Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I prefer to think of it as attempted theft on AT&T's part. And I won't let them steal money from me.

I am FORCED to have a data plan on my service. I have NO CHOICE in the matter. I am FORCED to pay $30 a month, and am allowed unlimited data access with that. I'll use that unlimited data however and for whatever I want.

You actually aren't forced, you actually have all the say in the matter because no one FORCED you to buy an iPhone. Did AT&T or Apple put a gun to your head and say buy an iPhone? I don't think so. And that unlimited data is for your iPhone, not a laptop or whatever your tethering to. And if you didn't like it you shouldn't have gotten an iPhone.
 
Okay, even though that doesn't apply to this situation at all, but okay. You pay $30/mo for internet on your iPhone not your laptop, not your computer, not your whatever, but your iPhone. Using your rationale just because my xbox 360 has the ability to go on xbox live and play games online means I should get it for free?

no. i can see how you've misinterpreted my point though.

the fact that AT&T is charging for a function already built in to the iPhone (tethering) is NOT what most of us have a problem with. What we have a problem with is AT&T is charging us extra to use the data we've already paid for in a way they don't want

The data is still being routed through my iPhone, regardless of whether or not it's being pumped to my phone or to my laptop. It doesn't cost AT&T any extra if I tether up to my 2gb limit, yet they seem to think it's fair to charge me $20/mo extra to tether.
 
no. i can see how you've misinterpreted my point though.

the fact that AT&T is charging for a function already built in to the iPhone (tethering) is NOT what most of us have a problem with. What we have a problem with is AT&T is charging us extra to use the data we've already paid for in a way they don't want

The data is still being routed through my iPhone, regardless of whether or not it's being pumped to my phone or to my laptop. It doesn't cost AT&T any extra if I tether up to my 2gb limit, yet they seem to think it's fair to charge me $20/mo extra to tether.

I'll admit, I can understand how someone with a set limit of data (i.e 2gb limit) with those situations could feel cheated. I agree that AT&T needs to make changes to accommodate those people. My argument is turned more towards people who have unlimited plans and use god awful amounts of data on their laptops and what have you without AT&T's knowing. because those people really end up downgrading the experience for others.
 
Let's say you got to an all-you-can-eat buffet-style restaurant. You've paid your entrance fee to feed you one mouth. All the sudden, you want to pay nothing more but also feed your friend. Hey, it's all you can eat, right? Why should they decide what mouth it goes in?
 
You actually aren't forced, you actually have all the say in the matter because no one FORCED you to buy an iPhone. Did AT&T or Apple put a gun to your head and say buy an iPhone? I don't think so. And that unlimited data is for your iPhone, not a laptop or whatever your tethering to. And if you didn't like it you shouldn't have gotten an iPhone.
Ugh.

I didn't think there would be a counter because I didn't throw in a simple 'I am FORCED to have a data plan on my service.... if I want to use an iPhone on AT&T's service.', but sure enough...
 
It seems as though in the act of saying he isn't judging or that he won't say what he does or doesn't support, he's both judging and saying what he does and doesn't support. ;)


I mean I never said what I support or don't support, I just expressed humor in the idea of someone blatantly posting something to the effect of
"Hey everyone, I know most people have to pay for things that they want, but I'm above the rules and feel that I should be given things for free, but I'm not even willing to work on ways to get those things, in fact, I won't even do so much as Google something. I want everyone on this forum to make my life easier by telling me how to have things for free"


And making sweeping generalizations on ones' intentions. The OP only wanted to know how to get tethering for free, due to stated reasons of laziness and cheapness. He did not say he feels entitled to or above paying for TVs, cars, blenders, Foreman grills or diamond-encrusted walking sticks filled with Jim Beam.

I find it amazing that people will rush to a company's defense of suspect policies that push the envelope further and further, yet when consumers fight fire with fire they're roasted. You can just as easily argue that if companies wish to ensure their policies are followed, close the loopholes that allow them not to be. I prefer that companies merely operate fairly and I'll gladly give them my money.

You legislate being right-handed as illegal and you'll have a world of outlaws. But at least scwinsett will follow the rules and learn to be left-handed. I bet he/she never exceeds the speed limit either. ;)

I shouldn't have to pay for a george foreman grill :)
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.