TP ICS Tethering - Will I be Charged?

[ItsDon]

I've read forum after forum and......

Simple question. I have a TP (stock ROM) with the Everything Data Share Plan 1500. Last night I plugged my phone into my laptop (USB), ran ICS and was surfing at near DSL speeds. I watched a couple hours of Hulu (very nice!) Will I be charged for this?

Half the threads say yes, some say no, some say only if I exceed 5GB, some say I need to do a registry hack - no real answer.

My account with Sprint shows "Vision Data - Unlimited" I assume that means I'm good to go, right?

This is from Sprints Website:

"Unlike voice calls, which are charged by the minute, data usage is charged by the size of file sent or received on your Sprint PCS Vision phone. If you have a Sprint PCS Vision pack with unlimited Sprint PCS Vision, your usage of Sprint PCS Vision is unlimited and you will not be charged any data fees."

Doesn't say anything about tethering or limits or anything, just unlimited. Not sure why I am freaking out, it just seems to good to be true and if it seems to good to be true....

I just checked my data usage online and it did indeed spike, should I be concerned?

[bairice]

Were you tethering using "phone as modem" or "usb"? From what I understand, the former involves extra charges, the latter most likely will not.

[ItsDon]

Originally Posted by mikebai1990

Were you tethering using "phone as modem" or "usb"? From what I understand, the former involves extra charges, the latter most likely will not.

I'm using the stock rom but have installed the "cleanup" which changes the PAM to "Sprint" (whatever that means) and am connected by USB. I simply plugged the phone into my laptop (running Windows 7), ran the included Internet Connection Sharing app and was connected. It's fast enough to stream Hulu and Slingbox and I can see myself using this often while on the road. Just want to make sure there is no nasty bill in my mailbox when i get home.

[tbran]

I also use the stock rom and tether all the time. I haven't ever been billed in 3 years. I believe in the 5GB theory myself and always keep my usage to half of that.....tops, so that I don't draw attention to myself.

[skeegcpp]

Originally Posted by ItsDon

I'm using the stock rom but have installed the "cleanup" which changes the PAM to "Sprint" (whatever that means) and am connected by USB. I simply plugged the phone into my laptop (running Windows 7), ran the included Internet Connection Sharing app and was connected. It's fast enough to stream Hulu and Slingbox and I can see myself using this often while on the road. Just want to make sure there is no nasty bill in my mailbox when i get home.

lol..u dont even know it, but u just said WHY u wudnt get that nasty bill

Originally Posted by ItsDon

I'm using the stock rom but have installed the "cleanup" which changes the PAM to "Sprint" (whatever that means)

if u try to use the PAM username, sprint'll try to charge u. but if u use ur regular powervision username, all the activity goes thru that username which u pay an unlimited data plan for. thats probably why they went up to $30 for powervision pda plans. but u shud be fine. if u do ever worry, go into the advanced option and tap select networks and make sure sprint is only checked

Originally Posted by ItsDon

I just checked as you suggested and under the advanced tab "Sprint" is indeed the one that is selected. I feel better now - thanks!

no problem...anytime

[ItsDon]

I just checked as you suggested and under the advanced tab "Sprint" is indeed the one that is selected. I feel better now - thanks!

[Buehlar]

If you are paying for the unlimited data plan, I'm sure you are covered.

Otherwise you will be charged per MB for use outside of your plan according to your contract agreement.

I'd recommend trying WMWifiRouter. Ver 0.91 and earlier is free (google the cab file).
It will turn your phone into a Wireless (ad-hoc) Router. No need for tethering cables.

[kyle4269]

I'm on Verizon and havent been charged yet(Not to say it wont happen lol)..I use it while im at work and only surf the web and play poker. So I dont really use up that much data. I also have the Unlimited data package with Verizon, so im not really worried about going over..

[scrosler]

Hahahahahahaaha

So you want info on how to defraud the carrier? Is that correct?

Just kidding:

The best thing to do is just call sprint and ask them. Have you dne that? I would hate to see people give wrong info and end up with a million dollar cell phone bill....

I would just call sprint.

[ruskiyab]

I'm assuming you're not on the stock sprint rom? If you are, the only way you'd be able to access the internet using the phone as a modem would be to have it in the plan, if you're on a custom rom, chances are undetectable internet sharing is included