O2-UK iPhone 3G Contract - Tethering

[RichUK89]

Hey guys!

I've got the 3G in the UK, and I was lucky enough to get the NetShare app from the app store. I use it on laptop when I'm out and about for general use, but I was wondering is there any point blank mention in the contract specifically saying you can't use the phone for tethering?

Thanks, rich!

[The Phazer]

Yes, it's not allowed under the terms and conditions of the iPhone contract, however I have to say that as an agreement it's terribly written and if I were O2 I wouldn't look forward to taking it to court.

Phazer

[Phil A.]

O2's bundled internet access packages prohibit tethering on any phone (even those that support it out of the box), and they do not offer any mechanism for buying an add-on that allows it (they used to do but have discontinued the add-on).
The wording of the contract is horrendously unclear, and I had a long dialogue with O2 customer services and the CEOs office about this very issue.
They were very clear in their replies though - it's not allowed and if you want to use O2 network for laptop access you have to get a USB modem from them. They won't even let you add the monthly modem plan onto the cost of a phone plan and do it that way!
If they catch you they'll charge the per MB rate (think it's £2.00) for all your usage whilst tethered, which could be very, very expensive