[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.
Click to expand...
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.

[Q] 2gb Data Plan

My contract recently expired and I am looking to upgrade. My question is, is the 2gb Data plan enough to support the Infuse, Atrix, or Inspire? I have read the other thread on this question, however all the responses were about getting unlimited data. I would get it but, being in school, i cant justify/afford the cost of buying an iPhone 2g. I have been looking for a fellow friend or developer in my area to lend me theirs but I am looking to get the new phone in a week or two.
So, in general, is the 2gb plan enough?
My day during the year, 8-3, classes, no major usage, mabey 30 mins internet.
4-10 moderate usage, mabey up to 1 hour usage. Internet, mabey an app or two, and possible Pandora a day or two a month. Tethering mabey 20 mins max 3 days a week or less. weekends, moderate usage, internet sparingly all day, mabey 1:00 max. Summer is similar to weekends.
What is the general opinion? Or personal experience.
I live in Florida and used Pandora a good amount of time during my drive to N Carolina and back as well as my Google Maps, and didn't get anywhere near the 2gb. I'm on my phone most of the day at work (730-4) and use the browser, Facebook app, and various other data using apps. The only problem you might run into is the tethering imo.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App
Totally enough, even with your usage. I have the same plan and I am a pretty heavy user day to day, I read xda for about 3 hours a day maybe watch like 4 YouTube vids, engadget app, Facebook, stream Pandora for like an hour... and yet the past 3 months I can only get up to using about 1. 5 Gigs.... trust me its enough
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA Premium App
Can't you upgrade and keep your unlimited plan if you allready have unlimited I have upgraded more than ones and still have my unlimited data its grandfathered in if I had 2 gb cap I would had been over by 5 gb this mounth just think if you installed a rom its one third of a gb if you use the phone
Mr.Nun.Ya
it is enough, i use my phone all day and when i get the bill, its nowhere near 2gb.
Unlimited plans make you feel warm and fussy because you always know you won't go over. If you are aware of how you use the internet you will be fine. Me, I turn off my mobile network religiously it save massive battery life and all the apps that want to update can't. (if its in my pocket I don't care about someones facebook update) Second I use WiFi when I can: its free, normal much faster, I do not have 4g but I do have a 10m connection at home and a larger one @ the university I work at.
If you every want to check how much data you have used use this number and it will show you your data usage; *3283#
If you check that once a week you will never go over, or you can use an app like 3g Watchdog Pro(or lite) which is absolutely amazing...it shows you how much dat\ you used that day/week/month...it predicts how much you will use by the date you will be billed based on your current usage, calculates how much data you can use a day for the whole month without going over, it is a very nice app/widget to have
2gb DAta Plan
I constantly go over and I have 4gb, but I also am traveling and tether. Since I never had AT&T until now I was told I am not able to get unlimited which I think is stupid.
That's crap if I had a cap with att I would move to Verizon they have. no cap and the thunderbolt I don't no why you guys think it alright you probably think its OK to pay extra to tether how I use my data is my business its just a way to squeese more money from you
Mr.Nun.Ya
I also have the 2gig data plan, I have not came close to my limit at all. I am on my phone all the time, at least my wife says. The close I came to was 1 gig, that was re-downloading all of my google apps, before I swtich over to my WIfi.
I never use Wifi- because my broadband connection is slower than my ATT connection on the phone. Ihave an older unlimited data plan, and I use 7-8G in a typical month.
Verizon
I was told and have read on several websites that Verizon will be dropping the unlimited data plans and adopting a tiered system like AT&T. If you have your unlimited with AT&T right now, find a 3g smartphone that is acceptable and keep your unlimited. I made the mistake of not doing that and regret it. I do however really like my Inspire.
Lol I never had unlimited but I did what was posted and I use about 4gbs a month and have unlimited now
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA Premium App
I've had unlimited data since the day after I got my first PPC (LG Incite). I was able to keep it through my upgrade to the eXpo and my shiny new Inspire. I have always paid $30/month and have used more than 2 gb every month with my highest just over 6.
ThEiiNoCeNT said:
If you every want to check how much data you have used use this number and it will show you your data usage; *3283#
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*3282#
Just an FYI for those that didn't read their bill.
I would be screwed if they ever cap me. I use around 10-15gb a month but I am constant USB tether to my tab or laptop for work reasons.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk
xKrisx said:
I would be screwed if they ever cap me. I use around 10-15gb a month but I am constant USB tether to my tab or laptop for work reasons.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm...must be a good job if it requires you to provide a data connection.
Lol no wonder they put caps on ****
If it was a good job he have an aircard worked paid for, just a thought
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App
mounttimp said:
That's crap if I had a cap with att I would move to Verizon they have. no cap and the thunderbolt I don't no why you guys think it alright you probably think its OK to pay extra to tether how I use my data is my business its just a way to squeese more money from you
Mr.Nun.Ya
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon will send you bill if you exceed 5 gig. Happend to several of my Verizon friends. You may argue the first one but the others you have to pay of you go over the 5 gig again.
- Sent from Inspire 4G using XDA App -
Mine is 2GB and always well below the limit line. Sometimes I wished there was this 1GB plan

(Q) Anyone using wireless hotspot or tether?

Was curious to give it a shot. Wanted to know if anyone has been busted and charged or any that has zero problems with using these features
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I've not had a problem using them and At&T has never questioned me either.
My kids watch so much YouTube on my phone that my data usage is pretty high each month...(I still have an unlimited plan)... so it's not unusual for me to go over 5 gigs or better.
But someone that jumps from not even a gig to over 5 all of a sudden might raise a few eyebrows.
Sent from my time waster.
I tether to play xbox live and use about 300 mb everyday and havent recieved any notice from att
Sent from my samsung captivation
What do you use? The built in app?
i use the built in app and it works flawlessly and gives better options than the wireless tether app (ie encryption-wise and tracking connected devices)
I use the built in app
Sent from my samsung captivation
Built in app? Which app is that? I am rooted using the unity ROM,and I'm no noob,yet I am curious to which built in app yall mean?! When I plug in my phone to usb I'm guessing I could select "internet pass thru" and yes after almost 5 years I'm still puzzled. I have always used wireless hotspot or pdanet (back in the orginal tilt haha).
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
The built-in app is called Wi-Fi Hotspot.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side.
erraz said:
I tether to play xbox live and use about 300 mb everyday and havent recieved any notice from att
Sent from my samsung captivation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
really..how is that when you play online? is it laggy?
If you get 3 bars you will hardly lag and if you have 4 bars you will have no lag
Sent from my samsung captivation
If you don't have the unlimited data plan, I wouldn't recommend using it. I used it and SIGNIFICANTLY went over my data plan cap and was billed overage charges.
I got busted with AT&T using an iPhone... convinced them I had no idea what tethering was or jailbreaking, etc so they let me keep my unlimited plan. Even let me switch it when I got an Inspire after telling me I needed a "4G data plan", even though they don't have 4G... morons. Anyways, I think I'll try it on here. If you haven't gotten busted playing Live, I should be ok.
As long as you don't go crazy you're fine.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk
@OP:
As long as u r within reasonable limits, it should all be fine. I do, once in a while, to connect to my office laptop to check mails n stuff, and NOT to download huge files nor stream media.
I say keep it under ten gigs and you will be fine
Sent from my samsung captivation
erraz said:
I say keep it under ten gigs and you will be fine
Sent from my samsung captivation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't count on 10 gigs as a soft limit. Companies are working towards eliminating unlimited plans, and eliminating the one in a <many many> stray customers who hog bandwidth hardly make any difference.
in my town AT&T sucks, coverage is completely spotty, we just got 3G about 2 weeks ago and the coverage is unbearable, in my house i get no service at all but when i go in the middle of town it will jump between 5 bars with 3G to 1-2 bars with edge constantly but when ever i go to a city with good 3G im tethering to my mac constantly and my data never goes over 1.5 GB even though i have the unlimited plan
I used WiFi Hotspot once when my home landline internet was on the fritz for a few hours. It was a nice backup.
diablo009 said:
Don't count on 10 gigs as a soft limit. Companies are working towards eliminating unlimited plans, and eliminating the one in a <many many> stray customers who hog bandwidth hardly make any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no limit that's why its called unlimited data and I use around 6 gigs a month but I said to keep it under 10 just to be safe
Sent from my samsung captivation
erraz said:
There is no limit that's why its called unlimited data and I use around 6 gigs a month but I said to keep it under 10 just to be safe
Sent from my samsung captivation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get ur point. But u know I've seen many posts here in some threads where I saw people bragging that they used way excess of 10GB and even as a replacement to home internet service. I was only indicating that as long as one doesn't abuse the network, he/she should be good. Sorry if what I said sounded differently than what I had in mind.

[Q] ATT Tethering Warning for unlimited data users

I'm on a rooted rom (Infuse v2.1.0) and I received the following message today:
"Our records show that you use this capability, but are not subscribed to our tethering plan. If you would like to continue tethering, please log into your account online atwww.wireless.att.com, to sign up for the DataPro 4GB for Smartphone Tethering plan or the DataPro Enterprise 4GB for Smartphone Tethering plan.
If we don't hear from you, we'll plan to automatically enroll you into one of the above DataPro 4GB plans in an upcoming bill cycle.
If you discontinue tethering by the end of this month, no changes to your current plan will be required."
I have an unlimited data plan in which I have been tethering for years until I receive this message today. I plan to stop however; I was wondering if there is a way I can tether under the phone internet as if the phone was going to WebPages without ATT noticing and changing my unlimited plan to a tethering plan?
Thanks
It appears that they are wising up to tethering. I would also be interested in a way to disguise my usage.
rrambert said:
I'm on a rooted rom (Infuse v2.1.0) and I received the following message today:
"Our records show that you use this capability, but are not subscribed to our tethering plan. If you would like to continue tethering, please log into your account online atwww.wireless.att.com, to sign up for the DataPro 4GB for Smartphone Tethering plan or the DataPro Enterprise 4GB for Smartphone Tethering plan.
If we don't hear from you, we'll plan to automatically enroll you into one of the above DataPro 4GB plans in an upcoming bill cycle.
If you discontinue tethering by the end of this month, no changes to your current plan will be required."
I have an unlimited data plan in which I have been tethering for years until I receive this message today. I plan to stop however; I was wondering if there is a way I can tether under the phone internet as if the phone was going to WebPages without ATT noticing and changing my unlimited plan to a tethering plan?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you using native Android tethering or one of the tethering apps?
Its not based on usage alone. A friend received the same email with just under 1 GB/month average.
No nastygram yet here - however:
1) I use native tethering - third-party tethering apps are notorious for being easily detectable by AT&T
2) I usually only tether my tablet - since it's also an Android device it might have a less obvious "signature".
I also use native (usb mostly) tethering and I connect to my desktop mostly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
I also. And only light usage. Don't do any torrenting. Don't be like the other Guy in the otherthread and use 8 freaking gigs in a week. Lmao.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
TOA Duck said:
I also. And only light usage. Don't do any torrenting. Don't be like the other Guy in the otherthread and use 8 freaking gigs in a week. Lmao.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't torrent haha. I just stream music and movies from netflix a lot. I'm sure watching football games on Justin.tv didn't help
In my book, unlimited means unlimited
jdbeitz said:
I didn't torrent haha. I just stream music and movies from netflix a lot. I'm sure watching football games on Justin.tv didn't help
In my book, unlimited means unlimited
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlimited means unlimited - but if you use a ridiculous amount per month it's hard to prove that you're NOT tethering.
Entropy512 said:
Unlimited means unlimited - but if you use a ridiculous amount per month it's hard to prove that you're NOT tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
Its just a bummer lol
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
I just received my nasty gram today same as yours but when I log into my account I haven't been signed up for any tethering plans yet, seems they are rolling the emails out on a list. I also haven't used it for 3 days so this email wasn't because of usage today.
I use the native app on phone, tethered to android/ipad tablets. Usage is below 5gb on my unlimited plan.
I believe it was a third party app called Mobile AP from the Market. I like being able to add a widget to my main screen to turn on and off for my tablet and captivate to surf the web.
I spoke with the ATT Rep today regarding my unlimited plan and was told "it's not unlimited; come 1 Oct ATT will throttle users who go over 5gb."
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:41 PM ----------
confused256 said:
I just received my nasty gram today same as yours but when I log into my account I haven't been signed up for any tethering plans yet, seems they are rolling the emails out on a list. I also haven't used it for 3 days so this email wasn't because of usage today.
I use the native app on phone, tethered to android/ipad tablets. Usage is below 5gb on my unlimited plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought only IPhone users were being track because the separate APN? Well, guess not. There goes the free internet for my other devices.
I think its not about amount of date, but more about the usage patterns (frequency). For those who use rarely or once in a while for a short while, they don't bother. But for those who tether frequently, or use this as an alternate to home internet, well, its easy to detect.
confused256 said:
I just received my nasty gram today same as yours but when I log into my account I haven't been signed up for any tethering plans yet, seems they are rolling the emails out on a list. I also haven't used it for 3 days so this email wasn't because of usage today.
I use the native app on phone, tethered to android/ipad tablets. Usage is below 5gb on my unlimited plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also got mine today, I only used it for an hour two weeks ago >_>. Guess they are getting quite aggressive at this. Do I need to do anything if I don't plan on using tethering at all in the future anyways?
HiddenSanctum said:
Also got mine today, I only used it for an hour two weeks ago >_>. Guess they are getting quite aggressive at this. Do I need to do anything if I don't plan on using tethering at all in the future anyways?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ignore it and don't use tethering till the end of billing cycle. U should be good.
HiddenSanctum said:
Also got mine today, I only used it for an hour two weeks ago >_>. Guess they are getting quite aggressive at this. Do I need to do anything if I don't plan on using tethering at all in the future anyways?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Native tethering or non-native?
I went back and looked again and this info might be interesting to people:
My Phone (Infuse 4G) number was the one listed in the Nasty Gram
Usage is 3994.33 MB of Unlimited
Wife's Phone (Captivate) Did Not Receive Gram and her's is the primary number on bill.
4329.72 MB of Unlimited
Both phones are using the native tethering on samsung phones.
I got the email as well....i literally tethered for 5 minutes recently to test functionality on my thrill....pretty sire i have not ised it on my infuse at all
Native
Thats all :/ 5 mins
Email doesnt list a specific number on our account
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
Hey....so i am noticing that this appears to be hitting just infuse owners (but still researching)
is there a commom denominator.. apn...kernel...something
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
00mred00 said:
Hey....so i am noticing that this appears to be hitting just infuse owners (but still researching)
is there a commom denominator.. apn...kernel...something
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a BIG thread on the Cappy forums, they are def. getting hit.

Tether Police: Has Anyone had to Change plan?

I'm just curious if ATT is just bluffing? Are there tethering solutions that hide activity from ATT? PDAnet claims it does, but you have to pay $15 to get full version that accesses secure sites. However I have no idea what PDAnet does to hide it, or it if it works.
Stock roms will have a program that sends data to att on what type of data is being downloaded. From that, they will know if you are tethering. Custom roms removes that useless program, but crazy big data usage will probably get you in hot water.
Many of us that were running stock roms got the letter/text/email
They did not change my plan....but I stopped did not tether afyer getting the warnings.
Was in a bbind last week and tethered for a few hours and nada....no warnings etc.
xdahgary said:
Stock roms will have a program that sends data to att on what type of data is being downloaded. From that, they will know if you are tethering. Custom roms removes that useless program, but crazy big data usage will probably get you in hot water.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
I got the message today and I called about it. I don't know how it is they know or can detect it. I stream a lot, but I haven't tethered in over 2 months. Somehow they just target big data users, apparently and assume the worst. I'm going to unroot and s-on my phone and take it in to the store and see what they have to say..
I dont have unlimted data, but i teather My laptop ALL the time at work.....watch netflix, or hulu, even download roms......i never go over 2gigs because thats all i have on my Plan......but i have never gotten a letter or text.
i think its just for the Big Data users<<<
another good reason to root/ and install a custom rom
I tethered a bunch last year when I had my iPhone, I am still currently on the "unlimited" data plan.
I just put the MIUI rom on my phone a couple weeks ago, and tethered to my wife's tablet. She only checked a couple web pages to verify it worked.
The other day I get the email telling me if I don't stop tethering after October 31st I will be charged and put on a tethering plan automatically.
I wonder if they looked back as far as a year and totaled up all my tethering..
Are they really just going after the "unlimited" users??
If that is the case, I will tether through my wife's captivate running MIUI rom, as she is on the 2GB data plan, and just monitor as to not go over...
the2rrell said:
I dont have unlimted data, but i teather My laptop ALL the time at work.....watch netflix, or hulu, even download roms......i never go over 2gigs because thats all i have on my Plan......but i have never gotten a letter or text.
i think its just for the Big Data users<<<
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I've never used over 1gig and I got a letter. I only tethered very briefly 5-6 times I have had the phone. Once for a few hours but just browsing no downloading or anything (internet outage) but that was months ago as well.
Speaking of data plans, I gave my old HTC Pure to my brother. He had a "dumb" phone with no data plan previously, but when I put his sim in and fired it up, it used a little bit of data. Therefore, AT&T signed him up for a data plan automatically. He called about it to cancel and they refused to let him off of the plan because he's using a smartphone. I know AT&T requires a data plan with the PURCHASE of a smartphone, but I didn't think you had to purchase one for merely using a smartphone. I think this is down right false. What's the story?
You have to look into blocking AT&T from seeing your phone as a smartphone which is changing the IMEI which is also illegal to my knowledge. Some people call in and change the imei every time it changes.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
You can change the imei all you want but att still ends up finding out you are using a smartphone. I get calls about the same issue everyday. Put your sim in a blackberry and use data and now u have a bb data plan. My imei shows all 1s and unknown manufacturer but still reads as a smartphone. Atts systems arent as stupid as most of you think
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
If your IMEI number shows all 1's then AT&T shouldn't notice you are on a smartphone. If they notice then there's anothing thing with your APN settings because as far as I know the IMEI number shows up in a system not our billing system but another system where I can tell you what time and day and phones you have used and switched from to.. etc..
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
I tether all the time. Custom Rom. No calls or issues.
In all the time I've done support for my organization across all the smartphone carriers (BES setup/smartphone support/etc), I've never seen any customer have a data plan 'automatically' added to their plan. Every single time, it simply fails to load webpages unless we get on the phone and make sure their data is configured in their wireless plan. I am fairly confident that when people think this happens automatically, it's because they did something wrong or agreed to a data-as-you-go option.
Just the other day I had major issues trying to set up a Blackberry on BES after moving the SIM over from an iPhone. The network refused to recognize the change in IMEI and device information. It took a call to ATT to fix it and make sure the plan was changed from 'iPhone' data to 'Blackberry' data.
Actually I see people get data plans added everyday automatically and I have to deal with them... although I haven't seen a tethered one yet.
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@Max. Im a tech and i handle that all day. We use 2 main systems. One will show the imei and the other is just basic t/s but it also shows what phone they are using no matter if the ime says in it. Look for all 1s on the imei and then look at the first system you pull up. It will show the model. Or take your sim and put it in a diff phone and i bet u anything that phone will show up!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
Yup Busted!!
Yup I was busted and it wasnt for tethering. ATT said I was tethering in Sept. I informed them that i was simply streaming music and that I used pandora rather then the radio in order to listen to music. And that it was not being used to provide internet access for my laptop. that while yes it was connected to my computer while streaming it was to keep the phone charging...nothing i could do to keep my unlimited data, was transferred to a 4GB tethering plan, when pressed as to why. they reffered me to paragraph 6,1-6.2. which basically states that if you are adversly affect their network (i.e larger amounts of data) or tether in any way (connect to ANY other device in ANY fashion to transfer data) they reserve the right to change plan as they see fit.
I Was averaging 6-8GB of data per month and would guess that at max actual tethering accounted for 1GB or less. Seems as if they are mainly targeting high data users and waiting for any excuse to change your plan
.
Furthermore, plans (unless specifically designated for tethering usage) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device (through use of, including without limitation, connection kits, other phone/smartphone to computer accessories, BLUETOOTH® or any other wireless technology) to Personal Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for any purpose. Accordingly, AT&T reserves the right to (i) deny, disconnect, modify and/or terminate Service, without notice, to anyone it believes is using the Service in any manner prohibited or whose usage adversely impacts its wireless network or service levels or hinders access to its wireless network, including without limitation, after a significant period of inactivity or after sessions of excessive usage
Yea right i bet att told u to post that here as a scare tactic. Show prof this happen to you then i will believe that happen
. This did happen to iPhone users not androids. If this happen to android users it would have been in the media by now
socialal said:
Yup I was busted and it wasnt for tethering. ATT said I was tethering in Sept. I informed them that i was simply streaming music and that I used pandora rather then the radio in order to listen to music. And that it was not being used to provide internet access for my laptop. that while yes it was connected to my computer while streaming it was to keep the phone charging...nothing i could do to keep my unlimited data, was transferred to a 4GB tethering plan, when pressed as to why. they reffered me to paragraph 6,1-6.2. which basically states that if you are adversly affect their network (i.e larger amounts of data) or tether in any way (connect to ANY other device in ANY fashion to transfer data) they reserve the right to change plan as they see fit.
I Was averaging 6-8GB of data per month and would guess that at max actual tethering accounted for 1GB or less. Seems as if they are mainly targeting high data users and waiting for any excuse to change your plan
.
Furthermore, plans (unless specifically designated for tethering usage) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device (through use of, including without limitation, connection kits, other phone/smartphone to computer accessories, BLUETOOTH® or any other wireless technology) to Personal Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for any purpose. Accordingly, AT&T reserves the right to (i) deny, disconnect, modify and/or terminate Service, without notice, to anyone it believes is using the Service in any manner prohibited or whose usage adversely impacts its wireless network or service levels or hinders access to its wireless network, including without limitation, after a significant period of inactivity or after sessions of excessive usage
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Nope and dont work for ATT and the quotes I posted are where i was told to go by a manager from att when i called protesting the change..check out paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the customer agreement that you signed/agreed to. DUH!!! its happening all over the place. I know of at least 2 other people who have gotten busted (HTC and sony erickson android devices). And NO I wasnt using app the few times i did tether it. I used the native samsung funtionality. and do yourself a favor and google it.I lost my $35 per month unlimited plan in favor of a 5GB $45 per month.
Im going to try calling and talking them out of it one more time....beware the 9am text messages from ATT
socialal said:
Nope and dont work for ATT and the quotes I posted are where i was told to go by a manager from att when i called protesting the change..check out paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the customer agreement that you signed/agreed to. DUH!!! its happening all over the place. I know of at least 2 other people who have gotten busted (HTC and sony erickson android devices). And NO I wasnt using app the few times i did tether it. I used the native samsung funtionality. and do yourself a favor and google it.I lost my $35 per month unlimited plan in favor of a 5GB $45 per month.
Im going to try calling and talking them out of it one more time....beware the 9am text messages from ATT
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Wait. Didn't you say the first time that you didn't tether? Now you did? So did you or didn't you tether data?
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