Verizon Forced To Allow Tethering - What are the implications for AT&T?

[daleraver]

Here is some good news that will surely apply to AT&T users in the near future:

"Verizon Wireless is no longer allowed to block apps that allow people to use their 4G LTE smartphones as Wi-Fi hotspots. And the carrier will pay the Federal Communications Commission a $1.25 million fine, the government agency said Tuesday."

"...It's unclear if customers with an unlimited data plan will be forced to give up that data plan if they use a tethering app. Previously, that has been the case. What's more, the settlement only applies apps on Verizon's 4G LTE network. It's unclear whether Verizon will continue to charge 3G-only customers the additional $20 fee for tethering their smartphones, if they use these third party tethering apps."

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57...ethering-apps/

Sounds like a win for us for a change.

[goestoeleven]

it's also unclear if this will have any impact on AT&T or Sprint users. Directly, I'd guess no, but indirectly, if customers start moving for free tethering, then maybe?

[Sam73065]

it's also unclear if this will have any impact on AT&T or Sprint users. Directly, I'd guess no, but indirectly, if customers start moving for free tethering, then maybe?

This has no impact on ATTM or Sprint customers, this only effects VZW LTE customers. Also in reading the compliance order, it only prohibits VZW from blocking those apps from being downloaded and used. It does not appear from my reading of the order, to force VZW to allow users w/unlimited data to tether for free nor does it really order VZW to allow anyone to tether for free. I'm not convinced yet, that this is the major victory that many are claiming. What's to stop VZW from charging for tethering, no matter whose application you use? That's not prohibited in this order.

[daleraver]

Just a guess, but if VZ drops all of their tethering upcharges, even from non LTE plans, then I would expect AT&T to back off also. Otherwise, AT&T will be on thin ice if they try to force tethering plans on those who do choose to tether. The FCC basically stated that if you are paying for a FIXED amount of data, then it's your business how you use it. It is still unclear how this might apply to those with unlimited plans. There is a good argument on both sides regarding unlimited data service.

I hope the LTE license for AT&T contains the same provision that VZ agreed to.

[formercanuck]

Be careful ... Plans are not called Internet , but 'smartphone data plans'. Calling it Internet and restricting would not be wise. Since they call it a 'smartphone data plan' or 'iPhone data plan', they can tailor restrictions to the 'data plan', while the typical user thinks it is the generic Internet with no restrictions

[Sam73065]

Just a guess, but if VZ drops all of their tethering upcharges, even from non LTE plans, then I would expect AT&T to back off also. Otherwise, AT&T will be on thin ice if they try to force tethering plans on those who do choose to tether. The FCC basically stated that if you are paying for a FIXED amount of data, then it's your business how you use it. It is still unclear how this might apply to those with unlimited plans. There is a good argument on both sides regarding unlimited data service.

I hope the LTE license for AT&T contains the same provision that VZ agreed to.

No, actually they did not say that at all. It also only applies to phones which access the 700 mhz C-block, in other words LTE phones.

Specifically, Verizon Wireless: (i) agrees to implement within thirty (30)
calendar days after the Effective Date a Compliance Plan relating to its future compliance with
the C-Block rules, including the rules governing the availability and use of Third-party
Applications, including Tethering Applications, by customers using Verizon Wireless’s C-Block
Network;

Where does this or any other part of the compliance order, state that VZW must allow customers to tether for free? It only states that VZW cannot block customers from using the tethering app of their choice. I believe that you should be able to use the data you purchase on a tiered data plan however you want, but that's not what is written in this compliance order.
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Rele...-12-1228A1.pdf

[johnhere]

With that huge fine vz must be struggling to come up with it. May ruin their next financial quarter

[Barry ATL]

The 700 mhz-C block had the open access restrictions when Verizon bid on the block years ago. The block is a nationwide block and that made it attractive, however AT&T did not want to live with the restrictions. I have been waiting to see when this would bite Verizon in the rear.

[RogersUser1]

Can't you get around this by using third party apps like MyWi?

[i0wnj00]

This only affects the apps, not the act of tethering itself. The latter requires a extra fee anyways as stated in its TOS.
Since the Android market has a ton of apps developed by different creators it seems to me that Verizon Wireless didn't like the competition and wanted to filter/block apps so they can exert more control of the feature and quite possibly offer their own app or that of a favored developer.

[RogersUser1]

Solution: Get iPhone, jailbreak, use MyWi.

[i0wnj00]

Solution: Get iPhone, jailbreak, use MyWi.

Not really a solution if you're not inclined to buy Apple products in the first place.

[mikeiskran90]

I'm not sure if AT&T uses the C Block of the spectrum for their LTE network, but if they do then this should apply as well... Should be interesting to see what happens.

[XFF]

I'm not sure if AT&T uses the C Block of the spectrum for their LTE network, but if they do then this should apply as well... Should be interesting to see what happens.

No, VZW holds all USMH C-block licenses now, so this does not apply to any other carrier.

[RogersUser1]

Not really a solution if you're not inclined to buy Apple products in the first place.

Well don't shoot the messenger.

One assumes blackberry has some kind of similar workaround for the determined.