Ok here's my scenario...I have the grandfathered unlimited data plan from At&t and I made a point of them making a note in my account before I purchased the SGS2. I rooted my phone and installed Cognition soon after. I attempted to tether before I rooted etc because the option was present while on stock, but of course a pop up appeared saying that I need to change my plan blah blah blah. Once rooted, I didn't tether because I really haven't had the need to yet...because I have wifi in my home. I will admit that I do consume a lot of data...particularly streaming and downloading content (such as roms etc directly to my device)...but that's the point of 4G unlimited data, correct? And even then a lot of the time I'm connected to wifi at home. The only thing I did differently was tried some APN settings that I seen on Android Central which were supposedly giving other SGSII users better download and upload speeds by connecting to the "backhaul". It was actually worse. So I receive an email saying that if they catch me tethering again, they will change my data plan on their own. So my question is, since I haven't actually tethered, could my actual data usage triggered the message...or since I attempted to tether...or or the APN changing...and how could I prevent them from changing it?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S 2 using the mind reader app...
Ill tell you what, if you edit this into at least 3 readable paragraphs, I promise to give you a decent response.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
I think a phone call to att should solve your issue. If they did put you on a tethering plan, they can undo it. But, you may need to get a supervisor if the unlimited plan has been removed.
From what I understand you get warned at least once before they make any changes.
Also, story perfectly understandable to me as is.
Sent from my SGS II
quarlow said:
I think a phone call to att should solve your issue. If they did put you on a tethering plan, they can undo it. But, you may need to get a supervisor if the unlimited plan has been removed.
From what I understand you get warned at least once before they make any changes.
Also, story perfectly understandable to me as is.
Sent from my SGS II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See how your post had 3 easily readable paragraphs and sentences? That's what I was referring to. His wall of text hurts my brain. Maybe its because I'm reading from the app.
But then again I wouldn't expect you to understand much of anything judging by the majority of your posts on this site.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
seh6183 said:
See how your post had 3 easily readable paragraphs and sentences? That's what I was referring to. His wall of text hurts my brain. Maybe its because I'm reading from the app.
But then again I wouldn't expect you to understand much of anything judging by the majority of your posts on this site.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow ... you really are living up to the nickname you had in the Atrix forum. What was it again, "third rate troll"?
Sent from my SGS II
quarlow said:
Wow ... you really are living up to the nickname you had in the Atrix forum. What was it again, "third rate troll"?
Sent from my SGS II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not hijacking this guys thread anymore than we already have. If you want to argue with me (and be destroyed in every imaginable way) then go ahead and shoot me a pm.
To answer the original posters questions. Att can only send you warnings about tethering if they catch on. You can do things that wont raise any flags on their end such as using less data for less lengths of time.
A better alternanative would be to mask your device id. I'm not aware of any apps that can do it on Android but PDA net can do it for Apple. Maybe someone else can Chime in on an app.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
If you do tether, it was claimed in the Captivate forum that att sniff out the browser agent for Internet Explorer, so to avoid detection to use Google Chrome, or another browser.
But, if you haven't actually tethered I would start with a call to att customer service. If they flagged your account, you should be able to sort it out over the phone.
Sent from my SGS II
If tethering, either by device or plan feature, was specifically included in the plan you were grandfathered from you should be fine. If it wasn't specifically called out as included they'll charge you for the add-on. You can't grandfather something that didn't exist. In other words, if "unlimited data" didn't specifically apply to tethering and tethering as a feature was introduced afterward you'll have to pay for it.
OP, are you using the stock GSII browser? If not, that could be the culprit. As stated above, they're basing it off the browser agent. Call and say you're using a market browser with Mozilla as browser agent. That should help your case later if they end up jerking you around.
bigblue95z said:
As stated above, they're basing it off the browser agent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They use heuristics to sniff packet data for suspect traffic. While it's not 100%accurate, they hold the cards and it's up to you to prove your innocence.
No one knows what the new heuristics are - but something in your post-root non-tethering data usage probably set off a false positive.
Apparently a few others have had false positives and no one knows the true triggers. Good chance that mangling your browser useragent is one of them.
Call them and complain that you received a nastygram despite not attempting to tether after the app blocked it.
I have been using unlimited data for a few years. I tethered with my iphone. Used MyWi, and then PDAnet. I was contacted by them concerning my 'illegal' use of tethering.
A few weeks ago, I switched from the Iphone to the GSII. Rooted it, and almost IMMEDIATELY got a text message saying that tethering has been added to my contract and that I lost my unlimited data.
Am I screwed here? I don't think tethering existed when I signed my original contract with unlimited data.... Can I get this back?
I do apologize if anyone felt my OP was lengthy, but I was at work and I just wanted to cover all sides of the situation just in case I couldn't respond at the time.
I use the stock browser on Cognition to surf and stream to my video player, and Opera Mobile when downloading from Filesonic, etc.
I was mainly trying to get and idea of what might becausing the flag so I would know which route to go when I do call into ATT. I don't want to receive a bill in a month or so and have to battle them then. The tethering plan wasn't included in the grandfathered Unlimited data plan, but I actually did "abuse" it for a while with my Captivate before I got my DSL installed in my new apartment.
I was just thinking that this could have possibly been some sort of scare tactic on behalf of AT&T because of my current data usage, and it was a preemptive action to contain the abuse of their already spotty 4G network.
Also, I wanted myself and any others who have had this experience to control and prevent future occurrences.
I have a friend that works for Verizon wireless and he told me that he received information from a tech that when you call into the tech support, they can get some of the details of your current rom...and conclude whether or not you are rooted, etc...how true this is idk...
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S 2 using the mind reader app...
Original email (just in case)
Dear xxx xxx,
We've noticed your service plan may need updating.
Many AT&T customers use their smartphones as a broadband connection for other devices, like laptops, netbooks or other smartphones– a practice commonly known as tethering. Tethering can be an efficient way for our customers to enjoy the benefits of AT&T's mobile broadband network and use more than one device to stay in touch with important people and information. To take advantage of this feature, we require that in addition to a data plan, you also have a tethering plan.
Our records show that you use this capability, but are not subscribed to our tethering plan. If you would like to continue tethering, please log into your account online at www.wireless.att.com , or call us at 866-975-0005, Monday -Friday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. CT, or Saturday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. CT, to sign up for the DataPro 4GB for Smartphone Tethering plan or the DataPro Enterprise 4GB for Smartphone Tethering plan.
If we don't hear from you, we'll plan to automatically enroll you into one of the above DataPro 4GB plans in an upcoming bill cycle. The specific plan selected for you will depend on your current smartphone data plan; if you are currently subscribed to another Enterprise data plan, you will automatically be enrolled in the DataPro Enterprise 4GB for Smartphone Tethering Plan so that you can continue to access corporate email and applications. Your new DataPro 4GB plan – whether you sign up on your own or we automatically enroll you – will replace your current smartphone data plan, including if you are on an unlimited data plan.
If you discontinue tethering by the end of this month, no changes to your current plan will be required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S 2 using the mind reader app...
jgotti107 said:
Original email (just in case)
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S 2 using the mind reader app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Is tethering only available as part of a specific DataPro package? If it's not available as a stand-alone option this is a really nasty and back-handed way to get people off grandfathered unlimited packages. That or to greatly reduce the network burden of tethering.
BarryH_GEG said:
Wow. Is tethering only available as part of a specific DataPro package? If it's not available as a stand-alone option this is a really nasty and back-handed way to get people off grandfathered unlimited packages. That or to greatly reduce the network burden of tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say: both.
Sent from my SGS II
BarryH_GEG said:
Wow. Is tethering only available as part of a specific DataPro package? If it's not available as a stand-alone option this is a really nasty and back-handed way to get people off grandfathered unlimited packages. That or to greatly reduce the network burden of tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my point...the phone only came on the 2nd...there's no way I could've hit a data cap like that on my own to raise a flag in a mere 2 weeks...I don't have that kind of porn habit lol...not sure if it was something in the software...quite possible that it is something in the useragent of the browser...
But it feels like I'm getting bullied here...just want something concrete to fire back with.
EDIT: Came home from work and loaded up my laptop...remembered that in a drunken stupor I was up debating between a Slingbox adapter or a Logictech Revue...and I remember that I said eff it so I downloaded the Gmote and Unified Remote apps to connect to the server in my house via wifi and use my phone to control my media and browser through my TV. Could that have triggered the email? That was at approx 12-1am last night and I recieved the email on my way to work at 9:20 this morn
I just got that same email from them this morning.
I'm a little confused as to what their plan of action is. Do they plan to add a tethering plan at the end of the month w/out our consent if we don't contact them, or will everything stay the same if we stop tethering?
"If we don't hear from you, we'll plan to automatically enroll you into one of the above DataPro 4GB plans in an upcoming bill cycle."
but then towards the end of the email, they state:
"If you discontinue tethering by the end of this month, no changes to your current plan will be required."
Should i contact them or will i be fine if i stop tethering?
Sounds to me if you don't contact them you going to get enrolled
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
I've seen a lot of these threads around different forums with plenty of people stating that they got the email, but not many of them following up whether or not their plans actually got changed or not.
Wondering how many people actually got their data plans changed or if the email is more of a warning/scare tactic.
Related
I do not mind the pricing of the phone. The only pricing I cannot seem to comprehend is the $45 dollar data plan that is required.
The plan is 2GB, same as AT&T's $25 dollar plan... Even the iPhone gets this same plan.
Why jack up the price on the ATRIX?
Pretty sure that's only if you pick up tethering.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Is it possible to buy this phone off-contract?
If you're just getting the phone and nothing else (no tethering), does it still require you to change stuff on your account? (would I have to give up my unlimited data for some retarded ATT reason?)
eatkabab said:
If you're just getting the phone and nothing else (no tethering), does it still require you to change stuff on your account? (would I have to give up my unlimited data for some retarded ATT reason?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know for sure but I would think so.
PersonOfKnownOrigin said:
Pretty sure that's only if you pick up tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
If you are getting the $45 data plan price from a certain article on theandroidblog.com - it is either a typo, or the writer just didn't know what he/she was talking about.
The official press release/article with the ATT exec stated in the applicable terms that a minimum data plan of $15 is required.
Think about it. I don't know anyone that would pay $45 for 2gb of data.
RacecarBMW said:
Is it possible to buy this phone off-contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A couple of places already are advertising $599 without contract, so apparently it will be available just like every other phone.
eatkabab said:
If you're just getting the phone and nothing else (no tethering), does it still require you to change stuff on your account? (would I have to give up my unlimited data for some retarded ATT reason?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is coding the Webtop app to require a tethering plan to use it on the AT&T network.
If you are ignoring the docks / Webtop use, you can ignore the tethering and keep your current plan.
Rastor said:
AT&T is coding the Webtop app to require a tethering plan to use it on the AT&T network.
If you are ignoring the docks / Webtop use, you can ignore the tethering and keep your current plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is all conjecture. I haven't seen anything that claims this on any news/blog/rumor site anywhere except people making weird claims on the forums.
The $45 tethering plan will get you an additional 2GB of data come February 13th for a total of 4GB.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Ok, so the article on The Android Blog was mistyped. That is a relief. a 45 dollar plan would deter anyone from the phone. $25 is better... if only I could keep my nonsmartphone Unlimited plan for $10. :/
Squeak22 said:
This is all conjecture. I haven't seen anything that claims this on any news/blog/rumor site anywhere except people making weird claims on the forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to search a little harder. There are a lot of news sites reporting the pricing. Click HERE for one of them.
Under the section titled "Motorola ATRIX™ 4G" you find this sentence in the third paragraph "The first combines ATRIX 4G and the Motorola Laptop Dock for a promotional price of $499.99 after a two-year service contract and $100 mail-in-rebate after subscription to Data Pro smartphone data plan and tethering add on.". This indicates that to get the package deal you have to sign up for the Data Pro plan which is $25 and the tethering add on which is an additional $20.
If you go down to the quotes section under #3 you see this "Laptop Dock - Firefox browser use with AT&T Mobile Broadband requires Tethering Plan.
". #4 of the same section is indicating that tethered devices require the DataPro Tethering Plan (which at&t could also call using the HD dock tethering).
So all in all, if you're buying the phone by itself, you don't need to change your data plan if you currently have a smartphone data plan. If you are buying one of the docks, be cautious, as they will more than likely require you to change it.
Now here is my speculation on why at&t stated this pricing to news groups and not on their website. They are hoping that the pricing of the atrix will convince a large majority of the people that were excited about it to change their mind and purchase the inspire 4g that comes out next week. They will then release a statement on their website with "revised pricing". Again, my speculation.
Mike, that's still your interpretation of it all. I hear where you're coming from, but it isn't final yet.
ATT told me, both on their Facebook page and from a PR contact, that the HD dock doesn't require the tethering plan. I'm awaiting more detail before I do a more thorough write up on it.
Your last argument about changing pricing purposefully doesn't make much business sense. No one likes to operate in a manner in which they appear to be inept. Do they do it? Sure. Purposefully? I highly doubt it.
Sent from my Sexy Nexy, courtesy of the fine developers of Tapatalk
It doesn't require the tethering plan if you stay in Wifi mode when you're docked. Firefox browser use with AT&T Mobile Broadband requires Tethering Plan.
Rastor said:
It doesn't require the tethering plan if you stay in Wifi mode when you're docked. Firefox browser use with AT&T Mobile Broadband requires Tethering Plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, that comment is preceded by "3 - Laptop Dock". When asked specifically about tethering and the HD dock (that also uses webtop and firefox), AT&T has said tethering is not required. I have inquired as to the reasoning behind this, and what it all really means. They have yet to respond with anything more than "we'll get back to you as soon as we can".
I have an AT&T Galaxy S II "grandfathered in", meaning I get Unlimited Data for $30 per month.
I'm looking for a way to tether the HSPA+ connection to my iPad and MacBook. I use to do this on my iPhone 4 via PDANet. I can recall PDANet having an option which "stealth's" the connection, making it seem as traffic is going through the phone instead of another device instead. This way, you can get past AT&T's stupid restrictions and use your devices data plan to tether to other devices. I use to use about 30GB-50GB of 3G Data per month tethering and never had any problems!
I downloaded PDANet through the Market, but cannot find any "stealth" setting, neither can I find a way to tether wirelesses.
To sum this up: I'm looking for a way to tether my Galaxy S II's wireless connection wirelessly (making a wireless hotspot and having other devices connect to it). I want to do this while bypassing AT&T extra overpriced tethering fees; using my unlimited data plan instead.
Note: I can easily root my device. Actually, I'm about to now! (Booting Windows 8 rig)
Thank you for the help! XDA FTW!
Search is your friend. There have been million threads about this.
AT&T analyses the data patterns of what's being transmitted to determine whether someone's tethering. I have no idea how accurate it is but my guess is if you're a high data user you'll probably get flagged.
BarryH_GEG said:
AT&T analyses the data patterns of what's being transmitted to determine whether someone's tethering. I have no idea how accurate it is but my guess is if you're a high data user you'll probably get flagged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's probably one contributing factor - their detection methods probably consume enough resources that they're not enabled in most cases until something flags you for investigation.
However I do know of at least one light tetherer (approx. 1GB usage) that apparently got nailed.
Just an update: I found out about Barnacle Wifi Tether, which seems to be my best bet. Two problems:
1. I'm not rooted (SuperOneClick is hanging while trying to root, but I do have a new kernel running). SuperOneClick hangs on "waiting for device". USB Debugging is checked in my settings and I have tried unplugging the device, turning off USB debugging, turning USB Debugging back on, then plugging the device back in. NO GO. Does anybody happen to know what my problem could be? I'm running the program as Admin on Windows 8 x64; running on a good rig.
2. "This item is not available on your carrier." SMD, AT&T. I'm sure there is a way around this - by downloading the APK elsewhere, perhaps? Any two cents on this?
Google has a Tether app. Does everything for you.
No, I don't have the link. No, I won't search for it. Why? Because people like you that use 30-50GB a month are the reason AT&T started cracking down on tethering. It's thanks to you that tethering plans are so expensive and why they keep trying to nail people that tether. I rarely tether but I use my phone pretty heavily and I still very rarely break 3GB a month. 30-50GB is stupidly excessive. Hope they backcharge you.
+1 on this ^^^
I never tether and use 6-8 GB a month using Pandora 5+ hours a day.
In the captivate forum someone claimed it was tracked down to the browser user agent. If you use IE they look for that browser agent. There was also someone that used the IE user agent data in the android browser to force desktop view and got a warning to stop tethering even though they never had. That might explain why you never got noticed with your iPhone, if you used safari on your Mac.
I don't think we'll ever know for sure how att sniffs it out, I bet they keep it under tight wraps.
Sent from my SGS II
quarlow said:
+1 on this ^^^
I never tether and use 6-8 GB a month using Pandora 5+ hours a day.
In the captivate forum someone claimed it was tracked down to the browser user agent. If you use IE they look for that browser agent. There was also someone that used the IE user agent data in the android browser to force desktop view and got a warning to stop tethering even though they never had. That might explain why you never got noticed with your iPhone, if you used safari on your Mac.
I don't think we'll ever know for sure how att sniffs it out, I bet they keep it under tight wraps.
Sent from my SGS II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The User Agent on iPhone's Safari and Mac's Safari are different; but AT&T may just be stupid enough to get them mixed up
Not to mention, I use a desktop user agent on my Galaxy S II sometimes. Hmm. Makes you think.
User agents can EASILY be changed, though I can't find an option for Dolphin HD to change it...Weird.
hotleadsingerguy said:
Google has a Tether app. Does everything for you.
No, I don't have the link. No, I won't search for it. Why? Because people like you that use 30-50GB a month are the reason AT&T started cracking down on tethering. It's thanks to you that tethering plans are so expensive and why they keep trying to nail people that tether. I rarely tether but I use my phone pretty heavily and I still very rarely break 3GB a month. 30-50GB is stupidly excessive. Hope they backcharge you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google's tethering App automatically activates AT&T's tethering data plan as far as I know. I went to activate it once and it said "Waiting for Activation" or something of that sort. I canceled it, though.
I don't use 30-50GB per month; that was only once and was due to my cousins watching porn and torrenting 24/7. It was actually accidental, I never knew they were using so much data until I checked my data usage one day at school to see how much I had used.
I use 4GB per month; max. Not to mention, I mainly tether to my iPad only most of the time. MacBook just isn't *that* portable.
Google Tethering in this forum instead !
Answers and solutions are already there. No, you don't need another app. Yes, you have to root your phone.
Colton127 said:
I have an AT&T Galaxy S II "grandfathered in", meaning I get Unlimited Data for $30 per month.
I'm looking for a way to tether the HSPA+ connection to my iPad and MacBook. I use to do this on my iPhone 4 via PDANet. I can recall PDANet having an option which "stealth's" the connection, making it seem as traffic is going through the phone instead of another device instead. This way, you can get past AT&T's stupid restrictions and use your devices data plan to tether to other devices. I use to use about 30GB-50GB of 3G Data per month tethering and never had any problems!
I downloaded PDANet through the Market, but cannot find any "stealth" setting, neither can I find a way to tether wirelesses.
To sum this up: I'm looking for a way to tether my Galaxy S II's wireless connection wirelessly (making a wireless hotspot and having other devices connect to it). I want to do this while bypassing AT&T extra overpriced tethering fees; using my unlimited data plan instead.
Note: I can easily root my device. Actually, I'm about to now! (Booting Windows 8 rig)
Thank you for the help! XDA FTW!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, what a dbag. Get out of here with your 30-50gb/mth, thanks for making the rest of us suffer because you can't afford a land line.
Finally got my device rooted. It was a driver issue, damn Samsung. Somehow the PDANet installer automatically installed working drivers for me.
I installed Barncale Wifi tether from their website and hooked up my MacBook and iPad. Pretty decent speeds, but since I live out in the country (around trees and such), I won't get above 3G speeds. In my town I get about 6mbit, though.
link12245 said:
Honestly, what a dbag. Get out of here with your 30-50gb/mth, thanks for making the rest of us suffer because you can't afford a land line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The time I hit 30GB+ of usage was a LONG time ago. If I were to hit that again, then I'd be throttled at about 10GB. You aren't suffering much.
Oh, and I do have a land line. It just sucks (4mbit). That's the highest I can get where I live.
Not to mention, I can't take a land line with me.
Colton127 said:
Finally got my device rooted. It was a driver issue, damn Samsung. Somehow the PDANet installer automatically installed working drivers for me.
I installed Barncale Wifi tether from their website and hooked up my MacBook and iPad. Pretty decent speeds, but since I live out in the country (around trees and such), I won't get above 3G speeds. In my town I get about 6mbit, though.
The time I hit 30GB+ of usage was a LONG time ago. If I were to hit that again, then I'd be throttled at about 10GB. You aren't suffering much.
Oh, and I do have a land line. It just sucks (4mbit). That's the highest I can get where I live.
Not to mention, I can't take a land line with me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude just ignore them they are clearly the kind of people who think you should use the amount of data ATT thinks you should!
I on the other hand pay for unlimted so i use as much as i can and don't care what others think.
Definitions of unlimited (adj)
un·lim·it·ed [ un límmitəd ]
not restricted: without limits, restrictions, or controls
infinite: lacking or appearing to lack a boundary or end
complete or total: not subject to qualification or exception
Synonyms: limitless, infinite, unrestricted, unrestrained, boundless, unconstrained, on tap, indefinite, ad nauseam, bottomless
lordstrife said:
Dude just ignore them they are clearly the kind of people who think you should use the amount of data ATT thinks you should!
I on the other hand pay for unlimted so i use as much as i can and don't care what others think.
Definitions of unlimited (adj)
un·lim·it·ed [ un límmitəd ]
not restricted: without limits, restrictions, or controls
infinite: lacking or appearing to lack a boundary or end
complete or total: not subject to qualification or exception
Synonyms: limitless, infinite, unrestricted, unrestrained, boundless, unconstrained, on tap, indefinite, ad nauseam, bottomless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 and I have never tethered. I was FORCED to a unlimited plan many many hears ago with a Motorola Q9h I think it was called, upgraded to a cappy grandfathered in, and now on the SGS2. So like it says I have UNLIMITED and that is exactly how it should be, directly taken from your example from a dictionary. I have ALWAYS used dolphin HD with it set to desktop and so far I have never received a warning text from them. Maybe lucky, maybe will in time, nut I WILL argue my point with them about it if/when it does come up. I understand that those who use a lot of bandwidth slow it for others but we shouldn't be able to gripe about it since most HAD TO be forced onto the unlimited plan at some point when att made us. So don't worry about others that cry about it, they GET what they pay for as do us with the UNLIMITED plan. It is just their tough luck they didn't get it when they could have.
Brought to you by my KICKASS CM7 AT&T SGS2
Flashing a custom rom and using the mobile tether ive never had a problem. Well.last september i used about 5gb tethering my touchpad and i thought that was a lot lol~ havnt flashed a custom rom on my sgs2 so cant test lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
lordstrife said:
Dude just ignore them they are clearly the kind of people who think you should use the amount of data ATT thinks you should!
I on the other hand pay for unlimted so i use as much as i can and don't care what others think.
Definitions of unlimited (adj)
un·lim·it·ed [ un límmitəd ]
not restricted: without limits, restrictions, or controls
infinite: lacking or appearing to lack a boundary or end
complete or total: not subject to qualification or exception
Synonyms: limitless, infinite, unrestricted, unrestrained, boundless, unconstrained, on tap, indefinite, ad nauseam, bottomless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You paid for unlimited WITHOUT tethering.
Tether abusers caused AT&T to kill the unlimited plans for those who actually use our devices in a reasonable fashion, and caused AT&T to institute the advanced tethering detection mechanisms they have in place now.
As a result, those who do tether responsibly are still at risk of getting nailed because of those that didn't.
Running cognition rom I can use the native tether and no probs here
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Entropy512 said:
You paid for unlimited WITHOUT tethering.
Tether abusers caused AT&T to kill the unlimited plans for those who actually use our devices in a reasonable fashion, and caused AT&T to institute the advanced tethering detection mechanisms they have in place now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What killed the unlimited data plan is not directly connected to tethering. It's the fact that AT&T was unable to handle the iPhone on their network alone.
Anyways, the new plans are making them MUCH more money. For one, people can now afford a smartphone as it's only $15/month more instead of $30/month more. This has caused many of my friends to get a smartphone, upgrading from their dumbphones.
Second, users who want a lot of data will have to pay more and more.
Third, most users didn't even go over 2GB of usage.
Verzion did the exact same thing, and I do believe Sprint is too follow. Sprint's network is slow enough already.
Don't go blaming people who tethered the reason behind no unlimited plan. Blame AT&T, the greedy bastards who just wanted to make more $$$. It's not our fault, sir.
Detection
So, I've had AT&T for quite some time and enjoyed the 'unlimited' plan for equally as long. I had a Nokia N900 and I was able to tether/share and pretty much what-ever I want. Only problem was I never got 3G speeds on it.
About a year ago I was messing with a friends Android. I slapped my SIM in the phone, rebooted, played around some and then took my SIM out and gave it back to him. About an hour later on my phone I get this text message 'You've been switched to the 2GB Smart phone plan'. WTF?!?! So I call up AT&T support and they explain why it was switched and give me back my unlimited account (once I promised them that my friends phone wouldn't show up with my SIM in it again)
This brings me to last week. I see the S2 and decide that its the new phone I want. I call up and find out under no uncertain terms that my 'unlimited' plan will be taken from me the second I upgrade to any sort of smart phone. My only option is to leave AT&T and they are fine with that.
So then I think, I'll just buy another phone and be sneaky. Just to test I drop my SIM into my blackjack II I have laying around. Check my AT&T account about an hour later and find that sure enough, I've now been switched to the Smartphone plan again. No text message, no notification, nothing. No back out options, zip, nada, zilch.
In the end I gave up. It seems almost pointless to try and play games since I'm on their network which they run and control. Sure I'm quite sad about losing my unlimited plan and would do just about anything to get it back. I even considered leaving but everyone else's 'unlimited' plans aren't unlimited once you read the small print. I'm not a huge data user, but I do tend to go a little beyond the 4GB limit since I like to stream pandora and there are times when I'll need to download an iso image for someone's computer that I'm working on remotely somewhere and can't get online. Those options are now all gone for me.
If anyone has any suggestions I've only had my phone for a few days. If I knew I could call up AT&T and get my unlimited plan back with my S2 I'd do it. But each rep I talked to on the phone said that the 'unlimited' code that I had was no longer in the system and there was nothing they could do for me (of course). How everyone else is getting away with this or holding on to their unlimited plans I've no idea.
Entropy512 said:
You paid for unlimited WITHOUT tethering.
Tether abusers caused AT&T to kill the unlimited plans for those who actually use our devices in a reasonable fashion, and caused AT&T to institute the advanced tethering detection mechanisms they have in place now.
As a result, those who do tether responsibly are still at risk of getting nailed because of those that didn't.
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Blah that's BS. We all know why they got rid of unlimited plans and created tethering plans... MONEY. Cash is king and we are pawns for them to make money off of. They could care less how much data we use. What they care about is a way to score some cash for what we use the data for. Give it time, unlimited will be back to compete for dominance over a traditional land line.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
I've searched for a definitive answer on this, but can't find it.
If I use PDAnet on my i777 will I get immediately flagged for tethering?
I know that AT&T has advanced detection schemes to analyze data patterns, but I don't plan on using PDAnet for tethering very often at all - only when I'm stuck somewhere on the road where there's no other option. The amount of data that I would use would not in itself be anywhere near enough to trigger any kind of high-use detection scheme.
As long as data usage is low, does using PDAnet for tethering bypass AT&T's detection schemes?
If not, is there anything that can be done to prevent triggering of AT&T's tethering schemes for occasional, low usage tethering with or without PDAnet?
Yes, Att can see when you even Tether even 1kb. Att unjustly monitors your actions to make sure you are not tethering (its not illegal to tether) Ive checked over their terms and agreements and there is nothing in there that we agree to to allow att to monitor us like that. Sadly there is no law against corporations spying on people so this is allowed in America. Wonderful country we live in right?
#occupywallstreet
i tether 5gb everymonth and Ive never had a problem. Ive been doing this for a couble of years.
Is this on a i777? Using PDAnet?
DKS1282 said:
Yes, Att can see when you even Tether even 1kb. Att unjustly monitors your actions to make sure you are not tethering (its not illegal to tether) Ive checked over their terms and agreements and there is nothing in there that we agree to to allow att to monitor us like that. Sadly there is no law against corporations spying on people so this is allowed in America. Wonderful country we live in right?
#occupywallstreet
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http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-p...ended Purposes Of The Wireless Data Service?
Section 6.2 of the Wireless Customer Agreement.
Not only can att charge you for tethering, and back charge you, they need no proof, just a suspicion. They can also disconnect your line, then send you a bill for the tethering and your ETF.
You agreed not to tether at several points, at the onset of your att contract, when you signed up for data, and yearly when they send you another copy of your TOS.
Att has every right to control what you do on their network, especially when you have the ability to detract from the experience of others by using excessive bandwidth.
All the occupy wall street BS is such a joke.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
quarlow said:
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-p...ended Purposes Of The Wireless Data Service?
Section 6.2 of the Wireless Customer Agreement.
Not only can att charge you for tethering, and back charge you, they need no proof, just a suspicion. They can also disconnect your line, then send you a bill for the tethering and your ETF.
You agreed not to tether at several points, at the onset of your att contract, when you signed up for data, and yearly when they send you another copy of your TOS.
Att has every right to control what you do on their network, especially when you have the ability to detract from the experience of others by using excessive bandwidth.
All the occupy wall street BS is such a joke.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
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I've never received a tos even after requesting one. When I got my data plan tethering and the iPhone did not exist so now what?
If you think occupy is a joke you either have no clue what this is about, are rich, or just plain blind.
You are free to do what ever they tell you to do sir. Enjoy your slavery, ill still continue to fight for your rights as a human.
I wont get drawn into a debate about propoganda and rhetoric, so this is my final comment on that subject.
If you want to occupy wall street do it with your wallet. Because you sound like such an upstanding citizen I'm sure you have never given the following companies your money: AT&T, apple, Walmart, target, Amazon, Starbucks, McDonald's, Costco, any car manufacturer, etc. You also don't have a bank account, nor purchased a home in the past few years. Plus if you inherited a family fortune you would pay your full tax amount and donate the rest to charity.
The corporations aren't to blame, every American is. Everyone that enabled the distribution of wealth to be where it is. Instead of spewing propaganda like diarrhea of the mouth, be the change you want to see, set an example. Stop enabling the corporations. I'm glad to see your are doing your part by buying a brand new expensive smartphone.
Okay, back to the topic at hand, tethering. You risk identification every time you tether. If caught, because you have violated your terms, you will pay. Don't be ignorant enough to think that failure to read your terms means you are not liable. For example if you had an iPhone in the past you agreed twice to not tether, once in iTunes to activate your phone, and again on the phone itself. Att only give your one warning. If you stop tethering you're fine. If not you will permanently lose unlimited data if you have it.
There are plenty of ways to tether. If you root your phone you can use the built in tethering very easily. Regardless of how you tether, if you don't pay for it, it's at your own risk.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
wified said:
I've searched for a definitive answer on this, but can't find it.
If I use PDAnet on my i777 will I get immediately flagged for tethering?
I know that AT&T has advanced detection schemes to analyze data patterns, but I don't plan on using PDAnet for tethering very often at all - only when I'm stuck somewhere on the road where there's no other option. The amount of data that I would use would not in itself be anywhere near enough to trigger any kind of high-use detection scheme.
As long as data usage is low, does using PDAnet for tethering bypass AT&T's detection schemes?
If not, is there anything that can be done to prevent triggering of AT&T's tethering schemes for occasional, low usage tethering with or without PDAnet?
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I think they also check on the BROWSER type... So if IE is detected, that *might* present a problem more than the sporadic use...
---------- Post added at 10:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 AM ----------
DKS1282 said:
Yes, Att can see when you even Tether even 1kb. Att unjustly monitors your actions to make sure you are not tethering (its not illegal to tether) Ive checked over their terms and agreements and there is nothing in there that we agree to to allow att to monitor us like that. Sadly there is no law against corporations spying on people so this is allowed in America. Wonderful country we live in right?
#occupywallstreet
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LOL! Love your Occupy wall street *SIG* on last line BTW!!! It's not so much as *SPYING* because they're not monitoring what you're actually doing unless subpoena'd by Law Enforcement...
It's more about corporate greed... They already have the tech and infrastructure in place for tethering why not give it away as a perk? Answer because they don't have to and they want $. Why else would they charge $ for TEXTING???! Really!??!? Txting is such a bandwidth hog that they have to charge end users subsidies just so that they can quickly send txts?!???
*sigh* it's nothing more than big corp trying to squeeze every penny that they can...
There's no "if you get caught" in computers. They monitor for specific signatures, they see each and every one each and every time. They also surely monitor data usage. Given that they've never sent me a cease and desist, and I've been tethering since EDGE was the fastest network (though I'm not a heavy user by any definition), tethering by itself would not appear to be their primary concern. I think AT&T cares more about how much data you use. They take action against users who consistently degrade network performance, regardless of how the user is doing it...
Hi guys just wanted to let you know I found a way to get a working free mobile hotspot from Big Red using the same method as the Bionic's (thanx to who ever found this). Anyway I made a quick video for the the Razr. As for those wondering about Big Red watching you, I used 43 gb last month and 32 gb so far this month Also here's an article from XDA about throttling legalities on 4g networks. Can't say for sure, I'm no lawyer but it looks legit.
Worked perfectly. Thanks!
Your account can be flagged, and Verizon can either sue you for illegally using (read: stealing) their services, throttle you permanently, or just be nice and just tack on the tethering price to your monthly bill without telling you.
This is illegal, don't do it.
looks like you copied zedomax post man...
i am 1addictsad78 and i just found a way to resolve to endless loop by changing the MTU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdTOOfogAaU
So, we should stay away from this procedure???
[TSON] said:
Your account can be flagged, and Verizon can either sue you for illegally using (read: stealing) their services, throttle you permanently, or just be nice and just tack on the tethering price to your monthly bill without telling you.
This is illegal, don't do it.
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This is NOT illegal, in my mind, if you have payed for a certain amount of data. You are not stealing their services because hot spotting is NOT their service. It is a a feature built into your phone that they blocked so they could charge you extra. Period. Even if this was illegal, you can always root and install a tethering app. At that point, I'd like to see them explain why this is still a service provided by then.
[TSON] said:
Your account can be flagged, and Verizon can either sue you for illegally using (read: stealing) their services, throttle you permanently, or just be nice and just tack on the tethering price to your monthly bill without telling you.
This is illegal, don't do it.
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You are probably correct. I changed the setting back after testing because I don't need any legal issues (or an increase in my bill), but for people who don't care or think they won't get caught, the procedure at least appears sound...
i have a massive data when i started using the thunderbolt with open garden tether. I'm a netflix guy and use as a modem to my apartment for over 6months and never get flagged. now i have the droid razr doing this Verizon hotspot too.
grandfathered rules!
It's not a matter of legality. It's not illegal.
It's a matter of ethics. Are you willing to break the Terms of Service that you signed agreement with when you bought the service? And are you willing to deal with Verizon's reaction when they find out? If they add a tether charge to your account, you earned it.
@ x2breakoffate, you have paid for unlimited phone data. You have not paid for ANY tether data. They sold it to you with the data blocked. If you didn't like that you should not have bought a phone that was crippled.
What you offered is a lame attempt to make yourself feel better, not a justification.
If any of you would read the full post and the associated links, you would know about the Block C provision. I've used it for a couple months on the Bionic and had no problems.
@ ad78.....I'm sorry it wasn't clearly stated that this was not my own work and I copied it from the Bionic
jkoldha said:
Hi guys just wanted to let you know I found a way to get a working free mobile hotspot from Big Red using the same method as the Bionic's (thanx to who ever found this).
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@ everyone else: Stated I am no lawyer but I can say for those like me on the UNLIMITED DATA PLAN, yes I think it's BS that they lock down the devices and limit tethering to a usb. As posted earlier http://goo.gl/cL3L1 it is illegal under Block C to limit or throttle 4g devices.
You can throttle Block C devices for reasonable network management reasons (you using a 100 GB of data per month and therefore causing data congestion is one of those reasons).
And yes, it is illegal to use a paid service without paying for it.
I could tap into DirectTV's cable service and use it for free somehow, or get channels that I'm not paying for...is it simply a moral dilemma because they lock it down "simply because they want to charge me money" for them?
Terms of use aren't just a wall of text there because they want to put it there, it's a legally binding document that you AGREED to (which is the equivalent of signing). They CAN sue you for "pirating" their officially branded tethering service on their network. That's what you're doing. You're disabling the check in THEIR software to make sure you have the tethering plan, and you're using THEIR officially branded service, through THEM, without paying THEM. That is illegal.
The only difference between this and pirating a version of Microsoft Office and disabling the serial check is the fact that it's more easily monitored since all of the stolen data you're sending is going through their servers, possibly with something attached that tells Verizon that you're tethering.
Santoro said:
you have paid for unlimited phone data. You have not paid for ANY tether data.
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There is no difference to phone data and tether data.
It's all just information sent by the TCP-IP protocol.
It is like buying a book, but you are only allowed to read it outside because you have not payed for the ability to read it by artificial light.
Its still stealing bottom line. If you can afford a smartphone you should be able to afford internet at home or just pay extra for a tethering plan.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using XDA App
But in order for this to not count towards you're data is if you're on the grandfather plan and rooted right? Cuz if ur on a 4gb plan then you're data would count correct?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk
With a net income of over 3 billion, I don't think it hurts them that much from the very few root user users and even fewer heavy 4g users.
tgeigel said:
But in order for this to not count towards you're data is if you're on the grandfather plan and rooted right? Cuz if ur on a 4gb plan then you're data would count correct?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk
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Not sure what you mean. Basically I was grandfathered in on 3g unlimited so I fell into the unlimited 4g plan. Yes you have to be rooted to use this.
jkoldha said:
Not sure what you mean. Basically I was grandfathered in on 3g unlimited so I fell into the unlimited 4g plan. Yes you have to be rooted to use this.
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Yea I meant the unlimited data plan. That's the only way you can use the tether hack because if your not on the unlimited data then if you use this hack you're data will count right?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk
or you could just download the latest android wifi tether app from google. it works perfectly.
pajn said:
There is no difference to phone data and tether data.
It's all just information sent by the TCP-IP protocol.
It is like buying a book, but you are only allowed to read it outside because you have not payed for the ability to read it by artificial light.
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No, it's like buying basic cable and expecting to get all of the channels. It's all just data sent by the cable line after all!!!
jkoldha said:
With a net income of over 3 billion, I don't think it hurts them that much from the very few root user users and even fewer heavy 4g users.
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Right, let's just all steal food from Walmart, it's a multi-billion dollar retail chain, it won't hurt much.
Honestly, if you're going to tether, at least use a 3rd party app. Using their software to steal free service is like peeing on a cop car and expecting to get away with it.
[TSON] said:
No, it's like buying basic cable and expecting to get all of the channels. It's all just data sent by the cable line after all!!!
Right, let's just all steal food from Walmart, it's a multi-billion dollar retail chain, it won't hurt much.
Honestly, if you're going to tether, at least use a 3rd party app. Using their software to steal free service is like peeing on a cop car and expecting to get away with it.
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Ok but if you use a 3rd party app to tether its still using your data allowence right?
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk
When I try to turn the hotspot function on through settings, it says "use of this service requires a subscription to Mobile Hotspot or Mobile Broadband Connect..." which I don't have. But when I use Power Toggles to turn on the hotspot function, I am able to connect my computer to my device.
Is there a way that Verizon would figure out that I can use their hotspot function without paying for the monthly subscription?
I've been using it for over two years with out them knowing.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Jonnay0808 said:
When I try to turn the hotspot function on through settings, it says "use of this service requires a subscription to Mobile Hotspot or Mobile Broadband Connect..." which I don't have. But when I use Power Toggles to turn on the hotspot function, I am able to connect my computer to my device.
Is there a way that Verizon would figure out that I can use their hotspot function without paying for the monthly subscription?
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The simple answer is Yes. No matter what method you use for enabling tethering on your phone, if Verizon cares to examine the data going in and out of your phone, they can tell if you're tethering.
Will they bother to look? Will they do anything about it? Those are the more relevant questions.
My philosophy is, don't abuse it and they'll probably never look at you. I suspect that somebody, somewhere at Verizon is responsible for running a report every month of their top data users who don't pay for tethering. Then, they go look at those users and bust the ones that they find are tethering without paying for it. My personal goal is just to make sure I'm fare enough down that list that they never get to looking at me.
I can tell you that according to the C block spectrum that Verizon leases for their LTE network, they can not stop, inhibit, or penalize you for tethering your phone while on LTE. It is in the licensing rights of their spectrum. Hence, all the new plans include free wifi tethering. Now, this was not an oversight, because Verizon used to attempt to block tethering apps from the play store to their customers. The FCC just so happened to put a stop to that 2 months prior to Verizon announcing new Share Everthing plans that include tethering. Verizon knows that the people who tether tend to use a lot more data. With more data being used across the whole account, the customer pays more. Verizon only wanted to prevent People from tethering long enough to release the new plans, because they are doing exactly what they intended them to do... Convince people who don't use a lot of data to move to a tiered plan and give them hotspot for free. Saying "Try it. If you find it convenient, you can add a mobile hotspot device to your plan for only $20 more a month and you can connect up to 10 things to it. All while conserving your phones battery life".
Man that is a big assumption .
stuartv said:
I suspect that somebody, somewhere at Verizon is responsible for running a report every month of their top data users who don't pay for tethering. Then, they go look at those users and bust the ones that they find are tethering without paying for it. My personal goal is just to make sure I'm fare enough down that list that they never get to looking at me.
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Itsmyphoneyo said:
I can tell you that according to the C block spectrum that Verizon leases for their LTE network, they can not stop, inhibit, or penalize you for tethering your phone while on LTE. It is in the licensing rights of their spectrum. Hence, all the new plans include free wifi tethering. Now, this was not an oversight, because Verizon used to attempt to block tethering apps from the play store to their customers. The FCC just so happened to put a stop to that 2 months prior to Verizon announcing new Share Everthing plans that include tethering. Verizon knows that the people who tether tend to use a lot more data. With more data being used across the whole account, the customer pays more. Verizon only wanted to prevent People from tethering long enough to release the new plans, because they are doing exactly what they intended them to do... Convince people who don't use a lot of data to move to a tiered plan and give them hotspot for free. Saying "Try it. If you find it convenient, you can add a mobile hotspot device to your plan for only $20 more a month and you can connect up to 10 things to it. All while conserving your phones battery life".
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Yes and no. The FCC left the door wide open to Verizon managing tethering by unlimited users. The FCC specifically only took issue with usage based customers being charged. Additionally, the Share Everything plans preceded the Verizon/FCC consent decree by one month.
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ilkevinli said:
Man that is a big assumption .
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Actually, it's exactly what I said it was. A suspicion. Nothing more.
That is a very descriptive "suspicion".
stuartv said:
Actually, it's exactly what I said it was. A suspicion. Nothing more.
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najaboy said:
Yes and no. The FCC left the door wide open to Verizon managing tethering by unlimited users. The FCC specifically only took issue with usage based customers being charged. Additionally, the Share Everything plans preceded the Verizon/FCC consent decree by one month.
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You are wrong my friend, there is no difference from a tiered data user and an unlimited one on C block. And the FCC stepped in 2 months prior to the share everything plans, Verizon finally took action one month prior. They were allowed time to coordinate the stop of blocking those apps.
Itsmyphoneyo said:
You are wrong my friend, there is no difference from a tiered data user and an unlimited one on C block. And the FCC stepped in 2 months prior to the share everything plans, Verizon finally took action one month prior. They were allowed time to coordinate the stop of blocking those apps.
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The FCC actually began their investigation in Oct 2011 and first contacted Verizon in November 2011. The discussion of timing is fairly inconsequential, so let's move on to the meat & potatoes...
The assertion that this also applicable to unlimited plan users is directly contradicted by the plain language of the consent decree published by the FCC, which explicitly states, ”... customers on unlimited usage plans must continue to pay an additional fee to tether their devices.” Additionally, “ nothing herein prejudices Verizon Wireless's right to [...] take remedial actions, including termination of service, against customers who violate the terms and conditions of their service plans or Verizon Wireless's policies applicable to the service provided to such customers.”
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