Tethering Legal?

[sincraft]

Long story short, I need data on the road. At times just a few clicks on a wap enabled site, at other times I need as much as I can get when I need it, I'll even be putting a printer in my truck

Ok so my question is, can I have just a basic verizon plan, the web service for $5 per month, and 'hack the razr' and be setup for the net on my laptop?

When I called them, they told me $59.99 per month yada yada. Of course they tried to get me to get the smartphone plan, a motorola q and a tether option.

Also , if it is possible, has anyone discussed the legalities? I heard that verizon caught onto this and shut this down and reversed bill some people via another website with sparse info on the subject.

Thanks for your input!

[Andy]

First of all, Welcome to Wireless Advisor.

I am also a Verizon Wireless user and sometimes tehter as well. Like any business, Verizon wants to get you on one of their 'legal' tethering plans to make money. Here's the deal: If you use only a little bit of tethered data, like checking your email here and there or browsing the web for a little while here and there, nothing should happen as long as you are on the 1x network and not using EVDO. Let me know if I am making sense. I am sure you have a lot more questions, since my explanation really wasn't all the long, so please let us know how we can help you!

~Andy

[sincraft]

THANKS for the quick response!

no I totally I understand you thanks. But 1x is sooooo slow
So no evdo ...ok...I understand. But that's still pretty nice to be able to link over to my laptop when I need to. It's actually going to solve some issues for me.

Now why do you say 'a little bit of data'? I wonder as if you are on a mobile web setup, then they give you unlimted correct? Or are you saying, without subscribing to the mobile web either? I would subscribe to that to alleviate some concern toward unlimited if that is the issue. It's only $5 per month versus $55!

[Andy]

When I say "A little bit of Data" I am thinking the following: Mobile Web sites and content is a really small transfer of kb usage. Tehtering and surfing normal websites, comparatively, is a huge transfer of kb usage. That is why I just don't want to make myself stand out to Verizon, you know what I mean?

[Cincyball]

Yes, I do not sign up for the $5 a month mobile web, but i can still use the phone's web browser for free, as well as tethering (DUN) aka Dial Up Networking.

When u tether, u need to be on the 1x network since verizon doesnt monitor the 1x netwrok like they do on evdo. You still need to use it in moderation, hence, dont try to use it to replace your ISP, lol. You can force ur phone into 1x so u dont have to worry about it switching to EVDO. Here is a link to setting up DUN on your laptop, so u can use your phone as a wireless modem, yes only at 1x speeds, but beats paying 60 a month. This only uses ur minutes, but it is a good alternative. Even more so if its after 9pm or weekends where ur mins are unlimited

http://www.hacktherazr.com/guide.razr.net.html

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Cincyball

Yes, I do not sign up for the $5 a month mobile web, but i can still use the phone's web browser for free, as well as tethering (DUN) aka Dial Up Networking.

When u tether, u need to be on the 1x network since verizon doesnt monitor the 1x netwrok like they do on evdo. You still need to use it in moderation, hence, dont try to use it to replace your ISP, lol. You can force ur phone into 1x so u dont have to worry about it switching to EVDO. Here is a link to setting up DUN on your laptop, so u can use your phone as a wireless modem, yes only at 1x speeds, but beats paying 60 a month. This only uses ur minutes, but it is a good alternative. Even more so if its after 9pm or weekends where ur mins are unlimited

http://www.hacktherazr.com/guide.razr.net.html

Thanks for clarifying this a little more!

You mentioned that you have not signed up for the $5 Mobile Web feature from Verizon. Do you use Mobile Web on EVDO or 1x or does Mobile Web usage not matter?

~Andy

[Cincyball]

Originally Posted by Andy

Thanks for clarifying this a little more!

You mentioned that you have not signed up for the $5 Mobile Web feature from Verizon. Do you use Mobile Web on EVDO or 1x or does Mobile Web usage not matter?

~Andy

I can use Mobile Web on either one. But since I frequently use DUN, i keep the phone forces in 1x. I would rather use DUN on my laptop at 1x than Mobile Web at EvDO, I find it easier to browse on my comp...since i usually have my laptop with me. Yes, its a little slower on the page loads, but i browse more efficently.

And now with the advent of the Alltel V3m monster, I as many others, have flashed to Alltel v3m firmware. We have successfully gotten all data services to work, such as GIN, MMS, and WAP...the downfall, it all MUST be used on 1x...for now. The brains are working on getting the HDR authentication fixed so soon, we can hopefully use all those services on EV as well. But fore now, it is AWESOME having the Moto UI, as well as the tf card, and full bluetooth (OBEX + OPP), as well as custom skins, etc. But thats for another thread

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Cincyball

I can use Mobile Web on either one. But since I frequently use DUN, i keep the phone forces in 1x. I would rather use DUN on my laptop at 1x than Mobile Web at EvDO, I find it easier to browse on my comp...since i usually have my laptop with me. Yes, its a little slower on the page loads, but i browse more efficently.

And now with the advent of the Alltel V3m monster, I as many others, have flashed to Alltel v3m firmware. We have successfully gotten all data services to work, such as GIN, MMS, and WAP...the downfall, it all MUST be used on 1x...for now. The brains are working on getting the HDR authentication fixed so soon, we can hopefully use all those services on EV as well. But fore now, it is AWESOME having the Moto UI, as well as the tf card, and full bluetooth (OBEX + OPP), as well as custom skins, etc. But thats for another thread

Thanks for your fast response. I hear you on the Verizon UI. The Moto UI is so much better than the Verizon UI, I don't think we even need to talk about that.

As for the Internet use, I agree that using 1x on the laptop would be better than using EVDO on the phone, since you can get more done on your laptop. For me, though, Mobile web would come in handy from time to time to just quickly check something like email, movie time, or something quick. For everything else, I would also rather use my laptop(which I also carry with me most of the day).

~Andy

[Cincyball]

Well, 24 hours out of the loop, and they have all data working at 1x AND evdo... yea, i hear ya on the quick WAP for checking basic stuff. Pretty amazing, just a few months ago, and it was unheard of to have a cdma monster file. Now there are 6 or more out, and now, everything works just how it is supposed to. Arre u one to flash, or do u just leave it on vZw ui?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Cincyball

Arre u one to flash, or do u just leave it on vZw ui?

Well, the LG Chocolate is the first phone that I have used extensively with the Verizon UI, and it does okay for my purposes and uses. I am actually a little scared to flash my UI, lol, I just figure something will go wrong with my luck.

[sincraft]

HMMMMMMMMM

BIG QUESTION. Can you mobile web for like the other gentleman was saying, checking movie times, email, I'M, etc etc - then tether or is it going to always have to stay in 1x mode?

I didnt think you could get evdo smartphone type speeds on 'regular' phones. Just another marketing ploy I suppose?

Anyway, let me know as this is a concern. Not a biggy as I could use 1x but I was impressed with Crickets speed and I believe it was on 1x. ALOT better than my first gen phone audivox 9500 web browsing. Now THAT was slow.

I'm pretty sure I am going to go with the mobile web for $5, I will also feel better about tethering at that point as at least I am paying for the darn service If they 'say anything' I'll just act stupid like I do so well.

I still feel that if airwaves are bombarding my house, brain, heart etc etc - I should be able to receive them for FREE, and possibly charge for them entering my house without my approval.

Anyway. Thoughts

[Cincyball]

With a Verizon v3m, u can use mobile web at either 1x or evdo. and u can set this up for free if u want by using Google as a proxy, and creating an addition web sesssion..rather than using VZW's web session.

Second, you can set up free tethering (DUN), but u must force the phone into 1x mode. If u want to tether at EVDO speed, you MUST sign up for the $60/mionth plan. See the link above @ hack the raz.com for those details.

[sincraft]

once you force your phone to 1x for dun, is there a 'quick' way to reset it back from handheld evdo browsing or is it easier to just leave it at 1x for handheld browsing and then for tethering...guess that's the question I had to summarize.

[Cincyball]

yea, u can do a *228 option 2 to update your prl. That will turn it back to EVDO. Orrrr, if u memorized the steps, u can just turn it back manually.

[sincraft]

Thanks for all your help.
It's been a pleasure!

Sure I'll be bugging you further once my phones come in

[GeorgiaSky]

Originally Posted by sincraft

Long story short, I need data on the road. At times just a few clicks on a wap enabled site, at other times I need as much as I can get when I need it, I'll even be putting a printer in my truck

Ok so my question is, can I have just a basic verizon plan, the web service for $5 per month, and 'hack the razr' and be setup for the net on my laptop?

When I called them, they told me $59.99 per month yada yada. Of course they tried to get me to get the smartphone plan, a motorola q and a tether option.

Also , if it is possible, has anyone discussed the legalities? I heard that verizon caught onto this and shut this down and reversed bill some people via another website with sparse info on the subject.

Thanks for your input!

Tethering??? I'm not sure what this is??? But I can connect via my RazrV3M as a modem with my laptop and Alltel walked me through how to do it, but I'm using a data cable since the Razr is not bluetooth cabable for anything other than headsets/handsfree through Alltel. According to Alltel, there will be no extra charge for usage through AxcessMobile as long as I utilize it during my free nights and weeks ends, if I use it out side those time frames it will use my plan minutes.... is that tethering?? And what is flashing??

(I feel like such a dumb bunny)

Brenda

[noahnsteph]

Tethering is exactly what you're already. That's awesome that Alltell walked you through it and told you it was free as long as you use your nights and weekend minutes. We Verizon folks have to sneak data across the 1x network by hacking the phone w/ a seem edit allowing us to use the phone via a dial up network or DUN to "tether" to the internet since they charge for data transfer in various monthly plans. Works just as you described but Verizon seriously frowns on it. The certainly don't tell their customers how to do it.

[Cincyball]

Yea, noah is dead on with that one. Its unfortunate that they hide these things...couldnt have said it better myself

[GeorgiaSky]

Originally Posted by noahnsteph

Tethering is exactly what you're already. That's awesome that Alltell walked you through it and told you it was free as long as you use your nights and weekend minutes. We Verizon folks have to sneak data across the 1x network by hacking the phone w/ a seem edit allowing us to use the phone via a dial up network or DUN to "tether" to the internet since they charge for data transfer in various monthly plans. Works just as you described but Verizon seriously frowns on it. The certainly don't tell their customers how to do it.

OH Thats awful! Yes, Alltel even sold and sent me the data cable kit, which I'm sure I could have found somewhere much cheaper, but its nice to know at least I'm getting something back from them in the free usage. They do have plans for using your phone DUN style I've found out, but I'll just keep that money since I will only need to access the net via my cell if I'm in a spot where I can't get access any other way.

[sincraft]

hmmm, sad.
Verizon is ramping up for FIOS. Without putting too much personal info out there, I have a 'insiders' point of view from a few, and they REALLY plan on putting companies like Comcast etc out. Although this info is NOT a secret hehe, it is not just advertisement or PR - they REALLY plan on pushing cable out of business!

I'll welcome it. Since the transition of Adelphia > comcast, my web pages take FOREVER to load and email sits many times unresolved.

Verizon plans on offering COMPLETE packages, but from what I understand will NOT be offering wireless as part of that package.

Regardless, I'm ALL FOR Verizon FIOS as I will definetely purchase.
The sad part is, they really do need a bloody nose with the wireless aspect.

Places like Alltel and Cricket are making some strides toward doing this.

Alltel is very customer oriented and they are VERY interested in bringing in new customers even at a break even cost to remove some of the market share from Verizon.

Seemingly, competition is NOT breeding competition when it comes right down to it. Seems like PRICE FIXING is occuring personally.

What is needed is a rebel of the pack to break out and offer ridiculous amounts of minutes/perks for a ridiculous amount of money.

Hey everyone has to make a profit. If you knew (some may) what the average Verizon employee makes you would be rather sick. Especially since most have no degrees, no experience, no...anything. They just sign up and get hired during a open enrollment and BAM they are making master degree money with 10+ years experience.

Anyway, these ramblings are just some general thoughts. The utility companies including what I believe to be a utility (necessary , got you by the *** service), KNOW they have ya...and without proper competition, we will always suffer the brunt.

I mean, come on. Should we really pay the same amount for telephone service as we do for our TV? Yet, people complain about TV rates like CRAZY, but all you see everywhere is people paying MINIMUM $50 per month for telephone service that is VERY limited.

I'd like to see Cable TV say: Ok, you can watch tv for 10 hours this month, for $50. LOL

[ZaphodB]

Just a little reminder... WirelessAdvisor.com, our administrators and moderators don't dispense legal advice here -- your choice to tether or not tether is your own responsibility, we disclaim any fault or any responsibility for damages that may be incurred. Consult your carrier or an attorney if you actually want to know if it's legal.

And now, back to our featured discussion.

[sincraft]

I'm not going to even type a long message about self responsibility.

I can't tell you how many people sadly I run into on a daily basis that have no idea what this means.

Alas, I UNDERSTAND and state it publically here

My razr was supposed to show up today (new one) but I wasn't around for the fedex guy and Verizon requires a sig or a sig card. Lame. I get $1500 routers dropped at my door on a monthly basis, I've had a 10k telephone card dropped at my door, yet a $50 phone is not.

Oh well, until I get a 'real' office, it will have to do. Costs WAY too much to hire even someone to do receptionist work.

I'm pretty excited about my decision to do this actually. I'm going to save some $$$ and IF I really need to use data access often I will upgrade to a 'real' plan, but until then...my fingers are just too fat to use the web on a mobile phone. No its no Mcdonald's fault either.