The real kick in the teeth is that paying AT&T to enable tethering doesn't actually get you any extra data, it just allows you to use the data you're already paying for in a different way.
At least with Verizon's current tethering charges (on Droid), you get an additional unlimited-but-really-5GB of data for your $30 charge. I imagine that iPhone will be the same.
"it just allows you to use the data you're already paying for in a different way"
This is what really irritates me. I have no problem with phone-carriers charging for services and making a profit. But this is so arbitrary! A packet is a packet is a packet!
Yeah, this is especially painful as a long-time iPhone on AT&T customer. If I want to tether, I have to pay more a month and I lose my grandfathered unlimited data plan.
Canada too, with Rogers. Tethering is not allowed on the default data plan (500MB). You have to pay for 1GB (an extra $10 or $15 / month, I think) if you want to tether. I tether all the time and only use about 300MB of my 1GB plan, so I get really pissed when they use their excuse that "you need to have a full 1GB to tether or you'll run out!!11!". Fuck Rogers.
Well, not really. I don't use the extra bandwidth provided, nor do I want it. The only reason I pay the fee is to tether, and I gain no other advantages from that. Sure, my limit is higher and many others might enjoy the extra breathing room, but on a personal note, I only pay the extra fee in order to tether.
