Tethering worth it?

[Galls]

I know of PDANET and have used in on my treo un-tethered. It is my understanding that Verizon when you tether your phone has software similar to PDANET. Is their a feature/speed/reliability benefit to using the Verizon tethering, or is it just another way for them to rip me off?

[My-Q]

I've not used VZW to connect to the net. I have used PDANet. I think you get a little bit faster service with VZW. I get satisfactory service using PDANet and for me I am content for what I use it for. I use PDANet for about 10-15 minutes at a time doing research on sites I can't access with my Q such as especially secure sites.

Each user has their own needs and what works for me, may not for you. If you plan to use the service a lot, you might check out the $15 VZW charge. Try both and see.

[scottjb]

I've been satisfied with VZW's tethering option. Ev-DO speed is pretty good for most things. It's been very reliable for me. You go into Start, Accessories, and activate the Modem Link to use it once the feature is added to your line.

[pyrobling]

Originally Posted by Galls

I know of PDANET and have used in on my treo un-tethered. It is my understanding that Verizon when you tether your phone has software similar to PDANET. Is their a feature/speed/reliability benefit to using the Verizon tethering, or is it just another way for them to rip me off?

Policy states that you need to pay "X" amount of dollars per month minimum to access the VZW network wirelessly. So you can use PDANET, however, this will violate T&C. If you get the $15 tethering, which is free the first 30 days, you DO NOT violate T&C. This means without you can possibly have service interrupted, however with you shouldn't unless you pass the 5GB limit. You are also able to add and remove as you want when you want.

-A

[My-Q]

The VZW tech I spoke with said that as long as a 'person' did not go over the 5 gig limit, they wouldn't be too concerned. However, they have software that triggers an flag when a 'person' goes over the 5 gig limit. Then, there is an automated system that tracks the 'persons' usage. If there is a consistent overage, then the 'person' maybe violating the contract. If you use PDANet and have a consistent overage of 5 gig, they you might want to go a head and do the $15 a month extra.

Also, from what I understand, there is no way for VZW to tell is a person is using their phone to pull data or if they are using PDANet. There is the out for us (for the moment). That is the beauty of PDANet anyway.

Mindful, I am not openly telling you to violate your contract with VZW. So, you are on your own. I am saying that IF you were really careful with your usage, you should be okay using PDANet.

[My-Q]

Oh, I have used 16,345 kb of data this cycle (16th day) and less than a thousand of that is using PDANet. That will pick-up when my new term starts next week and when I am on my annual 2 1/2 week vacation. There is so much free data usage left over that there should not be a problem for overage.

[trent_duke]

16000kb in 16 days from phone and tethering?

Jesus, last month of tethering alone, I used over 900,000kb. And that is without even streaming Sirius on my pc which I miss doing with my Comcast modemn. I do stream clips of videos here and there but it is not a "continuous" stream so data is not being chopped away.

The only issue I have with tethering is someones after "deactivating," my battery life goes down at lightening speed even from a full charge via usb. A power on/off will fix this but just a pain to have to do...

Maybe Adam will know this but...since I am paying for tethering, do I get another 5GB on top of my 5GB I am giving for phone data? Or does Verizon rip us off again by combining to the two services and saying 5GB total.

Trent

[My-Q]

Originally Posted by trent_duke

16000kb in 16 days from phone and tethering?

Jesus, last month of tethering alone, I used over 900,000kb.

See why I don't have a problem not paying the extra $15/month! LOL! When I am in an area where I can use Wifi I prefer that. When in Nashville, I have no need to use my Q to get internet because there is a a public wifi. When in the hind end of civilization (where I am now), I have to use my Q to pull data for my notebook.

Even using 900,000 kb, I would feel comfortable about not paying the $15.

[pyrobling]

No guys, I totally agree. I may work for VZW and I'm totally convinced that there is no other carrier that beats it, however I still feel that some things are in a way a rip off.

I will admit that not one of my programs, except for on Q to support EQ store, is paid for, nor is music. However, some things I still have to do.

I can BT tether my Q and not spend any additional money per month. However, if VZW catches on (which is done by monitor how much and how steady data is used i.e. tethering a lappy for steady connection) then you MOST LIKELY have service terminated without VZW's tethering feature for not following policy. Policy says that for data on a laptop (aircard or tether) you need to pay them either 59.99 or 79.99 per month. This means that if you are only paying VZW 44.99 then you are "violating" service agreement. It will have the same effect as breaking the 5gb limit, also a "violation".

I know, its kinda weak, but even as an employee --I-- have to pay the $15 tethering fee too so that I don't break policy and get --my-- service interrupted as well.

As for the question above, the 5gb goes strictly off of the MDN. It does not matter how it is used, tethering just adds the provision for a modem to your account not more data.

-A

[bchandler02]

I am a new Q user and this forum has been great, thanks to all. Is there a recommended site to purchase PDANET? I see it generally available for $34 at a couple of sites and I was wondering if this is the best price.

Thanks in advance for the help.