tethering making computer wireless cards obsolete?

[diver110]

If you can tether your smartphone to your computer, there would never be a reason to buy a stand alone computer wireless card, would there, or am I missing something?

 

[srmccoy]

Between tethering and Mifi's, there's very little reason to get a wireless card. Phones and Mifi's have limited battery life though, so that may be one factor. But I can't justify buying a card with service when a Mifi or smartphone is an option.

 

[Tre Lawrence]

I think when we see more consistency in tethering speeds, it'll be a better option.

 

[copestag]

in theory? or in reality?

in theory you have to pay extra to tether (I think most are $15/month) and you have a cap of about 5Gb........ after this you pay more or get cutoff

in reality of course people are tethering "illegaly" and thus eliminating the need for a wireless card........

 

[diver110]

How do you tether illegally?

 

[mrspeedmaster]

Between tethering and Mifi's, there's very little reason to get a wireless card. Phones and Mifi's have limited battery life though, so that may be one factor. But I can't justify buying a card with service when a Mifi or smartphone is an option.

Mifis can also be also used as a usb modem (therefore charging the device at the same time). Mifis and wireless cards also don't have the same problems as tethering.

Some ports are blocked off or doesn't NAT well thru a tethered phone. If you are running something weird thru an odd UDP port or streaming something like Hulu, the carrier will instantly know if you are illegally tethered or not. For example, the carrier will know NO phone can access XBOX live gaming services. Therefore, the end-user is obviously tethered illegally. I know people who work in ATT and Verizon OPS tell me how they catch these people.