Its been a while, but I finally decided to figure out how this tethering stuff works on my cell phone. I've used for a couple of minutes in the past, but since I usually have access to network I never really need to use the tethering feature. Also didn't want to get slapped with per use charges on my cell phone bill so I signed of quickly once I saw that it actually worked.

However, now that I think about it; It seems all tethering does is allow your computer to use your cell phone's existing internet capability in order to browse the web on the computer screen with full keyboard versus a 3 inch cell phone screen. If its the same connection then why do cell phone companies (like AT&T) want to charge $60 for a tethering plan for 5 GB data, versus only $30 for an unlimited internet plan on the phone? Nothing stops people from tethering their bluetooth phone to a PC, so how will a cell phone company even know if a customer is "tethering" or not (unless they use insane amount of data) And if they don't know, then why does a 5GB tethering plan twice as much as an unlimited plan?

 

tether.com

This was originally developed for blackberry's. it is a one time fee and turns your phone in a internet modem, it bypasses the need for a tethering program and uses your phone's data plan. i use it occasionally with my blackberry and the internet speeds are very quick running firefox.

currently they are working on making this program for window Os based phones, androids and of course the iphone.

 

So are you paying for a tethering plan or are you just using it?

The reason I'm asking is because att wants 60/month (versus 30) to tether my cell to my laptop. That is b.s. and too much to pay for the few times that I actually need to use this. If I were going to pay that much I'd get Clear.

I am wondering if I tether every once in a while, will att know that I'm doing it and slap me with some excess data usage fees.

 

Yes, they will know. When tethering, it is your computer accessing the network and not your phone. Your phone is just the modem.

I'm sure with a little research you could find some hacks to disable the tethering detection.