iPhone Tethering: More Questions Than Answers Right Now
AT&T announced today that they would finally offer tethering to iPhone customers, doing so a year after the feature became available on the iPhone for international users.
I try not to harp on AT&T too much, as I think all cellular carriers have problems, problems which would be grossly exaserbated if they were exposed to the massive user load of the iPhone.
What I’m most focused on is the fact that tethering is coming, and I couldn’t be happier. I got rid of my 3G connect card from AT&T quite a while ago because the amount I used it was not worth what I was paying.
As of recently, however, I’ve been faced with two new use-case scenerios where having a 3G/WiFi solution for multiple laptops has been created:
- My travel has increased, and the need for WiFi connection for my MacBook has grown. Too, I often travel with a colleague. We both need to be on the Internet.
- I purchased an iPad. I opted for the WiFi version because it was cheaper and because I know that I can use WiFi for most of what I need. Still, being able to get on the Internet via a 3G/WiFi solution would be nice.
Because of this, I’ve been contemplating a MiFi device. I’ve been holding off until the release of the new iPhone in hopes that AT&T would provide tethering. It seems, at least in part, my hopes are coming to fruition.
But a couple of questions still remain:
- Will I be able to tether my iPad to my iPhone?
- Will I be able to tether multiple devices to my iPhone?
The simple answer to the first question may be no, but it still may be possible with a third-party app. I’m not counting out the idea that Apple and AT&T will provide a solution to tether the iPad to the iPhone.
Regardless, one thing is certain: I’m upgrading from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 4 when it is released.
