Verizon hops on ban-wagon, blocks unauthorized tetherers

By on Aug 8, 2011 at 3:50 PM
mobile August 8, 2011

Verizon Wireless is seemingly following AT&T’s lead and taking action against subscribers who make use of unauthorized tethering apps. ReadWriteWeb reports that one of its writers was using a “jailbroken tethered Verizon Motorola X” with an unauthorized third-party app, rather than paying for Verizon Wireless’ mobile hotspot solution as its contract terms require. According to the report, the writer was blocked from accessing webpages on devices tethered to her DROID X on Friday, and was instead redirected to a Verizon Wireless page outlining rates for authorized mobile hotspot usage. Last week, AT&T confirmed to BGR that it would soon begin to revoke unlimited smartphone data plans from users who used third-party apps to share their smartphone’s data connection with other devices. Verizon seems to have taken a slightly less abrasive approach, though the outcome is the same: carriers want customers to stop abusing their congested data networks, and AT&T and Verizon are apparently done asking politely.

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  • Anonymous

    I sure hope Comcast doesn’t also get upset about the laptops & PS3 I have “tethered” to my wireless router!

    • Williebams

      If Verizon is gonna follow in At&t foot steps why not give customers unlimited mobile to any mobile like At&t? I know its off subject but just a thought.

  • Vinny N.

    This is exactly why I won’t get a smartphone or a hotspot on Verizon. Data access for my laptop is valuable to me but the plans continue to be absurd. 20/30+20 on a phone or 50 on a hotspot/aircard? No thanks. I find it odd that I was better off getting tablet with the $35 plan, free hotspot feature. I only need about 2-3GB of data/month, but Verizon completely misses the boat for a plan that fits me.

  • xd

    This is complete BS. You are already paying for the data service. Why should you pay again for the same service just because you use it on a pc

    • Tim242

      It was only unlimited because a phone can only use so much. It’s like an all you can eat buffet. It’s unlimited, but that doesn’t mean you can feed the whole family, or take home a car load. Your argument holds no water.

  • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/VCBEBTYM2XLKT7WBH4OWJ5QUZ4 commonsenseplease

    My contract says unlimited data.  I can choose to use that data any way I want, so kiss off.  Just because it’s ‘in the contract’ doesn’t make it right.  I don’t abuse data in any way, but i find it utterly ridiculous to pay more money for something I’m supposed to be getting in ‘unlimited’ quantities and will not pay more.

    • Tim242

      It was only unlimited because a phone can only use so much. It’s like an all you can eat buffet. It’s unlimited, but that doesn’t mean you can feed the whole family, or take home a car load. Your argument holds no water.

  • Abouttime

    haha

  • P51d007

    Isn’t competition a good thing!  Oh wait…what competition.  With pretty much just two wireless carriers left, look for more of this to continue.  Data is data, the networks get everyone hooked on all you can eat, then realize they OVERSOLD it and now want to cut everyone off at the knees.

  • Steel

    They do realize that no one has to buy these plans, right?  If it hurts so much to provide the measly few gb’s of data, simply offer a plan for 1gb for $10.  That’s plenty for lots of people.  Oh, you don’t want to lose 66% of your revenue on a data plan?  then I guess you’d better provide the data, huh?

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