My understanding of a hotspot is that it will let me use my cellphone to drive a laptop when I'm on the road. I can then use the laptop to surf the 'net without having a provider that gives me internet capability on the laptop. Is this true?
Yeah, that's the exact use-case for a hotspot.
Yes. The hotspot feature in Android will create a WIFI network to connect to do your laptop can use the internet connection from your phone. There is also the tethering feature, which is similar, but that routes it through USB or Bluetooth, without creating a WIFI hotspot.
I remember doing this on my dumbphone LG Voyager (VX10000) -- usb tether though -- on a long roadtrip. Simply plugged my laptop to a DC plug converter, used the phone as a modem. Was the best. Hours of fun at a time before smartphones (streamed Netflix, looked up POIs, kept up with forums that were like XDA at the time, etc.)
Hotspot is so much better as it's no wires and you can do more than one device to connect to it.
@Skuddle, be aware that many (most?) carriers do have some restrictions on this [was recently reminded that this is one of the main reasons why Verizon locksdown their devices; as to not assist in circumventing this] by either limiting how much data or throttling it after a certain point or forcing you to pay for a certain amount of data (maybe after a certain point given most plans has some allowances automatically). I am unfamiliar with other carriers, so I could easily be wrong, but this the impression I am under.
Also, these restrictions are there even if you are under an unlimited data plan -- which can tell this is off of pure greed and desire to monetize it as, if you're on an unlimited data plan,, why restrict hotspot?
I've been using a hotspot bypass with VPN and VPN tether since 2012. It's been awesome by passing the nickel and dining scheme of phone companies
simplepinoi177 said:
Also, these restrictions are there even if you are under an unlimited data plan -- which can tell this is off of pure greed and desire to monetize it as, if you're on an unlimited data plan,, why restrict hotspot?
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Click to collapse
Glad I am in China now. Unlimited is dirt cheap and they do not do that sort of thing. For now at least. The fact is that the cost of a customer using data, even quite a bit, is extremely low. Also, most of the main infrastructure that supports it, in the US, is paid for by the govt, your tax money. It is pretty ridiculous.
After realizing that a 50 MP camera is only 12 MP what with "binning" and all, and that for $900 one gets a "real" camera with 24 MP, and that carrying around a $1,000 cellphone all day is utterly ridiculous, and that an "unlimited voice/text/data" carrier plan costs at least $55/month (that's $600 each year) BTW, I'm staying with my Kodak 10.8 MP pocket zoom camera and my little flip phone (the plan of which costs $20/month fur unlimited voice and text.
Don't need all that expensive technology.
Skuddle said:
After realizing that a 50 MP camera is only 12 MP what with "binning" and all, and that for $900 one gets a "real" camera with 24 MP, and that carrying around a $1,000 cellphone all day is utterly ridiculous, and that an "unlimited voice/text/data" carrier plan costs at least $55/month (that's $600 each year) BTW, I'm staying with my Kodak 10.8 MP pocket zoom camera and my little flip phone (the plan of which costs $20/month fur unlimited voice and text.
Don't need all that expensive technology.
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Click to collapse
You make a valid point for those who are satisfied with a flip phone. Have you ever used a "smart" phone? My sister was a check writing, visit the bank, use an answering machine, etc., etc. for a good long time. I finally got her to give a cell phone a try and she can't believe she ever lived without one. Once you get used to them they are indispensable (for better or worse) as communications tools that can truly simplify your life. I use Mint = $15.00 per month with Wi-Fi at home. Pretty cheap in my opinion.
rester555 said:
I've been using a hotspot bypass with VPN and VPN tether since 2012. It's been awesome by passing the nickel and dining scheme of phone companies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain how you do this?
bird333 said:
Can you explain how you do this?
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Click to collapse
Very simple. Root your phone based on the pixel 7 pro rooting thread. Download the app VPN tether in play store. Download your favorite VPN app, for me expressVPN. Turn on your VPN. Turn on hotspot. If the carrier stops you from turning on your hotspot, open up VPN tether app and select hotspot. It should bypass the tethering provision lockout. Select the option in VPN tether to tether your VPN. You might have to disable developer settings hardware hotspot acceleration. All of that information can be found out in the VPN tether tutorials.
After all of this, profit.
rester555 said:
Very simple. Root your phone based on the pixel 7 pro rooting thread. Download the app VPN tether in play store. Download your favorite VPN app, for me expressVPN. Turn on your VPN. Turn on hotspot. If the carrier stops you from turning on your hotspot, open up VPN tether app and select hotspot. It should bypass the tethering provision lockout. Select the option in VPN tether to tether your VPN. You might have to disable developer settings hardware hotspot acceleration. All of that information can be found out in the VPN tether tutorials.
After all of this, profit.
Click to expand...
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Thanks
jaseman said:
... I use Mint = $15.00 per month with Wi-Fi at home. Pretty cheap in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply. No, I've never used a smartphone. I do all my internet stuff on my desktop computer. Years and years ago a friend of mine tried to talk me into getting a smartphone, all to no avail. I couldn't justify the cost then and I can't justify the cost now. Here's why:
The killers for me are the facts that the Pixel uses pixel binning. My current camera's resolution is 10.5 megapixels without binning (more than enough to make 11x14 prints) with a decent optical zoom, a size that's smaller than a pack of cigarettes, a function that dates its photos (if I set it up to do so), and a built-in tripod mount.
I've priced the Pixel 7 Pro with 256 GB of storage. That, and a decent case, a front panel protector, a wall and a car charger, and tax comes out to around $860, and that's just the cost of entering the smartphone world! And then there's the cost of the carrier plan. Something to consider for those with fixed incomes...
The only use for a cellphone for me is to call the War Dept. to tell her I'm okay three or four times during my two or three ten-day camp-in-the-boondocks trips each year in the Spring and Fall. I've been doing that for the last 10 years and the flip phone is fine for that. I have nobody else to call when I'm not at home, and I don't need all the goo-gaws that today's smart phone have.
Oh, and I'd hafta wear glasses to see what I'm doing on a cellphone too. Just gittin' too old, I guess!
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for your reply and the consideration you took when you wrote it. I appreciate it.
Related
I've just pulled my laptop out of storage, and was playing around with tethering it to my iPAQ 910c. Using WinMo's built in internet sharing was a breeze. However, I'm a bit concerned over whether or not I'll be charged anything additional fees for tethering this way (as I've read the data traffic looks different via tether to a wireless provider, and some may charge extra for it).
I'm with Rogers Wireless on their 500 MB smartphone data plan, and couldn't find any solid info (though I did come across this CBC article - http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/08/28/tech-iphone.html - from last fall mentioning that Rogers was changing their data plans to allow tethering as part of your data plan). I called Rogers and they didn't really know (I spoke with both CS and a "Data Department" person, neither of which instilled me with confidence in their knowledge). All they said was that it could cost alot and they don't support (ie: technical support) tethering, but they wouldn't elaborate on whether the "cost alot" would be from extra charges specifically for tethering, or simply from exceeding my data bucket.
So I'm looking for any input from people here who are on Rogers and use tethering, as to whether the traffic is indeed part of my data bucket, or if there's an extra charge (and what that might be). Any comments are greatly appreciated.
Tethering policy
I found this the other night.
http://www.androidincanada.ca/news/new-tethering-policy-for-rogers-and-fido/
It looks like you may have to upgrade to at least a 1GB package or higher in order to "legally" tether.
I am going to see about my plan as I signed up for the $30/6GB plan on June 5th. If I just lost out on "legally" tethering due to adopting a phone a few days early I am going to be right pissed.
Here is the page where they allow tethering on the iPhone.
http://www.rogers.com/web/content/wi...09-_-tethering
So I called up and had the "tethering" feature added to my plan at no charge as it is available "free" for all smart phone accounts with data plans one GB or higher. She could not help me with the fact that my phone can not tether, but that will be fixed when I root it. From what she said, this is free until December 31st.
No word yet as to how much this feture will cost after the interm perioud is up. At least this will allow us to test and see how much we really use it, though it sounds like a cash grab to me. I won't mind if it is like an extra $5, but any more would be pushing it if you ask me. Glad to hear they are at least willing to charge us for it rather than prohibiting and penalizing us.
Tethering test
r4nd0mn4me said:
Ok so I just had to see what this tethering is all about.
I just ran a speed test from speakeasy and here are the results.
Last Result:
Download Speed: 197 kbps (24.6 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 45 kbps (5.6 KB/sec transfer rate)
This was with signal strength of three out of seven bars from my house. I must say page loading seems much faster than on my phone...though not nearly fast enough to watch Youtube with.
And before I get mass mails about how I did it....well, I cheated
I popped my Rogers sim into my Nokia N95-8GB and used the built in USB tethering app.
I can't wait for ze roots!Oh and apparently this wont help
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Thought I would copy this bit here as it pertains to this thread as well.
I'm new to Android and picked up a G Tablet have a question on if you can use the USB for a Verizon Wirelss card.
I was wondering this also. Does anyone know if this is possible? I have to admint that I have not searched too much as I just took my G tablet out of the box and my Verizon card is sitting here and I was thinking 'wonder if I can make that work"???
I remember seeing in a few other threads that people weren't able to get a 3G card to work. Not sure about this particular Verizon card though.
The usb wireless dongle wont work. You would need something like mifi.
There is a thread in development on this I think. He was working on it but put it on hold.
Found the thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=935810
ketjr81 is correct. Unless you have a Huawei card you have almost no chance of it working at the moment. I have discontinued development as I mentioned in the thread referenced. If you want, you can spend 70 dollars or so and get a wireless hotspot that uses the USB dongle and a battery for 5+ devices.
I picked up a Verizon MiFi Hotspot today... figured that it was a good investment, that way I can use it for my laptop, GTab, and anything else I find myself in need of connecting. It will connect up to 5 devices at a time. I looked at the Sprint and Virgin Mobile models too.
The Sprint model actually has 4G and GPS capability, and the plan looked good on paper; the same price as the Verizon for 5GB ($60/month), plus unlimited 4G downloading. However, when I looked at the coverage map, Sprint doesn't have anywhere near the coverage area that Verizon does, and there are only a handfull of 4G towers out there.
Then I looked at Virgin Mobile. Seemed like a great deal; they use the same hotspot device that Verizon does (and Sprint used to), and you don't have to commit to a contract. You buy the device for something like $160, and for $40/month you get unlimited 3G downloading through the Sprint network. I headed out today to get one, only to find out that as of next week, Virgin will be capping monthly downloads to 5GB like the rest of them. After 5GB, data will slow to a crawl.
Then I found out that Verizon is offering new data plan options for a limited time, starting this weekend I think. There are monthly plans for 1GB ($20) , 3GB ($35), 5GB ($50), and 10GB ($80). For every GB you go over your plan, you pay an extra $10. The hotspot is free with a 2-year plan, or $70 with a 1-year plan. I went with a 3GB plan, even it I get up to 5GB one month that's still gonna run me less than the Sprint plan.
So I brought one home, had it set up pretty quick (it took longer to run the updates than to set it up), and it works great. The hotspot is smaller than I thought it would be, even after looking at the pictures. About as wide as a business card, a little taller, and a bit over 1/4" thick. Best thing is, I'll be able to use it with any tablet I get my hands on as long as it has WiFi, plus my laptop and even my iPhone if find myself in the boondocks again where AT&T doesn't reach.
MiFi is the way to go with a GTab; just turn it on, put it back in your pocket or bag, and surf away.
I'm surprised more people don't just tether their G-Tabs from their cell phone data plans. I've got a Verizon Eris (about a year old) and it's modded, with wireless tether. I pay $30 a month for unlimited data (on the phone, of course, but they don't know I'm tethering, nor do they probably care since I don't actually download much data).
It's fast and cheap.
lostpilot28 said:
I'm surprised more people don't just tether their G-Tabs from their cell phone data plans. I've got a Verizon Eris (about a year old) and it's modded, with wireless tether. I pay $30 a month for unlimited data (on the phone, of course, but they don't know I'm tethering, nor do they probably care since I don't actually download much data).
It's fast and cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Wireless hotspot on my Rooted Sprint Evo
Just a comment....
Most of us don't take the wireless mifis, etc. serious because of the limits.
My tablets, laptops and computers -- yes, I have a bunch -- usually result in my downloading a month's worth of wireless limits in a night. I have several programs that the updates run in the GBs just for one program.
I'm happy for people that can use them, but I always warn them to watch the usage and avoid the overages.
Good luck!!!
Rev
Cradlepoint
I am using my Virgin Mobile USB (Walmart special) plugged into the Cradlepoint. Lasts about 2 hours and warms the pocket...
****
lostpilot28 said:
I'm surprised more people don't just tether their G-Tabs from their cell phone data plans. I've got a Verizon Eris (about a year old) and it's modded, with wireless tether. I pay $30 a month for unlimited data (on the phone, of course, but they don't know I'm tethering, nor do they probably care since I don't actually download much data).
It's fast and cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You and many other people say that. I personally don't want to kill my phone's battery and its just more work to turn the hotspot on and off every time I want access on the tab. Its surely cheaper, but not faster.
I was curious to know if anyone was using their Thunderbolt for their home ISP. I have been using it today as a trial run since it worked so well for me when I was out of town. If I can save a few hundred dollars a year and get close to the same, if not the same speeds with LTE as my source of home internet access, it doesn't really make much sense to me to keep Comcast around. I am rooted and using Wireless Tether. Mobile Hotspot and its data cap can suck it. I called Comcast and asked how much data I used, the past 3 months were all under 25GB. Thoughts?
All I can say is do it while you can - I know I would be if I lived in an area that had better than 3G coverage.
Desire Cm7
CR-48
I've been thinking about the same exact solution for about a month. Time Warner is charging us $99 for 50/5mbps "wideband" connection, and I'm pretty much getting the same speeds at home on my Bolt. Actually my uploads goes up to 10mbps so it's even better. I think I will probably end up downgrading the cable service to the cheapest $30 a month and see how the Bolt is holding up during the next billing cycle. I've used 53GB on my Bolt during the past month. Speeds still going strong.
nice thoughts, but when there are a few million devices on the network I don't think reliability will be there to be honest. It all depends on what you are doing, and how many computers you have at home.
If you are me and have 10 devices that have internet access at your house, I doubt thunderbolt will be the solution for me. I doubt the hotspot will give me enough range to cover my whole house, if I was alone then it would be a different scenario to be honest and I would probably do it.
I have 2 NAS servers at home that is used for remote access so that right there kills it for me since me and my thunderbolt cant be in two different places at the same time.
even if I was able to get a 4g lte router to plug my thunderbolt in to, they just dont have the horsepower as other routers to provide enough bandwidth for my home network.
nkd said:
nice thoughts, but when there are a few million devices on the network I don't think reliability will be there to be honest. It all depends on what you are doing, and how many computers you have at home.
If you are me and have 10 devices that have internet access at your house, I doubt thunderbolt will be the solution for me. I doubt the hotspot will give me enough range to cover my whole house, if I was alone then it would be a different scenario to be honest and I would probably do it.
I have 2 NAS servers at home that is used for remote access so that right there kills it for me since me and my thunderbolt cant be in two different places at the same time.
even if I was able to get a 4g lte router to plug my thunderbolt in to, they just dont have the horsepower as other routers to provide enough bandwidth for my home network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have clarified that. I usually only have one thing connected at a time. Mostly my Macbook, sometimes I might connect my PS3 and watch netflix or something. My internet demands aren't really that high.
Been thinking along these same lines. Time Warner Cable - what a rip off. I barely watch TV and have only basic cable. That plus the ISP and speed boost is $100+/mo. What we need is someway to have the Tbolt provide network access to an existing or new type of wireless router. The Bolt would basically replace the cable modem but not the WiFI router (if you have two different boxes). This would make the transition for folks who have multiple computers, NAS, DLNA devices, etc. almost transparent and probably totally workable.
Cradlepoint? If you can plug in a USB cellular modem, perhaps you can connect your phone. I have an MBR-1000 here at work that I may spend some time playing with later if I have some time. . .
Seth
Dont expect to get away with it forever... once the wireless hotspot trial runs out I think Verizon will be cracking down on rooted users using tethering. If you really want to replace your cable line with LTE through the Thunderbolt your going to have to pay the $20 a month and then I believe you only get 2GB
You do realize that using your phone as a hotspot was never intended to replace your home ISP, right?
Why do you think all these companies are now starting to do tiered data?
I have a netgear wnr3500l and flashed dd-wrt to it. It allows you to bridge two wireless connections or have it join another wireless network. That would allow you to use your TB as your ISP on your home network.
I work from home so its not an option for me, and I have nearly 20 devices on my network.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
nkd said:
If you are me and have 10 devices that have internet access at your house, I doubt thunderbolt will be the solution for me. I doubt the hotspot will give me enough range to cover my whole house, if I was alone then it would be a different scenario to be honest and I would probably do it.
I have 2 NAS servers at home that is used for remote access so that right there kills it for me since me and my thunderbolt cant be in two different places at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me, too. The Thunderbolt as an ISP is a decent idea, and very fast when used, but unless you live alone and have no "always on" internet devices (Servers/Netflix Streaming) then everytime you leave with your cell phone, no one at your house has internet (assuming you got rid of your other ISP - of course, if you didn't you would still be paying for two and defeating the purpose)
I guess it depends on the individuals scenario. I have a maximum of 2 devices connected at a time and they are in the same room. I only live with my dog so I don't need a stationary ISP. Obviously it wouldn't really work for a family or a person with a very high demand such as a home office.
meowlamp said:
I guess it depends on the individuals scenario. I have a maximum of 2 devices connected at a time and they are in the same room. I only live with my dog so I don't need a stationary ISP. Obviously it wouldn't really work for a family or a person with a very high demand such as a home office.
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Click to collapse
Agreed - If I wouldn't get in trouble from the Mrs. about taking the internet with me, I'd be all over this provided that $20 still gets unlimited tethering and not the 2GB cap some were talking about. Guess it's more of a wait-and-see approach.
Engenius EOR7550 does it
I start out by saying please do not everyone start dumping your fixed ISP bandwidth needs on the TB because it will cause problems from system and bandwidth issues to policy changes with how VZW deals with all of us, resulting in a bad experience with a good system. That said, the EOR7550 is a dual radio commercial grade outdoor repeater. It would be the perfect device for such a test as it is meant to establish a link with one wireless network and repeat it out as another. I use these units quite often to make RV park wi-fi go all over the place.
What is the big deal..
If you can live with the total pain in the ass of always having your phone be your internet then go for it.
I like to have my internet always on and on (to download stuff) when my phone and I are not there.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
If you are just going to browse web pages, maybe check email.. then its something to consider.
But 25gig? I'm guessing you download files, stream stuff, etc.
So then you have to think...
Well the mobile hot spot feature on the TB is only FREE until May 15. After that they will likely charge... either $20 for 2gig like 3G MHS is, or possibly more. i.e. more data used = more $$ per month, so that could add up quick.
VZW's TOS for using the "unlimited data" plan with smart phones stipulates that it is not for tethering, and meant to only be used for the phone, and has some other things around "acceptable use". Rooting and doing "un-authorized tethering" and racking up 25 gig per month might draw attention to yourself. So if VZW does start cracking down on this, you'll be right in the cross hairs and violating their TOS.
Then there is the rumor that VZW is throttling data for the higher data users... so where does 25gig come in? will you be able to live with being throttled if it hits you?
Not to mention having to keep your phone plugged in at all times, since battery wont last long using data constantly.
At that point is it still worth it?
I might suggest you'd be better if you think about brokering a deal with your neighbor to share his/her internet via wifi and splitting the cost instead...
KidJoe said:
If you are just going to browse web pages, maybe check email.. then its something to consider.
But 25gig? I'm guessing you download files, stream stuff, etc.
So then you have to think...
Well the mobile hot spot feature on the TB is only FREE until May 15. After that they will likely charge... either $20 for 2gig like 3G MHS is, or possibly more. i.e. more data used = more $$ per month, so that could add up quick.
VZW's TOS for using the "unlimited data" plan with smart phones stipulates that it is not for tethering, and meant to only be used for the phone, and has some other things around "acceptable use". Rooting and doing "un-authorized tethering" and racking up 25 gig per month might draw attention to yourself. So if VZW does start cracking down on this, you'll be right in the cross hairs and violating their TOS.
Then there is the rumor that VZW is throttling data for the higher data users... so where does 25gig come in? will you be able to live with being throttled if it hits you?
Not to mention having to keep your phone plugged in at all times, since battery wont last long using data constantly.
At that point is it still worth it?
I might suggest you'd be better if you think about brokering a deal with your neighbor to share his/her internet via wifi and splitting the cost instead...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Just the thought is a recipe for disaster. Tiered data is on it's way and suggestions such as this are a good part of the reason why.
My $0.02
KidJoe said:
If you are just going to browse web pages, maybe check email.. then its something to consider.
But 25gig? I'm guessing you download files, stream stuff, etc.
So then you have to think...
Well the mobile hot spot feature on the TB is only FREE until May 15. After that they will likely charge... either $20 for 2gig like 3G MHS is, or possibly more. i.e. more data used = more $$ per month, so that could add up quick.
VZW's TOS for using the "unlimited data" plan with smart phones stipulates that it is not for tethering, and meant to only be used for the phone, and has some other things around "acceptable use". Rooting and doing "un-authorized tethering" and racking up 25 gig per month might draw attention to yourself. So if VZW does start cracking down on this, you'll be right in the cross hairs and violating their TOS.
Then there is the rumor that VZW is throttling data for the higher data users... so where does 25gig come in? will you be able to live with being throttled if it hits you?
Not to mention having to keep your phone plugged in at all times, since battery wont last long using data constantly.
At that point is it still worth it?
I might suggest you'd be better if you think about brokering a deal with your neighbor to share his/her internet via wifi and splitting the cost instead...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+2 keep your isp.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
I currently have AT&T 5GB plan with USB modem on Cradlepoint to LAN at house, and the plan is up.
Other day bro-in-law came over, he gets 13Mbps on his SIII on t-mobile .
I am planning on going with the T-Mobile unlimited $70 monthly if I can get some help on the best way to go.
I have been reading the forums and see that it is possible to get custom ROM and enable tethering.
I don't, however, care about features of the phone itself since it will be sitting in a closet all the time.
Since I am only doing data, what would be the best device to get me at least 6Mbps for Netflix (full 13Mbps or so preferred).
I don't care about things like screen size etc, just ease of installation, stability, and availability of a ROM that will fit my needs.
I need something not super expensive but spending a few hundred is ok.
Thanks!
Tethering on a phone plan costs an extra 20 bucks per month. If you need OTA data only for tethering a couple of pc's, tablets and/or wifi phones, you should go with a hotspot modem - supports up to 5 devices. Speed is dependent on the coverage in your area and your specific location (environmental factors). The modem also gives you flexibility to choose between a monthly subscription for full-time use or a pre-pay option (7- or 30-day expiration) for occasional use.
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/?shape=mblhsp
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/mobile-broadband-plans.aspx
For a single laptop or PC a USB stick might be better (but won't work with tablets, only iOS or Windows)
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Packages/ValuePackages.aspx?pkgcatid=InternetDevices&line=1
Coverage:
http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/pcc.aspx/
My opinion would be to buy a grandfathered unlimited data plan for Verizon, choose the $35 voice plan, it'll cost $30 for the data, and if you work at any major corporation can get around 20% off your monthly bill. I did exactly this. I use FoxFi to tether for free. Just have to stay on Gingerbread or root. I get around 20mbs down and average 10mbs everywhere I go. I love it.
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD using xda app-developers app
I agree with SaurusM3 about getting a USB stick type device instead. My router that is on 24/7 has heat issues sometimes and it has much better cooling than a typical smartphone. If I tried this with my S3 to have it tethering my computer all the time I was using it, I would probably overheat it or just kill the battery (S3 is especially a poor choice since you can't plug it in and run it without the battery - so if it *has* to be a phone, pick carefully) - and even if it could keep it charged, then you run the risk of having the overcharging protection fail and your closet lighting on fire because your device became toast.
I would also not go for a phone because even if you bypassed tethering controls, they might still yank you for excessive use. And there's the possibility that some services just won't work since they'll realise you're tethering.
Can you not get some other kind of Internet service where you live ? Not even some kind of DSL ? If you're getting such great speeds with T-Mobile there it would surprise me that no DSL/et cetera service is covering the area.
Our ISP offers unlimited 15-20Mbps for $30/mo. Why would anyone pay $70/mo for that ? They have a 5-10Mbps for like $25/mo, too. Either way, you could then have a phone plan AND home internet for less than $70/mo.
Phones don't really have the heat management to be on and routing 24/7. It would be best to get one that can have the battery removed and be run off AC power directly and have a cooler - but you're still risking that you'll pay for that and then get cut off by the carrier for excessive / improper use (the contract pretty much states that they can cut you off for whatever they feel like if they think you're abusing the service in any way as dictated by them).
If you really don't have access to a "real" internet service, then consider how 5Gb was working for you - did you always get close / get cut off ?
The key here is 'month to month unlimited for $70' from T-moblie IE 'no contract'. What device will work easily and reliably with a new ROM, works with month to month, will allow tethering, does not cost a fortune.
To answer all very much appreciated, but a little off-topic responses:
I am trying to get a device that will work with the Month to Month plan, ie no commitment, so if it does not work out I am not stuck with any additional fees.
There is no DSL, fiber or cable. I have 1 WISP in my area the is terrible and I won't deal with again.
The 5GB plan is a PITA, I want more data so I can watch the occasional movie or Youtube without worrying about bumping up against the cap.
I am not concerned about it spontaneously combusting in my closet, and will probably just turn it off at night since I do that currently anyway.
As far as over-useage, my understanding is that with a non-commercial ROM, there would be no way for them to track, if I have to I will run it thru a proxy and modify the headers to a mobile browser, if the ROM does not do this already.
I don't see where I can use a non-smart phone device except on the T-mobile 'Mobile Broadband', which is capped and would not do me any good.
Are you saying I can get a Month to Month SIM and use it in a USB modem?
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The plan you're looking at is for a phone (only). To add tethering, they offer 500min. talk/no text, & 10GB data w/tethering for $90. The sim is free when you sign up for the plan, but you'll need a T-Mo phone that's capable of the HSPA+/42 UMTS like your bro's SIII.
I'm guessing your live in an area recently upgraded to dual carrier -
From their Internet Services page:
Based on our internal testing and testing commissioned from third-party vendors, T-Mobile expects customers with broadband-capable devices will experience the following speeds on our network:
4G (HSPA+ Dual Carrier/42 UMTS) network: typical download speeds of 4-11 Mbps and upload speeds of 500-1800 Kbps.
4G (HSPA+ 21 UMTS) network: typical download speeds of 2 - 6 Mbps and upload speeds of 500– 1800 Kbps.
3G (HSPA UMTS) network: typical download speeds of 400 – 700 Kbps and upload speeds of 100 - 250 Kbps.
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And something to look forward to is traffic congestion as more subscribers upgrade, slowing service.
Data sims are used in the internet devices and don't work in phones - probably vice versa as well. But you can buy as many refills as you need each month - so the same 10 GB would cost $100 in refills. Just log in to T-mo to add to your account. For a laptop stick, you'd have to get the T-mobile Jet 3.0 for $175, Also a refurb T-Mobile Sonic Hotspot (not the earlier 4G Hotspot) can be had for $125, and is more versatile. Either is cheaper than any of the newer phones. (Stay away from eBay - they can be reported lost or stolen after you buy them, and subsequently disabled by the carrier - and hacking won't revive them.)
Whatever you do, call them and verify the data speed capability of whatever you decide to buy. (Disclaimer )
I just moved into a new place and my phone died. It was a talk/text plan on verizon - contract expired - I paid around 23/m.
My budget it super limited right now.
I'm considering buying a used smart phone for around 100-150 to tether my desktop/tablet...I could end up paying like 45-50 for voice/text and internet...right?
The other option would be to get a smart phone on contract for like less money or free but then there's the whole contract thing.
The other other option would be to get another talk/text plan on a simple phone and try to find an ISP that serves at $30/m...hard to find...
My location in Downtown Seattle.
What would you do?
What are speeds like for 3G/4G/tethered devices?
I like to game but it's not a necessity. I could wait until I have enough cashflow to get a dedicated cable connection. Unfortunately, Comcast wants 46/month - that's kind of steep!
i would recommend researching here is an idea of what to look go here http://smartphones.findthebest.com/d/e/Mobile-Hotspot-Tethering and also i think you will need to do a bluetooth tethere
hope this helps
NoOdLePoOdLe
ThunderFucdk said:
i would recommend researching here is an idea of what to look go here http://smartphones.findthebest.com/d/e/Mobile-Hotspot-Tethering and also i think you will need to do a bluetooth tethere
hope this helps
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Yes, that is helpful, thanks.
Question; why do I need bluetooth tether? The idea is to broadcast a wifi signal from the phone that my desktop can receive...or is that not a thing that is possible?
Any comments on the differences between GSM data speeds and "4G" data speeds?
I was looking at the unlimited data plans from StraightTalk for $45/m but it's only available through GSM; Would that limit my speed potential as compared to a "4G" based service?
well here is what i belive the difference's are GSM and CDMA are just different types of cell phone technology used.
Differences:
GSM is used by att and tmobile and what you are thinking of getting straight talk and that means that they use a SIM cars, which is that little chip that gets inserted behind the battery. GSM also is used worldwide so it lets you use the line (Roaming) anywhere you go in the world.
CDMA: does not use a SIM card (chip). this is most widely used by verizon and is not compatible in other countries. But now they have phone like the iphone 4s at verizon that uses both GSM and CDMA so people can use it here and also outside of the country.
as a consumer that is the difference you need to know.
3g and 4g: is simply the name given to the network that a cellphone company has that determines the speed. for example, 4g is just simply faster than 3g because it has a bigger capacity, which makes it faster. The g stands for generation so 3g is third generation and 4g is fourth generation as technology advances and network capacities increase they will advance in the future to the 5fifth generation and so forth.
Wi-Fi
Connecting to your Personal Hotspot via Wi-Fi is the default option provided by Apple, since you have to specifically accept if you also want to enable the Bluetooth connection. A Wi-Fi connection provides:
Pros
High throughput: Throughput via Wi-Fi Personal Hotspot can be of around 30 Mbps between two devices and even more.
Faster: Connecting via Wi-Fi tends to be quite faster than connecting via Bluetooth.
Cons
Might need you to reconnect every time: Wi-Fi tends to be unstable and to turn itself off every time you put your iPhone to sleep. This means that you have to take out your iPhone and re-enable the Personal Hotspot if you want to connect.
Time limit: Perhaps the biggest drawback of using a Wi-Fi Personal Hotspot with your iPhone is that in order to minimize power consumption, your iPhone only gives you a short while (90 seconds reportedly) to connect a device to it after you enable Wi-Fi Personal Hotspot. If you take longer than that, you are forced to enable the option again.
More power consumption: The Wi-Fi Personal Hotspot consumes more power than its Bluetooth counterpart, which is also part of the reason it only gives you a short while to connect a device.
A bit more complex: The iPhone’s Wi-Fi Personal Hotspot requires you to enter a password and to configure your own security options.
Bluetooth
Contrary to the Wi-Fi connection, using your Personal Hotspot via Bluetooth offers some key advantages and one huge drawback:
Pros
No time limit: Once you enable Bluetooth Personal Hotspot, there is no time limit for you to connect your device to your iPhone.
Automatic pairing: Bluetooth remains dormant and ready to connect to your devices the moment you wake them up. Additionally, Bluetooth is more power-efficient than Wi-Fi.
Security handled automatically: The security level of a Bluetooth Personal Hotspot is equivalent to Wi-Fi’s WPA2, and it is all handled transparently from the moment you connect to it.
Cons
Very limited throughput: Without a doubt the biggest drawback of using a Bluetooth Personal Hotspot is its limited throughput, which can be of just 3 Mbps at the most, making it 10 times less than what your Wi-Fi Personal Hotspot can i personly would try all 3 because there is a usb option as well find what is best suited for your service your location ect. then you will have your perfect transfer also i think tmobile would be your best option for were your living ok lets see my lady works for sprint and i tried out there mobile hotspot when 4g first came out and i was able to run black ops on my ps3 and play online but it was pretty laggy but not to bad so basically what i am saying is i think it was just regular 2g or 3g back then and it was able to run my monster ps3 so straight talk gsn are cdma should be fine hope this was helpful
Okay, cool - so I can use GSM and 4G if I have a 4G phone and it's with a carrier that supports 4G in that region...
I assume that most carriers would cover Downtown Seattle (and most other metropolis') with 4G...
I just realized that StraightTalk doesn't allow tethering in their $45/M unlimited plan...I suppose I could always cheat and just try to keep my usage below the radar...what other carrier options are there? - one's that might allow tethering as part of package? Ideally under the $50/M price range.
prepaid is good for minimal data use net10 has a data cap of 1.5 gigs and straight talk claims unlimited but if you go over 2 gigs they shut off ur data...... the best unlimited is sprint by far because there is no data cap
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