AT&T used the release of the new Iphone 4 to also introduce higher prices for data usage. In a superb ha-ha (eff-you more likely) moment, AT&T took the hammer to the unlimited data plan.
"As of June 7, new iPhone customers will now have to select between a 200 megabyte (MB) data plan for $15, and $25 for a 2 gigabyte (GB) plan. These plans also come with overage fees that range from $10 to $75 per GB. Additionally, unlike users of other devices such as most Android phones, tethering to the iPhone will cost an additional $20 per month, plus usage fees."
Here's a couple of workarounds that should save you a few bucks!
Jailbreak. You will most likely void your Apple warranty (you can always restore to the original state), but this will enable tethering on your existing data plan. This is perfect for when your hosting an open house on a Sunday but would like to get some work done online.
Download Spirit Jailbreak, then install PdaNet from the Cydia installer on your iphone. You also have to install the client on your computer. It takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
For texting try textfree from the Pinger. This program allows you to text for free. Forever. The latest version also gives you your own text number, so people can actually text you back. Works great.
Nogui Aramburo
Real Estate Broker / Licensed Assistant
Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS
www.lindacraft.com
(919) 771 3609
Thanks for the tip, I am getting the new iPhone when it comes out but I've been wanting to tether my phone for ages so I am going to look into it. Does voiding the warranty cause problems when you want to use iTunes or the App store?
Hi Christa, as far as I know, my iphone has been working as it normally should. If you were taking the iphone in to get fixed, you would have to revert it to its pre jailbreak status. This is not hard to do. The new iphone will have different tethering options and you will have to wait until a jailbreak becomes available for that OS. That goes for everyone operating a an iphone with the current jailbreak. Updating to the new OS will render the current jailbreak useless.