Chances of Hotspot coming to other carriers?

[fishmoose]

What chances do you guys think the hotspot feature has coming to other carriers than Verizon? Since it seems to be an OS feature I see no reason other carriers can't support it. Schiller hinted at that too:

He also hinted—but did not confirm—that AT&T could possibly introduce the hotspot feature one day. "We did the hotspot feature because it's something Verizon offers, they have a system and specs for it in place," Schiller said. "We can't say if it will come to AT&T."

Source

So are we betting everyone gets this in the next update or will each carrier have to support it like tethering?

 

[robbieduncan]

So are we betting everyone gets this in the next update or will each carrier have to support it like tethering?

I'm betting the capability will be included in the OS but each carrier will be able to control it/charge for it just like tethering now.

 

[aarond12]

I'm betting the capability will be included in the OS but each carrier will be able to control it/charge for it just like tethering now.

Or you can just jailbreak your phone and get the capability today. Why Apple bends to AT&T's whims about tethering is beyond me.

 

[fishmoose]

Well, my carrier added tethering the same day iPhone OS 3.0 came so if this is in the next iOS version I'm betting they'll do the same. Hopefully it is up to the carrier and it seems like it is.

 

[monaarts]

I think AT&T will be forced to allow for the wireless hotspot to work for free on their phones too, otherwise they may lose customers to Verizon. We'll see...

 

[fishmoose]

AT&T: We're "Evaluating" The New iPhone Mobile Hotspot Feature

An AT&T rep says the carrier is "evaluating" Apple's new mobile hotspot feature, which was announced today as a new feature for the Verizon iPhone. (The mobile hotspot lets you access the iPhone's 3G Internet connection via up to five wi-fi connected devices, including laptops, iPads, etc.)
But AT&T adds that it has "no plans to announce today."
We're fairly sure this is a new software feature that could be added to the AT&T iPhone without new hardware, but it's possible Apple and AT&T will hold off on announcing it until the iPhone 5 is announced later this year.

Business Insider

 

[Aatos.1]

It is a popular feature. One worth including.

 

[BurntReality]

This is the only feature that I am jealous of on the Verizon iPhone. Sure I have MyWi on my phone but it would be nice to be able to do it on the stock iOS.

 

[kmpoboy2]

I think AT&T will be forced to allow for the wireless hotspot to work for free on their phones too, otherwise they may lose customers to Verizon. We'll see...

The feature it's free since it comes with iOS, bur I doubt it will work for free like Mywi does. Driod phones have this feature and they have to pay to use it.

 

[Applejuiced]

I think AT&T will be forced to allow for the wireless hotspot to work for free on their phones too, otherwise they may lose customers to Verizon. We'll see...

I agree.
They will try to keep up with Verizon.
They are already offering official tethering thru USB and bluetooth. They'll probably just include wifi tethering also.

 

[Zepaw]

The feature it's free since it comes with iOS, bur I doubt it will work for free like Mywi does. Driod phones have this feature and they have to pay to use it.

Yup, 2GB for $20.

This is the kind of reason why everyone should be happy it is on Verizon. Would other carriers have a fire under them to add more features and data plans if their prime competitor was not doing so?