iTether App Pulled From App Store

[MacDevil7334]

I agree and disagree. First, my analogy would be: the electric company charges me more because I installed another outlet in my house...or my water company charges me more because I installed an additional sink.

But where I see the problem is that you are not using your mobile iPhone 24x7 on the internet. If you tether it, there's no stopping you from now setting up a router and allowing numerous devices to use the connection 24x7. Yes, of course you are still only going to get the same bandwidth in total, but you are allowing your devices to run non-stop (such as uploading 300 pix to Shutterfly or downloading some tunes or FTPing some files or simply surfing).

Folks with iPhones don't surf 24x7 on the carriers' connections. We do some surfing, then do whatever else we have to do. We're on it at most 30 mins at a time (train ride for example).

So again, I agree and disagree with you...and with the carriers. The bandwidth is going to be the same, except that it is split between X devices...but what the carriers are worried about is the 24x7 or very long periods of time (maybe you surf for days on end during a power outtage like our 7-day power outtage in CT a few weeks ago)...the carriers have not created infrastructure to support the non-stop internet connection. Remember, your iPhone can only use the internet for limited functionality such as surfing the web, playing certain video streams, and allowing an app to contact the mothership. Full fledged computers on the other hand can use the internet to its 100% full capacity (just as newsgroups, ftp, p2p, vpn, etc).

Personally I think the tethering is overrated...sure, I would love to have it in an emergency to check email or pay some online bills...but I'm not going to surf the internet on my computer at 56k dialup speeds. If it were $5/month for some kind of minimal usage (1GB) then sure, I'd add it to my costs for emergency reasons...but $20 is wayyyyy to expensive. Again, my opinion.

I get what you are saying about multiple devices, but there is a very easy way to deal with that: impose limits on the amount of tethering data allowed. If you have 5 devices pulling data constantly, you will reach your limit very quickly. If AT&T would follow the lead of some carriers abroad and add tethering to their limited data plans at no charge, I would actually drop my unlimited plan and switch. I have wifi most everywhere I go and so rarely use more than 500-600MB of data a month. I would happily switch to the $25 2GB data plan if it included tethering. Hell, I'd even be willing to pay what I was paying for unlimited if I was allowed 2GB plus tethering (AT&T could reward long-time customers for a change).

There isn't any real downside for AT&T to allowing tethering on these limited plans, since I would quickly reach my 2GB cap if I tethered all the time and would end up paying through the nose. But the idea of paying MORE ($45) for less data and the ability to tether is ridiculous. I'll keep my unlimited plan and use iTether now in emergencies when I need internet.

 

[GreyStreet]

That's the grey line... I say as long as they reduce speeds for those who abuse it then it shouldn't be a problem.

I would agree w/ that.

I'm definitely not a carrier appologist, but I can understand not wanting to allow free tethering to unlimited plans. A recent biz trip I had 2 people connected to my phone on a shared desktop meeting as well as a 3rd streaming Netflix. Plenty of bandwidth to go around. It could definitely be abused...(I had 2 months free mobile hotspot)

 

[Synergie]

Am I missing something??? Why can't you guys just use the personal hotspot feature on the iPhone? That's what I do when my home internet goes down.... nothing extra charged from Telus at all, it just uses some of the data from my plan!

 

[icomputered]

Am I missing something??? Why can't you guys just use the personal hotspot feature on the iPhone? That's what I do when my home internet goes down.... nothing extra charged from Telus at all, it just uses some of the data from my plan!

All US carriers block that feature (unless you pay like $30 extra per month).

 

[Lara F]

No mention of refund options for exactly this reason, as expected. It'll work as intended for us. Congrats. Party. Etc.

I guess the one good thing, selfishly, about it getting pulled before an update is that there's a finite number of people with the app so once the initial testing dies down the servers should stabilize fine.

I'm torn between saying "thank you" and "come on, you knew what the carrier reaction would be when you approved this" to Apple.

 

[Buckeyestar]

dang, that was fast turn around. I was too late. Well I'll continue to do with out. No way am I paying ATT an extra twenty a month. I'd jailbreak before doing that.

And then have AT&T slap the tethering charge on you anyway, as I'm certain the carriers will do to those using this app.

 

[MacManTexas56]

Am I missing something??? Why can't you guys just use the personal hotspot feature on the iPhone? That's what I do when my home internet goes down.... nothing extra charged from Telus at all, it just uses some of the data from my plan!

it's not a "free" feature. US carriers make you pay extra just to use the feature.

 

[Jerome Morrow]

All US carriers block that feature (unless you pay like $30 extra per month).

Greedy bastards.

 

[TimTheEnchanter]

Am I missing something??? Why can't you guys just use the personal hotspot feature on the iPhone? That's what I do when my home internet goes down.... nothing extra charged from Telus at all, it just uses some of the data from my plan!

We in the US have to drop our pants and bend over for that luxury.

 

[lilo777]

Also a great way to install dodgy stuff. Oh wait you said beauty. Sorry.

My Android lover tinted glasses are being repaired.

Your sarcasm is absolutely laughable. You can find these apps on Amazon.

 

[Willis Chung]

thanks Mark, got it right away!

 

[derek1984]

I have the app. So does this mean that everytime Apple comes out with a new iOS update I need to wait to see if this app might not work anymore?

 

[CylonGlitch]

If AT&T would follow the lead of some carriers abroad and add tethering to their limited data plans at no charge, I would actually drop my unlimited plan and switch.

THIS EXACTLY!

Both my wife and I are on unlimited data. We would switch instantly if they just took their limited plans and added tethering for free. 4gb/month or 2gb/month free tethering, or unlimited/month but no tethering. Then if you go over your GB/month, you get nailed for overage charges; ouch.

 

[gnasher729]

If you are on the unlimited plan....why can't you use your unlimited data and why would it matter if it was from multiple devices? You are paying for unlimited for a reason right?

It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet where you are not allowed to bring your whole family.

 

[reemas]

In fact, most of you probably spend $6 for a cup of coffee at least twice a week. Get over yourselves.

Mark

ugh, no coffee for 2.5 days!

 

[zfleeman]

Gifted copy (again)

Nobody responded the first time. Thought I'd try again.

I'm was at work and couldn't download iTether because I had no access to the store. My friend bought it for me as a 'gift' even though I was going to pay him back. He credited my account with iTether. Will I still be able to download it once I get home?

I'm only freaking out a little.

Any calming words would be appreciated.

 

[Westyfield2]

Sad face .

What happens now? Do we keep the working application but never get updates, or do Apple give us the money back?

 

[MBM007]

glad I was able to grab this app this morning....since upgrading to the 4s I've missed the **** out of pdaNet!! Still miss it even with iTether because its a superior program....

If someone could just find a way to get an app to act as the client on the iPad I would be in heaven! My 4 year old macbook pro has spent most of its time at home since getting the iPad on launch 2 years ago....

 

[CylonGlitch]

It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet where you are not allowed to bring your whole family.

But the way it is now; if you buy a extra value meal you can't let your wife share your fries. That's why there are different stores; the all you can eat buffet where you're not allowed doggie bags or to share items. Or most places where once you paid for your limited portions you can let anyone eat from it if you want; but once it's gone, it's done.

 

[dukebound85]

Nobody responded the first time. Thought I'd try again.



Any calming words would be appreciated.

If you can't get it, you can't get it.

 

[MacManTexas56]

But the way it is now; if you buy a extra value meal you can't let your wife share your fries. That's why there are different stores; the all you can eat buffet where you're not allowed doggie bags or to share items. Or most places where once you paid for your limited portions you can let anyone eat from it if you want; but once it's gone, it's done.

exactly!

they slip a camera in the food bag to make sure no one else has their hand in the bag or they charge you for another meal

 

[CylonGlitch]

Nobody responded the first time. Thought I'd try again.

I think, because it is listed on your account as having purchased it; if you got a copy of the app from someone, it would run. Not 100% sure though but I think it will... Otherwise I think you're screwed.

 

[gnasher729]

I forgot that iphone users weren't allowed to tether for "Free" anyway.

I mean, you are already paying for XXXX MB of 3G connection per month, right? I don't use all of my MB on my Android phone, so I can use the rest tethering when we're on a road trip or something and want to use a laptop instead of a phone in the car.

Fundamental misunderstanding of the situation.

You either have a contract that allows tethering, or you don't.

If you have a contract that allows tethering, then any iPhone will do tethering out of the box just fine. This application is not needed for it, and the iPhone's built in tethering is a lot more convenient.

If you have a contract that doesn't allow tethering, then you have to go through more or less inconvenience to get a tethering app, but whether convenient or not, and whether iPhone or Android, you are now in breach of your contract with your service provider, and for example AT&T will put you on a more expensive tethering plan if they catch you.

 

[zfleeman]

I think, because it is listed on your account as having purchased it; if you got a copy of the app from someone, it would run. Not 100% sure though but I think it will... Otherwise I think you're screwed.

I think my only saving grace may be iCloud. It may have downloaded to my iPhone. Though, it's not plugged in. I think I may have altered my settings. Hmmmmmm....

 

[gkpm]

Love Tether.com's statement:

"we strongly believe we help carriers better monetize their data stream by pushing customers into new data tiers further increasing their bottom-line."

What drugs are they on, seems like the good stuff.

That said you US people need to work on your carriers, your prices are daylight robbery. I hear this Occupy <insert_pet_hate_here> movement is very popular now.