Database Info

Wifi Tethering and Mobile Hotspot Confusion

Heres what I understand:
$30 Unlimited Data plan to the phone (as usual)
Optional $20 Wifi Tethering with 2GB cap (through Verizon App?)
When 2.2 comes out, will the built in Android Wifi hotspot be removed? Or will it work without the $20 wifi plan?

They have to disable it. Otherwise, who in their right mind is going to pay for something when there's software already on the phone that allows you to do it?
I guess I'll just be sticking to PdaNet. Nice try though, VZW.

Yeah, darn. Hopefully the geniuses here can find some way to reenable built in wifi tethering so that vzw cant tell that its being tethered. I want wifi on my ipad

does this mean there is a high chance this phone will be un-rootable? because of http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/

2.2 source code may be released to the carriers but they can change it however they want to fit thier hardware and needs.
So if they want to take out the free wifi hotspot capabilities in 2.2 for the X or other devices and still charge for wifi hotspot capabilities with 2gb caps for 20 bux then guess what, they can.
PDAbnet may do wifi tethering but that is different from wifi hotspotting to multiple devices

remember that once rooted you can flash different roms and install any apps to your hearts content

Pitnefor said:
does this mean there is a high chance this phone will be un-rootable? because of http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This doesn't really have any bearing on whether the phone will be unrootable - IMO every phone is rootable, it is just a matter of finding an exploit... Hopefully this phone will be easier than the last one I had (Droid ERIS :-/)

This is not correct. The Milestone has been rooted but no access to the bootloader has been had meaning no custom Tom's.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App

Here is a few things to keep in mind..
The Verizon 3G app is infrastructure, thus it works with things like PSP and Nintendo DS, which is why i keep it. The Wireless tether apps are only ad-hoc for now.
From what ive been told, the verizon app loads a different firmware before running.
Now, what verizon can do and has done in the past, especially on windows mobile phones, is take out a feature like wifi hotspot in an OS, and put their own in its place.
do NOT be surprised if VZW does the same thing with 2.2 and yes, it is 20 a month for a measly 2gb on the hot spot app, but wireless tether is unlimited for 30
this is why i ONLY use the hot app for PSP and DS and the rest wi-t for root
not to mention, i am not even sure if the 2.2 is ad-hoc or infrastructure.. anyone know?

This is how the USB Tethering works for Verizon's 2.2 FroYo build, and I'll safely assume that it'll be the same for WiFi:
When you connect via USB Tethering, the phone directs you to a Verizon webpage (https://dunsp.vzw.com/selfProvisioning/SelfProvisioningServlet) which informs you of the package costs, and gives the phone number to add the package.
Interestingly enough, this only occurs if you tether it's 3G connection and not it's WiFi connection.
You may wonder why you'd want to tether a phone's WiFi connection via USB.. well.. personally I just pay for the Boingo mobile hotspot ($7.99/mo), which will work on my iPad or Droid, and if I need to use my PC, I tether my Droid's WiFi to my laptop. Saves $9.99/mo.

Questions about tethering on the galaxy s 4g

Hey guys, before I go searching this forum and possibly others I wanted to see of you guys can answer my questions. So far all the tethering apps in the marketplace you either have to pay for or don't do it right, I'm basically looking for a tethering/hot spot app to use this phone with my ipad 2,i had the hd2 before this phone and had the xda wifi sharing app which worked perfectly and basically turned my phone into a wifi source for my ipad. So if you guys can help me out with a free solution that would be great.

Um yeah, goto settings> wireless and network> Mobile Ap. It is part of the phone already. Or are you looking for something else?

dcam1075 said:
Um yeah, goto settings> wireless and network> Mobile Ap. It is part of the phone already. Or are you looking for something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I was a little nervous cause I read that they charge you for tethering so I didn't want to touch anything, is it true that tethering is an extra charge or do they just charge you extra if you go over your data cap cause if that's the case then I don't have nothing to worry about cause I have 4lines with unlimited Internet.

heres an app thats way better then the tmobilr installed wifi hotspot. you must have root access

jkiller122 said:
Thanks, I was a little nervous cause I read that they charge you for tethering so I didn't want to touch anything, is it true that tethering is an extra charge or do they just charge you extra if you go over your data cap cause if that's the case then I don't have nothing to worry about cause I have 4lines with unlimited Internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they do not charge you for thethering your phone to your laptop.
They however can charge you for going over you data cap.
TMobil has a Seperate service called "Mobile Broadband" that they charge extra for that is designed as a stand alone product for laptops ect. The Mobile Broadband services are not for tethering your phone.

SHAUN231 said:
heres an app thats way better then the tmobilr installed wifi hotspot. you must have root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the app...
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

To my knowledge t-mobile charges 15/mo for wireless mobile hotspot/tethering pack
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

dtowngs4g said:
To my knowledge t-mobile charges 15/mo for wireless mobile hotspot/tethering pack
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile doesnt charge for tethering. However they will throttle you if you go over your 5GB cap. I been using the stock tethering on my MT4G, Vibrant and Galaxy S and have never been charged for tethering.

I've got a troubleshooting question. I'm trying to tether my Galaxy S 4G phone to my laptop and for some reason it didn't install properly. I'm trying to fix it but the troubleshooting options in Windows is looking in their software update servers thinking it's there. Isn't the tethering device/driver in the phone?

You can tether up to 2 devices free, you can add 3 more for a total of 5 for 14.99/month. For somebody like me who has truly unlimited data and doesnt get throttled down, it works great.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

anti-up said:
You can tether up to 2 devices free, you can add 3 more for a total of 5 for 14.99/month. For somebody like me who has truly unlimited data and doesnt get throttled down, it works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been confused about the tethering details; yet, when I signed up for service last month, I was told that I needed that plan. With your constraints, though, I thought that I might be paying unnecessarily for the tethering. I only have a single device connected to my phone -- a cradlepoint router. I only have one computer in my home. The router is for the purpose of connecting my printers into my intranet (which need not be on the internet)...
So, I called T-Mobile and was told that if ANY device other than the phone connects to the internet using the phone's features (as a modem-type device), then I am required to purchase the tethering option (which I do).
What sucks, though, is that I go over the 5GB threshhold... and while TMO can provide webConnect devices with up to a 10GB thresshold, we must change our device (Android device for a ZTE USB device) in order to get it.
BTW, the "unlimited" data plan does not mean "unlimited speed" data plan... yes, you can have "unlimited data"... but, after 5GB, you get throttled down... very slow!

[email protected] said:
I've been confused about the tethering details; yet, when I signed up for service last month, I was told that I needed that plan. With your constraints, though, I thought that I might be paying unnecessarily for the tethering. I only have a single device connected to my phone -- a cradlepoint router. I only have one computer in my home. The router is for the purpose of connecting my printers into my intranet (which need not be on the internet)...
So, I called T-Mobile and was told that if ANY device other than the phone connects to the internet using the phone's features (as a modem-type device), then I am required to purchase the tethering option (which I do).
What sucks, though, is that I go over the 5GB threshhold... and while TMO can provide webConnect devices with up to a 10GB thresshold, we must change our device (Android device for a ZTE USB device) in order to get it.
BTW, the "unlimited" data plan does not mean "unlimited speed" data plan... yes, you can have "unlimited data"... but, after 5GB, you get throttled down... very slow!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying that since I use my xbox 360 on live through my mobile AP on my phone that I will incur more charges?
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

GDofWR420 said:
So your saying that since I use my xbox 360 on live through my mobile AP on my phone that I will incur more charges?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I am not saying that you will incur more charges... only saying that, if T-Mobile had their wishes, you would (according to their contracts and licenses) pay the additional $14.99 per month for tethering. As the rep told me, repeatedly, anytime you use "air" time with any device OTHER than the phone itself, you are required to pay the tether fees.
In my case, I pay those fees... (I did from the moment of the contract)... yet, once I have reached 5GB threshhold, I receive a text message advising me that -- since I have reached the 5GB threshhold -- my data connection (while being unlimited in number of GB) will be throttled until the end of my billing cycle.
So, unlimited data? Yes. Unlimited data at max speed? Absolutely not!
I am considering my options...

what wifi tether to use

i just flashed the blackhole rom and all i can say is wow. it is incredible, so much cooler than some of the other ones ive found. but anyways im rooted and i was wondering what a good wifi tethering app to use is. obviously a free one that i wont have to pay ridiculous amounts of money for each month on my bill if i use it

Good luck with that. Most carriers are trying to crack down on this theft...check the market place they are there

Speaking of tether I have three questions.
1. If you start using a ridiculous amount of data you think vzw would catch on and try to charge you for it?
2. When vzw transitions to tiered data, they can't modify your plan if you currently have unlimited data can they?
3. Does vzw throttle data at a certain point?
Sent from my VS910 4G using XDA App

I use android-wifi-tether
code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list

yep use wife tether
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list
answers
1. probably if ur in the top 5% of users of data
2. no they cant. you are grandfathered in
3. not the 4g. i heard of people saying they used 40, 65 even 80 gb and they did not get throttled or cut off.

Jaskwith said:
Speaking of tether I have three questions.
1. If you start using a ridiculous amount of data you think vzw would catch on and try to charge you for it?
2. When vzw transitions to tiered data, they can't modify your plan if you currently have unlimited data can they?
3. Does vzw throttle data at a certain point?
Sent from my VS910 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
these phones can use quite a bit of data themselves. I think most of the apps use the "stealth" type of tether where verizon would have to guess that you were tethering based off of overall data usage.
verizon can throttle you. According to their policy, they will throttle the top 5% of data users, esp during peak times so as to not effect their network.

Jaskwith said:
Speaking of tether I have three questions.
1. If you start using a ridiculous amount of data you think vzw would catch on and try to charge you for it?
2. When vzw transitions to tiered data, they can't modify your plan if you currently have unlimited data can they?
3. Does vzw throttle data at a certain point?
Sent from my VS910 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you have unlimited data, then it wouldn't matter. If they can't prove you tether, then they can't charge you.
2. If you have unlimited data, you will be grandfathered into unlimited until you change your plan.
3. I've heard reports that they do and don't. I have never noticed being throttled, but I don't use a lot of data.
Verizon will soon be able to detect tether users. If you ever get an official update to your phone, say goodbye to tethering. Also google is starting to restrict downloads of tether apps to certain carriers, and you can bet verizon will be one of them.
Tethering days are numbered.
Sent from my rooted stock HTC Thunderbolt using Swype

I would recommend wireless tether.
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA App

im running open garden wifi...same thing as wifi tether. i can't find wifi tether on the market

To find Wireless Tether on the market, you have to go into Airplane mode, enable WiFi and then search for it there.

or simply go to this website
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/

Those of you saying that VZW can't change your data plan/charge you extra and can't detect tethering are fools. The valid question is not whether they can do these things, it is a matter of whether they care or not. Right now I'm sure that they don't. The future is always an unknown.

I wonder if its downloaded through the phone if VZW would have record of it somewhere?

sg1dan said:
or simply go to this website
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used that particular tethering app on various phones successfully in the past, and am in fact tethered with it over my Droid Charge (with version 3.1 beta). On most phones it's shown as an ad-hoc connection, not a real "access point" or "hotspot" like it does with the official tethering app. (The Charge right now is showing as an ad-hoc device, not a real wifi ap.)
Which version are you using on the Thunderbolt? What settings? I tried it this morning on the TB with 3.1 and while it appeared to work and connect as a real hotspot with the laptop, the laptop couldn't get any connections beyond the TB. I had everything on "auto".
Any hints/tips appreciated.
The connection right now for me on the Charge is more stable than with the official hotspot app...and it was the same with the official app on my Thunderbolt. I've posted youtube videos of both phones being used as a hotspot where the mobile data connection keeps flickering off, sometimes as rapidly as on for 5 seconds, no data for 5 seconds. It was maddening. Yesterday I had to pull out my TMobile Nexus S and use it's CM7 hotspot (which shows as a real access point, btw) to get a useable connection to the web.
Seems like the VZW official offerings aren't very stable.

I use the Wireless Tether 3.0 beta but you have to go to settings and click hTC routing fix for it to work.

BariB523 said:
I use the Wireless Tether 3.0 beta but you have to go to settings and click hTC routing fix for it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I missed that one in the settings. I also had to change the Device Profile from Auto to Generic, but now I'm tethered on my MacBook via the Thunderbolt, and it shows as a real access point.

I have been using wireless tether for root users on Das Bamf 3.0 RC4 with MR2 radio and have not had any drop issues thus far.

Just downloaded this as well. Works great! Thanks for the tip

I believe the 2.0.7 one from the Google site is the only one that works on the thunderbolt.

JetBlk said:
Just downloaded this as well. Works great! Thanks for the tip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, you're on Verizon now too Cool!
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

[Q] Android Tethering

I have been a customer of Virgin Mobile for years. When I purchase my new LG Volt they said I had to move to a new plan that went from $25/mo to $35/mo because it uses 3G or 4G or some such thing. The plan was for 300 minutes a month and unlimited data and supposedly stayed the same when moving to the new plan.
Anyway, on my old phone I could tether and since I had unlimited data in both cases I thought that I could tether my new phone to my pc like I did the old one. Didn't happen. Seems VM is now blocking tethering unless you purchase something call HOTSPOT for more money.
So my question is:
Is it possible to override the blocking of tethering on a phone and use your data plan with your pc tethered to your phone? I would think with a rooted phone there would be a way to fake out the phone to make it think the data is from the phone rather than a tethered device.
Anyone have any ideas?

JimReid said:
I have been a customer of Virgin Mobile for years. When I purchase my new LG Volt they said I had to move to a new plan that went from $25/mo to $35/mo because it uses 3G or 4G or some such thing. The plan was for 300 minutes a month and unlimited data and supposedly stayed the same when moving to the new plan.
Anyway, on my old phone I could tether and since I had unlimited data in both cases I thought that I could tether my new phone to my pc like I did the old one. Didn't happen. Seems VM is now blocking tethering unless you purchase something call HOTSPOT for more money.
So my question is:
Is it possible to override the blocking of tethering on a phone and use your data plan with your pc tethered to your phone? I would think with a rooted phone there would be a way to fake out the phone to make it think the data is from the phone rather than a tethered device.
Anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pda net can be used for tethering.. If ur phone doesn't support tethering...

Yes pda net will be perfect for you but its a pc software and it will be perfect for you only then if your phone doesn't support tethering
Sent from my Magicon Mnote using Tapatalk

JimReid said:
I have been a customer of Virgin Mobile for years. When I purchase my new LG Volt they said I had to move to a new plan that went from $25/mo to $35/mo because it uses 3G or 4G or some such thing. The plan was for 300 minutes a month and unlimited data and supposedly stayed the same when moving to the new plan.
Anyway, on my old phone I could tether and since I had unlimited data in both cases I thought that I could tether my new phone to my pc like I did the old one. Didn't happen. Seems VM is now blocking tethering unless you purchase something call HOTSPOT for more money.
So my question is:
Is it possible to override the blocking of tethering on a phone and use your data plan with your pc tethered to your phone? I would think with a rooted phone there would be a way to fake out the phone to make it think the data is from the phone rather than a tethered device.
Anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a few different options, but USB tethering with PdaNet is the easiest and probably the best, so long as you only need the one connection. It doesn't require root, and USB tethering takes far less juice than wifi tethering does. It uses a companion app on your PC, and there's an option to "hide tether usage", which creates a sorta VPN which prevents the provider from knowing how you're using the data. This should work for you, but I can't confirm for certain. PdaNet is $8 (well worth it), but there's a free trial version so you can test before purchasing (it cuts your connection off after ~10 minutes and you have to reload the app).
Any method to bypass wifi tether provisioning will require root plus using the hotspot generates a ton of heat and will nuke your battery in very short order. Which is all well and good if you want to root anyway. I use Fabio Grasso's Wifi Tether Router. It's $2.50 (and well worth it). It can be a bit tricky to set up, as different phones require different settings. Plus he's Italian, so his English isn't the best. But he'll respond to an email if you're having difficulty, and it's regularly updated for new Android versions, new devices, and bug fixes. PdaNet should be your main method, but it never hurts to have both in case you need a hotspot for a laptop or tablet while away from home. You can actually use both simultaneously, which I do at home to provide a connection to my PC, tablet, and any phone that doesn't have the SIM card in.

Thanks to all of you responding. It seems to work find with USB tethering which will serve my purposes but the wifi tethering didn't seem to work right off so I'll have to play with it. It gave the same error about contacting my provider because it doesn't support HotSpots and I need to purchase that option. But the like I said the USB option seems to work fine and will serve me well. Thanks again to all of your responses.
Jim