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Hey guys I just recently updated to 6.1 on my tilt with vega's rom and i came across an old thread that said with WM 6.1 that carriers could see if the device was tethering using the internet sharing feature and charge accordingly. I use WMWiFiRouter and i have unlimited medianet on my plan and together to this point I have not incurred any data charges.. Has anyone else used wmwifirouter with 6.1 and been charged??
Thanx
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about a month back since I was moving apartments I ended up using about a gigs worth of tethering until my internet was setup. I tried to use it pretty sparingly - in the end no fancy charges on the bill!
also I have cingulars PDA personal max with the smallest minute plan (totals about 90 per month)
I must say though this is one example, ive read all kinds of things on this topic and its too confusing to be predictable. Your taking a risk but i think it should be ok for ocasional light use.
Another strategy since it seems you dont want to restrict yourself to light use. Just go nuts really and when the bill hits if it EVEr hits who knows, thats the point where you call up and act humbly confused. The cingular people will remove the 33,000+ dollars worth of charges. This is what happened to me on my first month with the tilt no joke 33,000!!! - thats how I got punched from 20 dollar a month media net access with to 40 pda personal max. they know once cant expect a payment of such bonkers proportions -beware its all part of their plan at all times to make you upgrade so good luck.
Wow thats crazy.. I myself use under a gig a month and i have been doing this for a long time. I was just caught off guard when i read that you can possibly be billed when you use Windows mobile 6.1.. Are you using windows mobile 6 or 6.1??
I would assume they will not be charging. I believe that it is a new feature of windows mobile 6.1 that could be implemented if at&t ever made a windows mobile 6.1 ROM but at&t's official ROM is still windows mobile 6. (Even the updated one that was just released) So how could they charge for a feature that they don't support? But I guess we will find out here in another billing cycle.
Dont DO IT
I just upgraded my phone to a AT&T tilt. I already had a Media Max 200 bundle that I have had for almost 2 years. As of last night my account said I had the Media MAx 200 plan. .. I poped the SIM card into the tilt this morning. Now I view my account online and it says that my MediaMax 200 plan expires on 04/08 and the amount next to it says zero. When I look at the data usage it shows I am being billed ber kb... you guys need to watch it. Strange thing is my wife has a HTC phone that we got on ebay it was a eurpoean import and her media max is still there. I think it has somethin to do with them knowing the IMIE number. Something to think about. So Ilm off to find a way to mask the darn imie number or I will just purchase an import.
Any suggestions
alynch75 said:
I just upgraded my phone to a AT&T tilt. I already had a Media Max 200 bundle that I have had for almost 2 years. As of last night my account said I had the Media MAx 200 plan. .. I poped the SIM card into the tilt this morning. Now I view my account online and it says that my MediaMax 200 plan expires on 04/08 and the amount next to it says zero. When I look at the data usage it shows I am being billed ber kb... you guys need to watch it. Strange thing is my wife has a HTC phone that we got on ebay it was a eurpoean import and her media max is still there. I think it has somethin to do with them knowing the IMIE number. Something to think about. So Ilm off to find a way to mask the darn imie number or I will just purchase an import.
Any suggestions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swap to a NON-PDA phone, use that for a couple days, call them up and tell 'em the Tilt is an occasional use phone. That was a suggestion that I'd read in another thread dealing with that issue. And to the tethering WM6.1 users (including myself), we'll see in a month or so whether we go HOLY F$%^ING $H^T or if its business as usual.
can you guys point me in the right direction for setting up my teathering. I can't get it to work.
hope this helps..
scwilson8382 said:
can you guys point me in the right direction for setting up my teathering. I can't get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you have either XP or Vista, all you have to do is find a utility called "internet sharing" which should be a part of your communication manager, especially if you have the custom ones that allow you to turn on/off bluetooth, wifi, phone, etc. Once you tap on it you will see just two drop down boxes where one of them is for selecting bluetooth or usb.
step 1. Click on the "connect" soft button which will activate your data connection.
step 2. plug in the usb port of your Tilt/Kaiser.
Step 3. plug in a usb port on your pc/notebook. (this will ensure it won't activate your activesync connection)
wait about 5 seconds or so and launch your browser.. have a blast.
Its that simple.
I have Dutty's Touch (Build 18548.dutty's). In the connections sub menu I have the wireless modem option. After I open it, select usb and hit start nothing happens. I'm running VISTA HOME PREMIUM. when you say hit connect do you mean the "Data Connection in the com manager or the "Start" in the wireless modem panel? I have followed the directions in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=288753
alynch75 said:
I just upgraded my phone to a AT&T tilt. I already had a Media Max 200 bundle that I have had for almost 2 years. As of last night my account said I had the Media MAx 200 plan. .. I poped the SIM card into the tilt this morning. Now I view my account online and it says that my MediaMax 200 plan expires on 04/08 and the amount next to it says zero. When I look at the data usage it shows I am being billed ber kb... you guys need to watch it. Strange thing is my wife has a HTC phone that we got on ebay it was a eurpoean import and her media max is still there. I think it has somethin to do with them knowing the IMIE number. Something to think about. So Ilm off to find a way to mask the darn imie number or I will just purchase an import.
Any suggestions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You upgraded to a fresh-out-of-box Tilt or you upgraded your Tilt to windows mobile 6.1? When I bought my Tilt they told me that my media max data plan would not work with it and that they would need to upgrade it to a 3G data plan. Could this be your case?
scwilson8382 said:
I have Dutty's Touch (Build 18548.dutty's). In the connections sub menu I have the wireless modem option. After I open it, select usb and hit start nothing happens. I'm running VISTA HOME PREMIUM. when you say hit connect do you mean the "Data Connection in the com manager or the "Start" in the wireless modem panel? I have followed the directions in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=288753
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Checkout this screenshot.. this is the utility that actually comes with even the stock ROM. See if you can find it in some other folder.
So, you're gonna tap the connect soft key and then plug into the usb port of the computer. The other utilities became pretty much obsolete once MS added this utility, I believe in WM5 for the first time.
The others have to be installed on your machine and activesync disabled.. this one doesn't need any of those.
Zer0 said:
You upgraded to a fresh-out-of-box Tilt or you upgraded your Tilt to windows mobile 6.1? When I bought my Tilt they told me that my media max data plan would not work with it and that they would need to upgrade it to a 3G data plan. Could this be your case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im on the iphone plan (iphone under repair) and the tilt works fine on the iphone data plan. using another sim that is only mediamax 200 it also works fine. i dont think the plan needs to be 3G specified for it to work with the tilt
Help Me Out Here
Okay so what do I do? I got the tilt from AT&T via fed express. It had a sim card in it but i didn't use it. I just took the sim card out of my old blackjack and put it in the tilt and now nothing... it worked but online the price and plan changed. anyoine have any ideas
alynch75 said:
Okay so what do I do? I got the tilt from AT&T via fed express. It had a sim card in it but i didn't use it. I just took the sim card out of my old blackjack and put it in the tilt and now nothing... it worked but online the price and plan changed. anyoine have any ideas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sim for the tilt needs to be a 3g sim. Your blackjack one is probably not unless you upgraded it. You can call at&t over the phone and get them to switch the sims to the new one that came with your tilt.
I think this is what you are asking but I'm not really sure.
Data Plans
I had similar experience where I called ATT and asked for to have my Tilt switched to Unlimited media net for $19.95 +200 SMS instead of $35 PDA data plan with 1500 SMS included... and lady on the other side told me that MediaNet is - and I quote "DIFFERENT TYPE OF INTERNET"
Well, I tried to pursuade her that it is same data plan my wife has on her Iphone but she was determined not to give up telling me fairytales about "Specialized DATA PLAN for iPhone...." and that Windows device uses more data than Iphone
Eventhough I told her that use about 60Mb/per month, mostly for emails (and comparing to my wife whose data usage is more on the level of Apache server than iPhone - up to 10-12Gb/month) still did not help to make ATT agent diviate from reading the predifined customer service script in front of her, and lower my Data plan rate.
The following evening I went to local ATT store and very cool sales rep(store was empty so I was obviously breaking monothony of his shift) Changed the plan without single questions. - Everything works same way as with PDA data plan - no issues whatsoever.
I was having an intermittent data connection issue on my phone (it usually worked in 3G, but not on EDGE, very weird) I have the MediaMax 19.99
Anyway, I called in and actually got a decent rep. I told him that I switched sims between a Tilt and a Razor (work vs night/weekend) and he was very cool.
Basically he saw that my data wasn't crazy, said that he totally got what was going on, and was not going to raise any flags or anything, but that he "could not provide support" for data connection issues while the SIM was in a Tilt with that plan. He then said he would check everything on the back end and to restart my phone in 4 minutes.
Presto chango and it has worked almost perfectly since (about the last 3 weeks) I personally agree with his stance. I mean, I think AT&T is still getting a good bit of cash from me, but obviously I am gaming the system a little bit, so just not supporting it, but not coming down on it seems fair to me.
THe guy I got owns a Tilt (and probably has the freakin MEdia Max plan!) but I am sure if you get some yaboo who doesn't know a slider phone from a slider burger then all you will get is the rote script. In that case, be polite, hand up, and call back until you get someone that knows what to do. Or as another poster said, try going to the store although there is no guarantee there that they will be less idiotic.
When I hang up, they call me back
Any update on the original poster's question on this? Does WM6.1 include some new way of letting carriers know if the data is being used "from the phone directly" or "from a PC via tethering"?
It looks like the Internet Sharing in 6.1 gives the carriers the ability to track usage, but this doesn't necessarily mean that they will be tracking usage. If anyone is worried about this just find or cook a WM6.1 rom without internet sharing and install the one from a 6.0 rom like the one I have attached (made by Chainfire).
I think _Alex_ has a really clean 6.1 and mine (check sig) has nearly everything removed.
Personally I don't think they will be checking, at least yet... They haven't released a WM 6.1 Tilt, so they are probably working under the assumption that none of the Tilts are 6.1.
-Jay
Hello all, I'm a total noob here, sorry for that. I'm about to buy a used G1 off a friend, and all I want to do is make calls, text message, and use the internet over wi-fi. I don't have a data plan and don't care to get one, I spend 99% of my time in range of a wi-fi network that I have access to, but I want to know, what exactly do I have to do to make it work? Or can I just take the sim out of my working t-mobile phone and put it in?
As its a used phone it is already activated, I understand that can cause issues with no data plan, but is there anything else I will need to do?
I would be comfortable rooting it if needed as I may be new to android but know a little about computers (windows and linux).
Also, after I get it working, and this is my main concern, is there any way I can be charged for internet access? Meaning if I hit the internet button on accident or something and I'm not on a wi-fi network, will I incur data charges? I don't have a data plan because I don't want to pay for it, so additional charges would kinda completely nullify the whole reason I'm doing this.
Thanks everybody.
Not sure about the other questions but I don't have a data plan and I never get charged for it if I hit the browser. If you're not connected via wifi then it will just go to a page saying you need to upgrade your plan.
well I think you answered my other questions indirectly, you said if you have wifi you get the internet, which is exactly what I needed to know, and thanks for letting me know it just tells you to upgrade your plan, I was worried it would somehow connect anyway and charge me.
Well, I pick up the phone tomorrow, hopefully it works out.
I was in the same situation as you are, and I never got charged for data, but if you do a factory reset on the G1, it would be easier if you had a sim with some sort of data plan, so you can sign to your gmail account. I just borrowed a friends and signed in, it only takes a minute or two.
ok, so after I get this thing, I will not be able to factory reset it without a data plan? thats good to know.
what about if i update the software, or root it?
Without a data plan on the stock rom (after a factory reset), you will not be able to sign into your Google account. You will receive a message somewhere along the lines of "your sim card isn't provisioned for data" and a "try again" button, thus locking you out of the phone.
On many custom ROMs[requires root], there's a "skip" option (not an option on stock ROM) when prompted to sign into your Google account, so if you do root it, you can flash away and sign into your account after you turn on WiFi.
I personally put a "data block" on my phone line as I am in a similar situation as you, but might be a little more paranoid about unwanted charges.
Good luck, and always read instructions three times, from top to bottom. Unless its the Haykuro/Danger/Death SPL, then make sure you read the instructions at least 7 times
I thought the way around the little green buddy was to tap all 4 corners in a clockwise motion to get into the phone? it worked on my moto droid when i had it.
I think t-mo just blocks data if you don't have a data plan, at last thats what they do now, I just haven't gotten my G1 yet and have never had any sort of smart/internet enabled phone and didn't know if it would access the internet anyways.
As for rooting it as I said I have worked out a deal but don't have the phone yet and this is my first android experience, so I have a bit of reading to do.
Thanks everybody for your replies.
thetacowarrior said:
ok, so after I get this thing, I will not be able to factory reset it without a data plan? thats good to know.
what about if i update the software, or root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had a data plan and have reset my phone before. You can root/activate the phone without a data plan. There's a guide on here that I followed. Good luck!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=452316
ok one last thing, I'm supposed to get the phone today, (very excited) I read on somewhere that you can get the really cheap non-3g data plan and most things will still work, just slower. has anybody tried this? its only 9.99 compared to 29.99. I could live with 9.99.
thanks everybody for your help, i'm learning alot.
They offer an edge data plan? I don't know if it will work (though it should). It may possibly require some APN setting changes.
[Win7]
When using the internet connection mode does the phone have a built in firewall or port blocker? My laptop was already connected to the internet through my home's WiFI internet and I was downloading off bittorrent using µTorrent. I was getting decent download speeds on my torrents, but almost nothing on upload. Knowing that the LTE network is more balanced and generally faster than my home network I connected my phone to my laptop via usb and selected internet connection mode.
At this time I noticed no difference and opened task manager to check network utilization. Task manager showed that my home network connection was being used and LTE was not being utilized at all. So I disconnected from my home network and waited for µTorrent to adjust to my phone's connection. After tinkering with some settings in µTorrent it showed the "!" at the bottom right notifying me that either the port I've selected is blocked or some other setting is stopping my connection from being used to it's full potential. I again check task manager and as far as network utilization goes it was around ~1% and my download speeds are far from what they should be, and far worse than when I was just on WiFi.
So I connect back to the WiFi and µTorrent starts behaving how it did before I tried to use my phone. Task manager shows more activity on the WiFi connection and still around 1% for the phone's connection.
My concern is how can I maximize LTE's potential when for bittorrent. Is there some kind of built in port blocker or firewall element? Or is it some kind of protection set up by Verizon and they know I'm using their network for bittorrent? I was getting consistent 5MBps Down and Up when I tested my laptop using internet connection mode, so network stability shouldn't be the issue. Any thoughts?
I haven't tested it, but I'd be willing to bet that the built-in internet sharing mode on the phone blocks certain ports. You could try using a tethering app like EasyTether or PDAnet.
Are you rooted? You could try Wireless Tether for Root Users, and see if you get any different results with that, too. I had some issues using VPN from my OG Droid because there were some blocked ports when using USB tethering, but once I rooted and started using Wireless Tether, all my problems went away. It'd be worth checking out. If you're not rooted, I would imagine that the wifi hotspot would act the same way (although it's only free for another week or so).
Sweet! Another person who's going to get us capped.
Ya, runniNg bittorents off your phone is RETARDED
Sent from my 4G LTE Thunderbolt using XDA Premium
EEdaesung said:
[Win7]
When using the internet connection mode does the phone have a built in firewall or port blocker? My laptop was already connected to the internet through my home's WiFI internet and I was downloading off bittorrent using µTorrent. I was getting decent download speeds on my torrents, but almost nothing on upload. Knowing that the LTE network is more balanced and generally faster than my home network I connected my phone to my laptop via usb and selected internet connection mode.
At this time I noticed no difference and opened task manager to check network utilization. Task manager showed that my home network connection was being used and LTE was not being utilized at all. So I disconnected from my home network and waited for µTorrent to adjust to my phone's connection. After tinkering with some settings in µTorrent it showed the "!" at the bottom right notifying me that either the port I've selected is blocked or some other setting is stopping my connection from being used to it's full potential. I again check task manager and as far as network utilization goes it was around ~1% and my download speeds are far from what they should be, and far worse than when I was just on WiFi.
So I connect back to the WiFi and µTorrent starts behaving how it did before I tried to use my phone. Task manager shows more activity on the WiFi connection and still around 1% for the phone's connection.
My concern is how can I maximize LTE's potential when for bittorrent. Is there some kind of built in port blocker or firewall element? Or is it some kind of protection set up by Verizon and they know I'm using their network for bittorrent? I was getting consistent 5MBps Down and Up when I tested my laptop using internet connection mode, so network stability shouldn't be the issue. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure they block ports, and to be honest, I sincerely hope they block torrenting on a cell phone. Why not use your wifi?
As others have already stated use your home internet connection as I like having unlimited data.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
eallan said:
I'm sure they block ports, and to be honest, I sincerely hope they block torrenting on a cell phone. Why not use your wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
It's people like you that are going to ruin it for the legitimate rest of us. There is absolutely zero reason you should be torrenting on your phone, thats what your home connection is for. As mentioned earlier I hope that they do block the ports as I love my unlimited data plan knowing that I don't have to check my usage every 3 minutes like I would with att and their 2gb limit.
So in short, stop doing what your doing and ruining it for the rest of the U.S.
EEdaesung said:
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither matters soon Verizon will take away the unlimited tethering plan and you will be sol. Even if you use a rooted wireless hotspot Verizon will know when you start racking up the gbs.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
^_^_^
EEdaesung said:
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
^_^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off you are not paying for the Mobile Hotspot service it is free until May 15th.
Second as of right now there is no real threat of losing the unlimited plan. Verizon has not said anything about taking it away and as of right now you could up and download 100gb of data and Verizon may say nothing. The problem is that we just don't know. We could wake up tomorrow and all have capped plans (As it is in the contract we all signed when we bought our phones Verizon can change the details of the data plans basically at any time they want) Yes there is like a 1% chance of this happening at the PR Verizon would get from this would most likely run them into the ground but the thought is still out there. And for most of us who only use ~5gb of data per month or less just don't want to worry about that odd month when maybe some new series comes out and they use 50gb.
TLDR: As of right now its more of just a fear of losing it than anything else and not really something to be too worried about ATM.
EEdaesung said:
I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Especially since it's a service I pay for, and I wasn't planning on torrenting the entire internet.
Since there are so many concerns of losing unlimited data, I'll think twice before using my phone's network to do any heavy downloading or uploading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or at least posting here about doing so.
EEdaesung said:
It's because LTE's upload speeds are superior to my home connection. And for people worried about getting capped, there is no way I could get within the 10% of users who are throttled.
^_^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a difference in using a phone to web browse, or to watch a movie or whatever, and maxing it out 24/7 and saturating the connection to torrent.
One is a bad idea IMO.
Got it guys. I agree with all previous posts. I don't want to get capped either and I won't be a factor towards it.
^_^_^
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
currensy said:
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Another reprobate weighs in.
"you pay for it you use it how you want"
So, exactly how much are you "paying" for tethering (not that which is currently offered as a freebie, but the theft of services your comment implies)? Your comment might be better phrased "you pay for it, I use it," since it's going to be paid for by someone, and if not by those who rationalize stealing it, then by the rest of us.
"they make hundreds of millions of dollars"
I'm guessing (assuming you're not still in Jr. High, as your attitude suggests), that you make thousands of dollars. So, I'd be justified in stealing from you, by your logic.
"I pay an already high phone bill"
If it's too high, it's very easy to cancel the service. Obviously, since you're posting in the TB forum, you have one, which means you've recently renewed your service. Which is it - you agreed that the value per dollar was acceptable, or you're just stupid?
You have to disable other connections after enabling internet sharing mode. Windows doesnt magically switch to a better connection on its own.
People should also remember that torrent does not mean illegal. He never mentioned what he was downloading. Apparently no one else in this thread has ever downloaded a linux distro, since bittorent is a primary way to do it. Certain games and game content are distributed legally through bittorent as well along with other software (generally opensource stuff).
The other day I didn't want to wait 30 minutes for aptitude to update my system on my 630KB/s average DSL, so I plugged in my phone to internet sharing on LTE and it was done in < 5minutes @ 2500KB/s average.
Verizon's network does not block ports as far as I know, but you are behind NAT, so you aren't going to be running any sort of server either on the public internet or easily connecting to your phone from a remote location.
Why do people take threads like this off the rails so quickly? The OP asked a simple question that didn't really warrant a philosophical decision. Imposing your will on the miniscule number of TB users who visit XDA won't make any appreciable impact on Verizon's attitude towards sanctioned network use.
OP, please report back if following "yareally"'s suggestion of disabling other connections works once ICS is enabled. Also, are you able to bridge your connection to the TB's in Windows? It'd be sweet to be able to merge WiFi (for speed) with LTE (for reliability).
currensy said:
That's bull...you pay for it you use it how you want...I dare Verizon to come at me already and I told them I'm rooted...I ruin my OG Droid and they still replaced it...they make hundreds of millions of dollars and I pay an already high phone bill...too bad there is already an Frostwire app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use frostwire... you probably still have a myspace...
Lol at your made-up story, VZW is here on XDA also... they just might come at you bro...
In regards to the OP, lol at anyone who thinks this one single guy is going to be the downfall of unlimited data...
Nooter said:
OP, please report back if following "yareally"'s suggestion of disabling other connections works once ICS is enabled. Also, are you able to bridge your connection to the TB's in Windows? It'd be sweet to be able to merge WiFi (for speed) with LTE (for reliability).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, cant bridge them in windows and use both (that is, it's not as simple as selecting both connections and clicking bridge). There's some ways to distribute their use over *nix and/or using a router and using them as separate connections, but it's not worth the time/effort. If you're really interested in doing it, there's some discussions about it on the xda forums already and elsewhere if you google around.
I know this is a frustrating subject for all AT&T users. Does anyone know what they are using to track tethering. I ask because I have been with AT&T over 10 years and have in the past tethered without a plan. However today I received notice that I am going to loose my unlimited data plan if I do not stop tethering, sad part is I am not tethering or have I been tethering at all in the last several months. I do stream A LOT so I know I am on their list, but honestly I generally go over 3GB so I am not a data hog. I spoke to AT&T's version of customer service and request that they tell me the exact technical specification of the test they are using to determine I am tethering, the answer was, "I don';t know, my system tells me that so it must be true". I then asked what app on my device is causing the issue, "I don't know". Finally I asked how can I stop a behavior my phone is doing if I do not know what if causing the problem? "I don't know". The one thing he (a "supervisor") did know was that I could fix everything by changing my plan and paying more. I am now waiting for his manager to call with an explanation, but it would be good if I actually had some facts to fight with. Most everything I know about AT&T and their policies is completely subjective and open to interpretation.
I've heard of this happening before, and I don't think they really "track" it at all. I think all AT&T is doing is going by your bandwidth. They assume if you're regularly pulling down that much data that you must be cheating somehow.
If you're regularly using 3GB a month, that's probably what's on their radar screen. Keep complaining and insisting that you've done nothing wrong, and they should back down. Ask for some proof, which I doubt they can provide.
I tether all the time, but keep my data usage down, and I've never gotten a warning.
SMH at your story. This is ridiculous! Keep fighting, man. Don't succumb to the beast! :sly:
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Lol, I got a letter in the mail... Apparently they track... Now the question is .. disabling ARMS?
WCX HTC One "Hell of a fast phone" X
I got a warning to seems they can track it better now.
Sent from my One X using xda premium
Any of you guys using the Foxfi app from the Play store and the proxy addon? I've been using it on At&t with my Nexus 7 and haven't been notified.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Also, if the new share data plans work out for you, i believe tethering is included. I'm switching my wife and I over to that plan today (supposed first day they are turning it on). It'll save us about $25/month. But the plans aren't for everyone... Some it increases their price.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I've seen this discussed on other device forums here on XDA. No definitive answer was ever given on how AT&T determines whether you are tethering. One person who seemed to have a good degree of technical knowledge stated that every single data packet coming from a tethered computer are tagged differently than just phone use, and that any carrier can detect that tagging easily. Other people disputed that statement. I personally don't have the technical knowledge to say either way, but it seems feasible.
I personally doubt they go by bandwidth alone. I frequently go over 3 GB per month, sometimes close to the 5 GB throttle limit. Sometimes download close to 1 GB a stuff in a single day. But all on the phone (not tethered), and have never gotten the warning. Maybe they look for patterns, but not bandwidth alone.
redpoint73 said:
One person who seemed to have a good degree of technical knowledge stated that every single data packet coming from a tethered computer are tagged differently than just phone use, and that any carrier can detect that tagging easily. Other people disputed that statement. I personally don't have the technical knowledge to say either way, but it seems feasible.
I personally doubt they go by bandwidth alone. I frequently go over 3 GB per month, sometimes close to the 5 GB throttle limit. Sometimes download close to 1 GB a stuff in a single day. But all on the phone (not tethered), and have never gotten the warning. Maybe they look for patterns, but not bandwidth alone.
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Click to collapse
I've seen that theory as well. But being able to identify tethered packets is not the same thing as being able to monitor all of them all the time. It's the latter that I am not certain is feasible given the number of smartphones on AT&T's network.
One thing that is certain is that AT&T is not consistent in how they do this. I've seen people get nailed after a single tether; others--like me--have been blithely tethering for years without any trouble. I've also heard of people like the OP, who get tagged even though they aren't tethering at all.
I continue to think that bandwidth has to be the biggest part of it. I suspect they watch for heavy usage, then pay closer attention to those accounts.
Another thing: AT&T is known to give certain perks and leeway to larger accounts, such as letting you upgrade more frequently. I have a big family plan with three smartphones, unlimited texts, Family Map, etc. I've often wondered if I'm on some kind of "let them alone for now" list given how much I tether.
In any case, I'm switching to the new sharing plans (which launched today), which include tethering, so it will be moot for me at least.
iElvis said:
I've seen that theory as well. But being able to identify tethered packets is not the same thing as being able to monitor all of them all the time. It's the latter that I am not certain is feasible given the number of smartphones on AT&T's network.
One thing that is certain is that AT&T is not consistent in how they do this. I've seen people get nailed after a single tether; others--like me--have been blithely tethering for years without any trouble. I've also heard of people like the OP, who get tagged even though they aren't tethering at all.
I continue to think that bandwidth has to be the biggest part of it. I suspect they watch for heavy usage, then pay closer attention to those accounts.
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Click to collapse
Completely know what you mean when you talk about being able to identify the packets vs. actually monitoring all accounts. My feeling is that this is the main reason the enforcement is so inconsistent, that AT&T simply does not have the resources to monitor all the accounts this way. As you suggest maybe bandwidth is the first red flag, then they look at the tagging after that. And whatever the system is, it seems to be evolving ("improving" in the eyes of AT&T), as more people are getting caught.
Interesting feedback. I think I have figured it out. I was just guessing at my data consumption at 3GB, I actually pulled a report and looked. I average between 1 and 2 GB of data a month (pretty shocking to me, guess I use wifi more than I realize), last month it doubled to 4GB. It must be because I doubled my usage in one month, that must have set off a flag.
Still waiting for that manager to get me proof.
On a side note it felt really good to answer their survey texts with a 1 and not a 10.
I will update this thread if I get more information from the "manager". I am to stubborn to let AT&T win this one. Almost makes me want to start tethering again.
cyber_pete said:
I will update this thread if I get more information from the "manager". I am to stubborn to let AT&T win this one.
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Good for you, man. Be interested to see how it turns out. Good luck.
I also just got a letter like this today. I've had unlimited data for four years, and I've tethered very sparingly over the years with the likes of PDANet, WiFi Tether, etc without being notified by AT&T. The only time I've really needed to tether was for the one week out of the year when I vacation to a cottage that doesn't have an internet connection. I went on vacation about a month ago, and tethered using the built in Hotspot with CleanRom's Hotspot Hack. I called AT&T after reading the letter over, and the rep told me that they did detect tethering activity on my end. I ended up telling her that I used a tethering app from the Play Store for the one week that I was without internet, but that I only used it in that instance and that I would prefer to keep my unlimited plan. She just asked that I delete the app from the phone, and cease tethering, and assured me that I could keep the plan by doing so. So, it seems as though their plan of attack is to enroll you in plan that enables the Hotspot functionality if they don't hear from you, but if you call and insist on keeping your unlimited plan, hopefully they will honor that like they did for me. Good luck!
Is it possible they are looking at the browser type? I've heard that browsers which don't normally run on mobile devices can get you caught.
smartphonesanonymous said:
Is it possible they are looking at the browser type? I've heard that browsers which don't normally run on mobile devices can get you caught.
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That's the User-Agent factor, and yes they can get you that way, if you've gotten far enough onto their radar screen that they're reading your packets.
But no one really knows for sure how exactly they're doing it.
I, since I went to a shared data plan a few months ago, have come in from the cold.
Wow, zombie thread.
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2
USB tether with SSH and VPN
To carrier, it just looks like an ssh connection from your phone, everything else is encapsulated inside that doubly encrypted channel
(openvpn encrypts, so does ssh)
-- IP packet "signatures", Browser User-Agent, all invisible to carrier.
root not required, unlock/mod not required. works on stock unrooted device.
should work with any android phone, any carrier, any plan (that includes Internet access on phone)
(usage will still count against your data limit if you have a capped plan - mostly useful with unlimited plans)
carrier will still see your usage so they still might become suspicious, they just can't prove anything
use this advice at your own risk
it will use double the bandwidth on your HOME connection - everything has to go in, and
then right back out - may not be useful if your home internet is capped
.....
setup openvpn server on home PC connected with wired broadband
setup openssh server on home PC
setup proper passwords/keys for both to protect access.
use non-standard ports for greater security
(if you have a home router, be sure to forward the ports for both SSH and openvpn through it from "the outside" to the ssh/openvpn server)
if your home router is DD-WRT or similar, you may be able to do sshd and openvpn server right on the router, skip the PC.
.. EDIT: you will need to know the IP of your home connection to connect to it remotely. a dynamic DNS service can be useful for this ..
install sshdroid on phone.
install openvpn and adb on laptop
...
ok, you are out and about, and want to tether your laptop.
turn OFF wifi on phone.
enable usb debugging on phone.
connect laptop PC to USB on phone (connect type doesnt matter, charge-only is fine)
start sshdroid, have it ssh to your home PC and forward a tcp port for openvpn
use 'adb forward' command on laptop to forward the openvpn port from the laptop to the phone.
run openvpn on laptop, configure it to connect via localhost:xxx (where xxx is the port thats forwarded by adb to the phone, then by ssh to your home PC.)
use vpn tunnel for internet access
"whatismyipaddress.com" for laptop should show your HOME internet IP.
- this is just an overview, you will need to know how to setup the details of these apps and services, especially openvpn, in order to make this work. If you don't understand how to do so, find someone that does, or pay your carrier for the service.
- no wifi support, so no way to tether a tablet or anything else that can only connect via wifi; only a laptop or other PC that has a host USB port that can recognize the phone.
Tethering
I use FoxFi or PdaNet is the same. And not require Root.
I got this same letter two or three years ago. Idk but it think they are trying to scare ppl in to the new plans. I regularly use more than 5GB a month without tethering.
Sent from my HTC One X using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
I got a letter and called them and they are using this as a way to generate more money.
For some reason, I am getting an error when I try using t0mmy (found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1677261) one click tether enabler. I've done some searching and cannot find anyone else who has had this issue. What the heck am I missing (screenshots attached)?! Any ideas?
Info:
- Stock AT&T ROM
- Rooted
- Android 4.0.4
- Used on StraightTalk... all APNs are setup correctly... data works on the phone.
For solution, SEE BELOW
One other thing I should mention is that even when I am using `android-wifi-tether` it will not work. It just shows up as a device on my computer when it is turned on as a wifi hotspot.
I've downloaded SQLite Browser and have changed all fields with "broadband" to "pta". Still no go.
I don't understand what you need that program for...
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
When I click to activate the native wifi hotspot, it says that I cannot have a hotspot and to call 611. So I am trying Android Wifi Tether, which works for a little bit then after about 3 seconds, says "what the hell, your phone is taking over. shutting down wifi." Something like that. I'm just trying to get this phone setup so my friend can use it as a hotspot.
SQLite is to edit my `telephony.db`
Well, I do believe that it could be because you are using a stock rom, so att bulit in securities could be taking over. Also, I do want you to know that ATT does have advanced technology to detect tethering. without notice, they can upgrade you data plan to 5gb ($50) because you were caught tethering. it is the way the apn connects. now you can try to change your apn to BROADBAND, which is tethering, but again, but warned. if your data plan changes (esepcially if you are grandfathered into one), then that's on you...
so here are my suggestions: change the APN to broadband, get off the stock, and im sure there are a plethora of apps in the play market that should work
Herc08 said:
Also, I do want you to know that ATT does have advanced technology to detect tethering. without notice, they can upgrade you data plan to 5gb ($50) because you were caught tethering.
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Click to collapse
They will send you a warning (physical letter or SMS, can't remember which exactly) notifying you have been caught tethering without the appropriate data plan. Then, if you are caught again, they will change you plan.
Probably nobody except folks at AT&T know the exact methods they use to monitor for tethering. But the thought here is that a high amount of usage will raise red flags, then they will examine data packets for the signs of tethering.
Some folks (myself included) have been able to tether without getting caught, by just doing it occasionally, and keeping the data usage low. But even then, the system seems far from consistent. I've seen a couple of folks report on here getting the tethering warning from AT&T, despite having never even tethered.
The days when you could easily pirate tethering may be coming to an end. AT&T has really cracked down on it and improved their methods of detection. Even if you get this working, you will get caught if you start tethering regularly.
redpoint73 said:
They will send you a warning (physical letter or SMS, can't remember which exactly) notifying you have been caught tethering without the appropriate data plan. Then, if you are caught again, they will change you plan.
Probably nobody except folks at AT&T know the exact methods they use to monitor for tethering. But the thought here is that a high amount of usage will raise red flags, then they will examine data packets for the signs of tethering.
Some folks (myself included) have been able to tether without getting caught, by just doing it occasionally, and keeping the data usage low. But even then, the system seems far from consistent. I've seen a couple of folks report on here getting the tethering warning from AT&T, despite having never even tethered.
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Click to collapse
I do apologize, you are right. You will get a notice first. And then if you continue, then you will still bumped out. It is an email AND a SMS. Using small amount of data is usually the way to go. But if you trying to tether a computer, then most likely the data usage will be high. As I mentioned in other posts, as a former AT&T employee, if you want to tether, just upgrade your data plan. If you are on unlimited data, you will already get throttled at 3gb, so the Unlimited data and 3gb are basically the same thing, which is why the price is the same.
I have seem some accounts when excessive tethering is done, that the data is actually suspended, no matter what the case is. It's weird that AT&T can do that, but it is in their wireless agreement, which is at section 6 i think.
Thanks for the heads up about AT&T clamping down on this. It is good to know. I am doing this for an elderly couple who rarely use the internet. This is their first smart phone. They are savvy enough to know what that message means if they get it. I will let them know about it too.
They mainly will be accessing on the device itself but wanted the option to use it as a hotspot as well. They are already paying for data... they purchased the phone used and are under no contract (on Straight Talk). They want to use something they own, however they want. It's too bad AT&T is so mean.
It's like buying a computer and then the manufacturer says you cannot use bluetooth unless you pay them a monthly service charge.
[SOLUTION]
Oh yeah, I forgot to post that I figured a way out to get 'android-wifi-tether.apk' to work on the stock AT&T ROM.... here we go:
Get "Proxoid" from the Google Play Store
Get WiFi Tether from the Google Play Store (or from here [QR Codes in link]: http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/)
Get a mobile data widget
Once you have them installed, get them all lined up somewhere you can easily run them one after the other.
Make sure mobile data OFF before you turn anything on.
Open Proxoid and check the box to start/stop Proxoid... you want it ON
Open WiFi Tether and turn on tethering
Now you can turn on mobile data
This worked successful for me. I tested it for about 10-15 minutes, playing YouTube videos, reading some blogs, checked out some google image searches and so on. If you do not turn Proxoid on before mobile data is on, this will NOT work.
ENJOY! :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:
UPDATE: This only worked on my Mac and Android phone. Mac picked up the HOX as a "device" instead of a wifi connection but it worked. Windows cannot find the connection at all. If someone knows how to get Windows to find the device and use it as a hotspot please let me know.
While tethering is a feature of the phone they own, the data being used is a service that is not owned and while I don't agree with what at&t does, I can understand why they would discourage tethering and it is technically within their right to limit how their data is used. They/you could have picked another company that allows tethering but as a consequence you may face saturation from all those heavy tether users.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
exad said:
While tethering is a feature of the phone they own, the data being used is a service that is not owned and while I don't agree with what at&t does, I can understand why they would discourage tethering and it is technically within their right to limit how their data is used. They/you could have picked another company that allows tethering but as a consequence you may face saturation from all those heavy tether users.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Which is the reason behind the detection. Same as throttling. With the explosion of bandwidth needed, the big companies cannot keep up. Hence why smaller companies offer unlimited data.
Sent from my Carbon-ize Evita using xda-developers app