Verizon Promises Tethering Support for the Motorola Droid

Ed Hardy · 11-04-2009, 09:30 AM

Although Verizon isn't going to offer tethering on the Motorola Droid at launch, it will add this feature early next year. This carrier's Broadband Access Connect service will then allow this Android smartphone to function as a wireless modem for other devices.

This will add a monthly charge of $15, and is limited to 5 GB of data transfers each month.

A Third-Party Option
Those who don't want to wait for official Verizon support can consider apps like PdaNet. This adds the same functionality, but without the additional cost.

June Fabrics PdaNet for Android is a pair of apps that run on a smartphone and a Windows PC which lets the two share a wireless Internet connection. The software costs $29, and doesn't come with a monthly charge.

Jun Fabrics says it is working on Android 2.0 support, and a new version will be available soon.

Third-party tethering apps like PdaNet are not sanctioned by wireless carriers, though.

What Is Tethering?
Tethering is the process of using a mobile phone to provide wireless Internet access to another computer, usually a laptop. Carriers have different names for this -- like Verizon's "Broadband Access Connect" service -- but the generic term is tethering.

Some smartphones come with this feature built in, but not all. And wireless carriers have a wide range of opinions toward it. Still, there are third-party applications for virtually every smartphone platform that add this feature, no matter what the carriers want.

Source: Gearlog

Related Articles:

ward.smith · 11-04-2009, 03:49 PM

I tether it my Centro even though Verizon says I can't. That makes my $30 unlimited data plan a bargain.

Varjak · 11-04-2009, 05:35 PM

I wish Joiku would work on offering JoikuSpot for more than just Symbian devices. Their's seems like the best one and isn't a 'pairing' between specific devices. The latest version turns some Symbian phones into MiFi-like devices with access for up to 5 users. It's something like $40, but worth it.

questionfear · 11-04-2009, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varjak

I wish Joiku would work on offering JoikuSpot for more than just Symbian devices. Their's seems like the best one and isn't a 'pairing' between specific devices. The latest version turns some Symbian phones into MiFi-like devices with access for up to 5 users. It's something like $40, but worth it.

There is a similar product called WMWIFIRouter for windows mobile.

Varjak · 11-04-2009, 08:47 PM

Yeah QF, I've seen that too; but it doesn't do the multiple-user thing, does it? When I read about it in the Times, it was a one-user thing (though still pretty good.) Still, that's one of the reasons I like the HTC's along with the Droid. I really want a phone where I can use a robust, one-time fee, tethering app.

questionfear · 11-04-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varjak

Yeah QF, I've seen that too; but it doesn't do the multiple-user thing, does it? When I read about it in the Times, it was a one-user thing (though still pretty good.) Still, that's one of the reasons I like the HTC's along with the Droid. I really want a phone where I can use a robust, one-time fee, tethering app.

Yes, they do allow multiple connections. Check their website here for details.

I tried it a while back when Fios mysteriously had to cancel our cable to change whose name it was in (it was in my fiancee's brother's name, then we needed to move it to her name, and somehow that involved turning off our internet for 2 days....long story), but if your phone has internet sharing turned off you have to turn it on to make it work.

Ed Hardy · 11-06-2009, 08:42 AM

I keep hoping someone will make an app like JoikuSpot/WMWifiRouter for Android. PdaNet is great if you want to tether with your laptop, but not any other type of device, like an iPod touch.

-

Varjak · 11-06-2009, 05:42 PM

Ed, I'm sure (and hopeful) that this will come to pass. I'm not buying a smartphone unless that's an option (although the iPhone's apps still pull at me!).

Ed Hardy · 11-07-2009, 08:09 AM

There's a follow-up to this article here:
http://www.brighthand.com/default.as...izon+Tethering

-

SMARTPHONEPC · 11-08-2009, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Hardy

I keep hoping someone will make an app like JoikuSpot/WMWifiRouter for Android. PdaNet is great if you want to tether with your laptop, but not any other type of device, like an iPod touch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varjak

Ed, I'm sure (and hopeful) that this will come to pass. I'm not buying a smartphone unless that's an option (although the iPhone's apps still pull at me!).

If the Droid had the MiFi feature like the upcoming WM HTC HD2 I would likely have bought it already..