Why not tethering capability on IPhone 3G?

[chadaw]

I have read on other forums that the IPhone 3G will not have tethering capabilities (at least the non-jail break version). This is discouraging to me. For those who do not know tethering is using your cell phone as a modem so you can bring Internet to your laptop. I am a freelance web and graphic designer and sometimes work downtown in a restaurant or coffee shop. Wifi isn't always available even in Downtown Chicago. Since I will be paying 30-45 a month just for the data plan I think its only fair to allow tethering up to a certain amount. I will not be a data hog as I have high speed internet at home, but occasionally need to use data in town.

What do you guys think about it?

[roalgumo7]

You could always get those mini modems where you can put your cellphone chip and are compatible with 3G...

[Sam DaCool]

Originally Posted by roalgumo7

You could always get those mini modems where you can put your cellphone chip and are compatible with 3G...

Yeah I've heard about those but I'm hasty about getting one.

[chadaw]

Originally Posted by roalgumo7

You could always get those mini modems where you can put your cellphone chip and are compatible with 3G...

I read about that in one of the other mac sites and I am not sure, I would think that would breech a data plan contract.

[webwise]

Tethering would be awesome, but the reality is, it would be $30-40 extra, which is the going rate for most smartphone tethering services. That's in ADDITION to your data service.

I'm with you as far as wanting this feature - I too, am not tied down and can design websites anywhere - and currently have to locate free wifi hotspots in my area instead of having greater freedom with data access anywhere...

[chadaw]

Originally Posted by webwise

Tethering would be awesome, but the reality is, it would be $30-40 extra, which is the going rate for most smartphone tethering services. That's in ADDITION to your data service.

I'm with you as far as wanting this feature - I too, am not tied down and can design websites anywhere - and currently have to locate free wifi hotspots in my area instead of having greater freedom with data access anywhere...

I just don't understand all the expense in ISP. I mean once again I have to get on the soap box about having AT&T Fast DSL, then the $30 data plan for IPhone and then if it did have tethering it would be another $30-40? Sheesh they are starting to charge for the Internet like Chicago taxes. Why not one fee for all the Internet you actually want.

[webwise]

Tell me about it!

On a similar note, does anyone know anything about WiMAX?
It would be awesome if it rolled out and we could have high-speed in many more places...

[chadaw]

Originally Posted by webwise

Tell me about it!

On a similar note, does anyone know anything about WiMAX?
It would be awesome if it rolled out and we could have high-speed in many more places...

No, I haven't. What is WiMax?

[webwise]

Originally Posted by chadaw

No, I haven't. What is WiMax?

Glad you asked:
What is WiMax? — WIMAX

Basically, large-scale wireless access - think "huge wifi hotspots"...

But it seems it has it's negatives - more here:
WiMax.com - WIMAX technology, news, jobs, training, and WIMAX conferences

[chadaw]

Originally Posted by webwise

Glad you asked:
What is WiMax? — WIMAX

Basically, large-scale wireless access - think "huge wifi hotspots"...

But it seems it has it's negatives - more here:
WiMax.com - WIMAX technology, news, jobs, training, and WIMAX conferences

Don't know, I skimmed those sites. I am more of a roaming nomad. Thanks for the info though.