ConsumerReports.org indicates the mobile hotspot for the VW iPhone will be free?

[knemonic]

Anybody see this? Just a mistake or is there any possible truth?

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/496/seven-cool-new-gadgetscoming-soon/

Apple iPhone fans have been waiting a long time—ever since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, in fact—for a choice in carriers. Till now, it’s been available only on AT&T. Finally, Verizon Wireless announced it will offer its version of the iPhone 4 in early February of this year. But bear this in mind: The Verizon iPhone will not run on Verizon's new high-speed 4G LTE network (at least, not this version of the phone) but instead will run on the carrier’s CDMA EVDO network. One cool feature Verizon has added is that the phone will feature free hotspot capability for up to five devices—meaning laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices will be able to get online through the Verizon iPhone, no cord required. Pricing for the Verizon iPhone will be $199.99 for the 16GB model and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new two-year customer agreement.

 

[saving107]

I don't have a link or direct quote right now, but following tuesdays Verizon announcement, Andy Inako from the Chicago SunTimes asked a representative during the Hands-On portion of the event how much Verizon plans to charge for the HotSpot features, to which they replied that it will be included in the unlimited data plan with no additional charges. Also, that Verizon's version of Unlimited will be completely unlimited (no data cap).

*Andy Inako was broadcasting live via Skype on the iPhone to Leo Laport at live.twit.tv

 

[knemonic]

I don't have a link or direct quote right now, but following tuesdays Verizon announcement, Andy Inako from the Chicago SunTimes asked a representative during the Hands-On portion of the event how much Verizon plans to charge for the HotSpot features, to which they replied that it will be included in the unlimited data plan with no additional charges. Also, that Verizon's version of Unlimited will be completely unlimited (no data cap).

*Andy Inako was broadcasting live via Skype on the iPhone to Leo Laport at live.twit.tv

Honestly, considering there is nothing new for the phone, except that it is on VW network, that would be the best thing to do to get people on the fence to come to VW. I have it with my Pixi for free, a feature I use in a lot of situations. The feeling I got when they announced it was it would be free, to really seal the deal.

 

[doboy]

I don't have a link or direct quote right now, but following tuesdays Verizon announcement, Andy Inako from the Chicago SunTimes asked a representative during the Hands-On portion of the event how much Verizon plans to charge for the HotSpot features, to which they replied that it will be included in the unlimited data plan with no additional charges. Also, that Verizon's version of Unlimited will be completely unlimited (no data cap).

*Andy Inako was broadcasting live via Skype on the iPhone to Leo Laport at live.twit.tv

I also heard that on MacBreak Weekly, but I highly doubt it. I think the person mispoke. It'll probably be same price as other smartphone hotspot, which I believe is $20 extra (except free for Palm Pre).

Also I think if it was going to be free, they would've officially announced it already.

 

[saving107]

I'm not saying this is concrete info, but at the 31 minute mark of this weeks MacBreak Weekly episode, you can hear the rep say that it will be part of your basic data plan, no added price.

the video can be seen here http://twit.cachefly.net/video/mbw/mbw0229/mbw0229_h264b_864x480_500.mp4

 

[blackberrypilot]

If it does happen to be free, get it while you can because it won't last long.

 

[Travisimo]

1). If you listen to the Verizon rep's answer, he didn't sound like he really knew the answer. I'm betting he was mistaken, especially since Verizon said they would announce pricing at a later time. This guy was probably not in the know ad just assumed.

2). Given Verizon's history and recent pricing plans, there is NO way they are offering Hotspot for free. They don't offer it for free on their Android phones, and they sure as heck aren't going to offer it for free on the data-hungry iPhones. We'll be lucky if the data and tethering plans aren't HIGHER than their other phones.

Think about it.... Why else would they say they would announce data pricing at a later time? They didn't want to stain a positive launch announcement with the cold reality that iPhone users are going to PAY!

Mark my words.

 

[maflynn]

Is it free for Verizon's other phones?

 

[aneftp]

Verizon was desperate to unload the palm pre and pixi. That's why they included the hotspot feature.

I am expecting verizon to charge $20 extra for 2GB hotspot tethering like they do with their android phones.

If US carriers weren't so greedy they should included tethering as part of the data plans. But in return they should eliminate "unlimited" plans.

Set like 5GB data all inclusive for like $30. But US carriers feel like they would be at a competitive disadvantage if they only offered limited Internet.

Other international carriers have limited Internet with tethering included.