In some recent good news, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph De La Vega has stated that a tethering option for the iPhone will be coming “soon.” Of course before we get super excited, there are still plenty of details that are left out, and what sounds like good news could still turn into something horrible when it becomes available.
Notably missing is the pricing information and any plan information such as available bandwidth. Currently the iPhone 3G data plan with AT&T is unlimited, but a tethering plan would likely have a limit.
If AT&T would release this at an affordable rate then it may do well, but if it is anything like the 5GB/$65 a month tethering option that is available for the BlackBerry, then it is safe to think it may not have the same widespread appeal at say $30 a month.
Another important detail that has been left off is any release date, however MacRumors has mentioned a rumor that firmware 2.2 will have a tethering option built-in. In the meantime we can continue to use NetShare or the jailbroken app PdaNet and hope an official app will be available sooner than later.
November 13th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Hopefully the app will either be available WorldWide or for free in the US store. But we will see. This is for sure something that is desired by most of the iPhone users.