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Help Tether

M

martydoc

Lurker
I had tethered the Atrix after following the video instructions on You Tube. It worked great, but then I upgraded to 2.3.4 and it no longer works. The new software added one extra spot in the APN.
I know this is brand new but does anyone have a "work around".
If you have used this tethering mechanism do not updat until this is worked out.
 
I'm not sure. If you post what the new field is titled, we might be able to figure out what goes there.

However, 2 things to note:

  1. Using the alternate APN is how AT&T was able to detect tethering on the iPhones. This is why their users got nasty letters telling them to stop it, or be converted to the 4G+Tethering plan. I can also verify that they can detect you are tethering this way, because we used to use the alternate APN (Same exact settings) to tether BlackBerry phones. AT&T not only sent me a nasty letter, but billed me for tethering. This was back a little over a year ago, and they just dinged me the $10 add on for tethering. But, they no longer do that. They will convert your account.
  2. The only legitimate way to tether on AT&T is by paying for it. To do so any other way is a breach of your contract with them. So, do it at your own risk.
 
The new field is "APN protocol" with three choices...IPv4, IPv6 and IPv4/IPv6.
None of these choices do anything except bring up the message that the account is not available for tethering
 
Well, AT&T is not using IP6, just IP4. However, it sounds like they have caught on to this trick of breaking the rules and closed it down.

You can't blame them, anyone using this method IS violating the terms of their service.

My personal thoughts are "It's my bandwidth, I should be able to do what I want with it." - However, we are bound by the legal terms of the contracts.
 
WolfmanRobby said:
I'm not sure. If you post what the new field is titled, we might be able to figure out what goes there.

However, 2 things to note:

  1. Using the alternate APN is how AT&T was able to detect tethering on the iPhones. This is why their users got nasty letters telling them to stop it, or be converted to the 4G+Tethering plan. I can also verify that they can detect you are tethering this way, because we used to use the alternate APN (Same exact settings) to tether BlackBerry phones. AT&T not only sent me a nasty letter, but billed me for tethering. This was back a little over a year ago, and they just dinged me the $10 add on for tethering. But, they no longer do that. They will convert your account.
  2. The only legitimate way to tether on AT&T is by paying for it. To do so any other way is a breach of your contract with them. So, do it at your own risk.
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Just curious, how much data were you using to tether before they sent you the bills and such?
 
brawndo said:
Just curious, how much data were you using to tether before they sent you the bills and such?
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The first month, 100MB, the other month 75MB.

All I did was use the Alternate APN settings to tether my BB to check some emails and do a little web surfing at a few of the rest stops between here and my fiance. (I live an hour north of Atlanta, she lives in Central Florida).

So, it's not like I was hammering data, or streaming media.

This was back last year, and you'll have to go over to the forums on Crackberry.com and search the AT&T forum there for the info. But, even one of the "Offical" AT&T reps posted that they were monitoring the APN's now.

Another user pointed out that they could tell by the number of hops on the TCP/IP header. When tethered, you have one more hop (From your phone to your PC) than you should with data coming from your phone. But, that takes a lot of processing overhead. What we figured out was that they watch the APN's, and if they see data spikes, they turn on the TCP/IP packet auditing for a while. That's just an assumption because, it seemed like a small group of us that got hit. So, it could have been that we just happened to be the ones using it during the time they were monitoring.

However, that was enough for me to know, THEY CAN TELL, and THEY WILL BILL you for it!
 
You can do what I do now.

I picked up a Cheap ($99 at Wal-Mart) Virgin Mobile "MiFi" pre-paid wireless hotspot. No contract, didn't lose my unlimited data, only pay for data when I'm going to be on the road. So, sometimes it sits there for 2 months, unused, and not costing me a penny.

Virgin run's off Verizon's network, so anywhere big read has coverage, I have data on the road.

Turned out to be a lot cheaper than buying an unlocked phone, or paying for tethering when I'm not using it.

And, I can use my Tablet or my laptop with it as it's a WiFi hotspot.
 
If you guys have not read this you should:

WolfmanRobby said:
PPCGeeks.com AT&T finally catching on to unauthorized tethering – Busted!

EDIT- what you are asking for help doing constitutes a violation of your contract with your carrier and therefor we can not provide help. It's against the Rules of this Forum to assist someone commit fraudulent activity against their carriers. While I personally agree that it's your data, you should be able to use it as you see fit. Helping someone violate their carriers service agreement is no different than helping them defraud the warranty coverage on their phones.

SORRY
Click to expand...
 
A few days after I initially signed up with AT&T (black friday at a Radio Shack) I went to a brick and morter store with questions, looking for accessories, etc. The rep there told me that Bluetooth tethering apps didn't violate any terms because they are third party apps.

I'm sure I know what people will say, but I will submit that when you're told one thing, sign a contract, and 0.0001 days after the return period expires you're told different, the thing you were told in order to convince you to sign or stay should hold or the contract should be considered void. Discussing the terms as they were when you signed should not be considered a violation of terms. If AT&T were to insist otherwise it should constitute a breach of contract on their part.

At least that's my opinion and I apologize for any derailment this post has caused.
 
shaidtan said:
A few days after I initially signed up with AT&T (black friday at a Radio Shack) I went to a brick and morter store with questions, looking for accessories, etc. The rep there told me that Bluetooth tethering apps didn't violate any terms because they are third party apps.
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Here's the long and short of it. Tethering is Tethering, regardless of the connection method. Tethering by WiFi, USB or BlueTooth is ALL considered tethering...

What is tethering? - Definition
Definition of "tethering" Tethering is the process of using a cell phone or smartphone as a modem for a personal computer of some sort - typically a laptop computer. The term gets its name from how a phone is attached, or tethered, to the computer via a USB cable, but wireless technologies such as Bluetooth can also be used for tethering. Typically the network carrier and the user's account (contract) have to support tethering before it can be used. Many networks charge an additional fee for users that wish to connect their phones as tethered modems because it typically uses far more data than using the phone normally would.
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And, as for being told something, then signing a contract, that means NOTHING as far a breach of contract. The contract is the WRITTEN terms, not what some sells rep told you.
That's why you are supposed to READ a contract before you sign it.
And, any Judge will say the same thing. Read everything before you sign it, because what's PRINTED is what's binding, not what someone said.
 
If that's the case why would they have a number to call at all? The written terms say they can change the terms at any time., do they not? You agree to abide to anything they say at any time for any reason.

What I'm saying is that things aren't (or shouldn't be) entirely black and white. If they were there would be no need to do anything but be ready to point at a signature with one finger and present the other. All customer service issues solved.
 
shaidtan said:
The written terms say they can change the terms at any time., do they not? You agree to abide to anything they say at any time for any reason.
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That sums it up!
You sign the contract, you agree to the terms, and you agree that THEY can change the terms on you any time they want!
 
And of course I mean every respect. I always enjoy our interactions Robby. My main point has to do more with customer services than with U.S. law where it pertains to contracts. Carriers are of course very careful to ensure that they would not be in breach legally.

What I can say with absolute certainty is that yesterday I disagreed with all the negative customer service reports velied against AT&T, but after a talk with a rep today I'm starting to agree. Verizon never once charged for carrier generated unsolicited text messages.
 
shaidtan said:
And of course I mean every respect. I always enjoy our interactions Robby. My main point has to do more with customer services than with U.S. law where it pertains to contracts. Carriers are of course very careful to ensure that they would not be in breach legally.
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Unfortunately, these days, it's more about the bottom dollar than service.

shaidtan said:
What I can say with absolute certainty is that yesterday I disagreed with all the negative customer service reports velied against AT&T, but after a talk with a rep today I'm starting to agree. Verizon never once charged for carrier generated unsolicited text messages.
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How is it "carrier generated" or "unsolicited" if you, the customer instigate it by dialing a number for the purpose of having a txt sent with your usage details??? Especially when all the documentation on that service says there is a fee for using it, if you don't have a txt plan??

I'm not defending AT&T... I can't stand using them. But, it seems you failed to read the contract and terms and now want to blame them.

http://www.google.com/m/url?client=...QQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNEAtUcIiHAONvN8r-tcQNN1gLQdLw
 
And I quote, "Did you know you can change features and rate plan online at wireless.att.com?", "See the latest device upgrade online at wireless.att.com". These are messages that I was charged for.

As I said. My bad for not realizing that USSD generated messages incurred charges.

For what it's worth the rep did issue a credit for the overages. I also got a text informing me of the text, which I assume incurres a charge.

I'll call tomorrow and inquire about that. I'm also going to look into blocking texts on my main line.

Back to tethering, I have a work phone that's on T-Mobile. Tethering is free on it so I tend to use that. It's a shame too. I barely break a few hundred megs a month on my AT&T phone anymore. There was a point I considered a tethering plan, but the extra cost versus usage is tough to justify. All I can recommend to others is to sign up for what you can before the terms are altered again. That and call six or eight times to make sure they applied the okans you asked for. Get rid of electronic and automatic everything so you have something in writing to read so you don't get stuck.
 
I get the legal absolutes. My distinction is between that and the art of customer service. Perhaps I'm simply expecting them to hold to the same standard that I hold myself to. Maybe that's why they have more money than I do.

Ultimately technology finds a way. Google Voice circumvents text message plans handily. A simple call usually results in credits hat at least rectify things temporarily. I see it as the part being greater than the whole. When that fails an escalation usually gets you to a different part.
 
shaidtan said:
Back to tethering, I have a work phone that's on T-Mobile. Tethering is free on it so I tend to use that.
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No, they just have not busted you, yet...

Read section 11 of the T-Mobile Terms and Conditions... (I've put the key lines in Red for you)
http://www.t-mobile.com/Templates/Popup.aspx?PAsset=Ftr_Ftr_TermsAndConditions&print=true

T-Mobile said:
11. * Data Plans and Other Features. You will be charged for data usage on a pay per use basis unless you are required to maintain a data plan (“Data Plan”) as part of your Service, or as otherwise provided by your Rate Plan or prepaid data pass. Permissible and Prohibited Uses: Your Data Plan is intended for Web browsing, messaging, and similar activities on your Device and not on any other equipment. Unless explicitly permitted by your Data Plan, other uses, including for example, using your Device as a modem or tethering your Device to a personal computer or other hardware, are not permitted.
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As far as I know, there is NO Carrier in the US that allows tethering without a tethering plan. T-Mobile just has not had to crack down on it like AT&T because 1)AT&T has MANY more users and 2) The iPhone aHoles ruined it for everyone by abusing it.
 
shaidtan said:
And I quote, "Did you know you can change features and rate plan online at wireless.att.com?", "See the latest device upgrade online at wireless.att.com". These are messages that I was charged for.
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Those aren't "Unsolicited" - you signed up for them at some point. When you did, you were presented with a disclaimer that charges would apply. And, every one of those messages had a line about replying to STOP them. So, again, Caveat Emptor.
 
For what it's worth, there was nothing in the messages to indicate an opt-out option. However you brought up a good point with the account being set to send them. I was able to get AT&T to turn the solicitation notifications but they can't turn off billing notifications. They did say however that there shouldn't be any charges for any of them. The overages for those messages go unexplained but they credited for them anyway so those are a non-issue.

While I don't fully agree that every aspect of every exchange should be taken under the 'buyer beware' moniker, I do agree that the contract should be read in detail for this very reason. Gone are the days when sales people are honest. I suppose I was giving people too much credit. The truth is they'll say anything to get that sale and more often than not there are lies that they'll insist upon when asked for clarification. Only on day 31 does the truth tend to come out. The unfortunate part is that you're pretty much have to make a decision based on what you interpret as worst case in the contract while bearing in mind that things can change at any time.

In closing, I'll see your buyer beware and raise you an always assume the worst in people who are trying to get money out of you.
 
You see why I got out of Retail sales management.

And, it's not about the sales reps telling lies. It's typically poorly trained, or mis-informed sales reps.

I see your "always assume the worst in people who are trying to get money out of you" and raise you with "Trust, but Verify." ;)

As for the text messages, everyone of those we've ever gotten had "reply with STOP to end these messages" appended to the end of the sales message.
 
The problem solved itself. I dropped the phone and the touchscreen wouldn't work.
Nothing including complete reset solved the problem so I now own a "locked" Atrix and took the tethering package. I will probably keep playing with this as a mind exercise.
Thanks to all who responded

martydoc
 
Tethering without a required tethering plan violates At&t's TOS. To avoid legal issues with carriers the owner of this site has decided that discussions about or tutorials on tethering without the required plan be stopped. Please keep all discussions about tethering to legal forms of tethering that use the required plan.

Thank you
 
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