Free T-Mobile Msg: Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing access may be blocked unless you add a Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing plan available at my.t-mobile.com
followed by this within seconds of the first msg :
Free T-Mobile Msg: Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing access has been blocked. Please add a Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing plan available at my.t-mobile.com
I remember them talking about cracking down on people tethering without a tether plan
but didn't think it was possible
I didn't get that message
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Do you tether often? Or download a lot when you tether?
Maybe you're just one of those users that has exceeded what they consider "normal" and "average" usage.
How much data do you use a month?
Never download. but I'm sure it's being exceeded when I play starcraft II lol.
I did stream Netflix heavily and would get capped to edge after hitting 5gb+ but that was months ago. I never received messages or got regulated after I stopped up until today while I was browsing casually.
This crap should be illegal.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
I had heard that was going around, anyone know how they are doing it?
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
I think they are randomly sending ppl messages. They sent my gf a message today saying about parental control for 4.99 so kids dont go over minutes or messages. We have 3 lines and all three have unlimited everything so message was pretty lame.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
resinous said:
Never download. but I'm sure it's being exceeded when I play starcraft II lol.
I did stream Netflix heavily and would get capped to edge after hitting 5gb+ but that was months ago. I never received messages or got regulated after I stopped up until today while I was browsing casually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's probably how they busted you, not quite aware of any phone that can play Starcraft II, all they would need to know is the servers used for the game... might have just been excessive use I suppose.
played SCII while tethered from my phone to PC is what I meant. Not directly from my Nexus 1, lol.
resinous said:
played SCII while tethered from my phone to PC is what I meant. Not directly from my Nexus 1, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I meant, the only way you could do it would be through tethering...
resinous said:
Free T-Mobile Msg: Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing access may be blocked unless you add a Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing plan available at my.t-mobile.com
followed by this within seconds of the first msg :
Free T-Mobile Msg: Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing access has been blocked. Please add a Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing plan available at my.t-mobile.com
I remember them talking about cracking down on people tethering without a tether plan
but didn't think it was possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent them an official letter asking them how they have come to this conclusion.
Have they been monitoring your traffic? If yes, did they have police permission to do so, and if yes on what grounds. Declare that you consider taking legal action against them for privacy concerns.
Yeah there have been rumors that they'll start charging for those they believe are tethering without permission.
The only way they can discover this is if they are sniffing/recording your packets, and this is a major privacy concern, as even secure (https) communication can be read if they record the keys in a packet stream.
All your bank info, and email, and any other service you use, via tethering or just on the phone is potentially at risk if they are snooping around to see if you're tethering.
Not really...
Your device broadcasts it's ID pretty much everywhere it goes. All they have to do is look for tablets going through their servers...
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App
danger-rat said:
Your device broadcasts it's ID pretty much everywhere it goes. All they have to do is look for tablets going through their servers...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're going to have to define what you mean, because being in Networking/IT for 8 years, I know what you're saying but they still have to sniff your packets.
I think they're going based on data amount, from what people are saying. Which is why my family has not gotten a notice.
I definitely abused the tethering privileges. I'm probably one of the select few to get this notice.
georgemv said:
Sent them an official letter asking them how they have come to this conclusion.
Have they been monitoring your traffic? If yes, did they have police permission to do so, and if yes on what grounds. Declare that you consider taking legal action against them for privacy concerns.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But aren't you also breaking the rules since you're tethering without a tethering plan?
My concern isn't about tethering my concern is that they are spying on data itself to tell that you are tethering. I work for a company that uses https for web mail. And that's a major privacy concern since we handle sensitive data.
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
flibbertigibbet007 said:
You're going to have to define what you mean, because being in Networking/IT for 8 years, I know what you're saying but they still have to sniff your packets.
I think they're going based on data amount, from what people are saying. Which is why my family has not gotten a notice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, from my limited knowledge, I believe that a service broadcasts certain information about itself in order to communicate effectively with other devices...
Hulu block android.
Web pages render for mobile devices.
When I log on to my bank from a new device, I have authenticate it (and it's not cookie based).
Digital fingerprints contain a ton of information that you, the user, make available to any service you interact with...
My guess is that the carrier looks at large data users, and scrutinizes the use. I would also say that the carrier is well within their rights to confirm that services using their network are authorized to do so?
Correct me if i'm wrong - it won't be the first time... xD
What I don't agree with is the fact that, if I pay for 5G of data, what the hell does it matter how I use it? If I tether my nook to download music it's wrong, but if I download it on my phone and transfer via SD that's OK? Just wierd to me...
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App
danger-rat said:
Hulu block android.
Web pages render for mobile devices.
When I log on to my bank from a new device, I have authenticate it (and it's not cookie based).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+Hulu, can tell based on browser data that is sent over http. and I believe flash also provides data about what system you're on. (also they can tell by your public ip address what you're probably using their service from, like a cell phone)
+Webpages, also they get browser responces in headers over http. And redirect you to a mobile page. (eg. m.website.com)
+Bank accounts, I know exactly what you mean about this, they normally can tell from IP address only. But other than that it's cookie, and Mac address(probably from a java call?)
In my opinion, I believe it's going beyond the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 2000:
http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/judiciary/hju67343.000/hju67343_0.htm
But I don't know the full details of the act, I'm going on my understanding.
Of course I'm talking only about US Customers of ATandT.
Edit: So from what I've read, the privacy act would only not allow any information they can provide about how they know you're using tethering as evidence in a court case, so a lawsuit against them would ultimately win in the customers favor.
Related
T-Mobile "Blocking" WiFi Tethering by Detecting & Denying Browser User Agent
Just thought I'd share my experience. I was surfing on my G2 (running stock w/ the first OTA update installed, phone was not temp rooted) last night and I got this txt:
Free T-Mobile Msg: Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing access may be blocked unless you add a Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing plan available at my.t-mobile.com
I didn't think anything of it since I am on vacation and didn't even bring a laptop to tether with... until I got another text later that night:
Free T-Mobile Msg: Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing access has been blocked. Please add a Phone Tethering & Wi-Fi Sharing plan available at my.t-mobile.com
Sure enough, as soon as that was sent EVERY page I tried in the Dolphin browser I was using redirected to a generic "buy tethering for $10" placeholder! After a few moments I realized they were trying to detect what kind of browser I was using and seem to be blocking certain browsers from getting online. I was surfing on my G2 with Dolphin's "user agent" set to "desktop." I changed the setting to "Android" and have had no issues since. I am able to visit "full" sites and even stream embeded flash movies, java, etc.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
so u changed dolphins user agent and wifi tethering continued to work without issues? ur last sentence just isn't very clear.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
He is saying that browsing on dolphin browser with user agent set to "desktop" was b being blocked. Changing back to "android" fixed it. He was not using wifi-tether at all.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
OP: what rom are you running? Are you stock? I have not had this problem while running Cyanogen 6.1rc
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
If this is the case, t-mobile may remove the block for you on a per-account basis if you complain about now being able to use your device fully..
I just changed my user agent to desktop in the stock browser. If they block me I will call 611 and raise hell, I will not be blocked from using my "unlimited" web plan. I am all stock no root.
Does anybody encounter similar problem with Skyfire?
It appears the problem happens on Dolphin and I heard nothing on Skyfire (and I have no problem).
Odd, I was tethering with Android wifi tether, and have not received that message.
ruleftbehind said:
If this is the case, t-mobile may remove the block for you on a per-account basis if you complain about now being able to use your device fully..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no possible way to do that.
Why not? Do you work for tmobile? Not challenging you, just saying if this is the case where its now hardcoded into the network, then we should think about raising hell to corporate!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk
franky1029 said:
Why not? Do you work for tmobile? Not challenging you, just saying if this is the case where its now hardcoded into the network, then we should think about raising hell to corporate!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree... I've gotten crazier things done through retention dept.
retention is the shiz, too bad i recently started a new contract and my tenure did not move with me(9 years gone) now its like i just started with t-mo and retention probably won't do much for me. still waiting on my text to block tether/dolphin though
candy for breakfast said:
there is no possible way to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The block is obviously something they have to enable on a per-account basis since it works for most people until they get the text. If it was system wide and not account-specific then it would stop working for everyone at once, not a few users here and there one at a time.
Time for tmobile users to build and install privoxy on your phones... it'll take care of this nonsense without requiring you to make any weird changes to your "tethered" computer.
Update
I was using more bandwidth than I usually do on the desktop "User Agent" over Edge at the time (at least 100MB in an hour.) I just read another post on here which claims they send you a text after 100MB or something. After a couple of days I switched back to the desktop User Agent and have been using it since without any blocking. Seems to be certain criteria and possibly geographic location to get the texts and ban.
Please look at my post regarding T-mobile tethering
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26649587#post26649587
I've been throttled.
My buddy and I were downloading roms to flash on customers phones using my hercules as a hot spot on some Acer laptop he had cause he didn't have internet that week.
It was just on this line, but pretty much made your phone unuseable.
I can't trick it long.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Just updated my Droid X to the newest Gingerbread leak (so called 'OTA'). 3G Mobile Hotspot seems to be working perfectly without me signing up for it. Is there a risk by doing this? No where does it say that I am signing up for 3G Mobile Hotspot by using it. It just ... works.
ya its weird... I'm running stock & mine does the same it just warns you about the battery being used up... I didn't sign up or anything... I use easytether just to be on the safe side but I dunno
sent from the DX
doronster195 said:
Just updated my Droid X to the newest Gingerbread leak (so called 'OTA'). 3G Mobile Hotspot seems to be working perfectly without me signing up for it. Is there a risk by doing this? No where does it say that I am signing up for 3G Mobile Hotspot by using it. It just ... works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering you are stealing, yes, I'd say its risky.
Maybe you had ran the TBH patch?
I'm on Cricket. I'm using rooted GB and the stock 3G Mobile Hotspot app works fine for me as well. Never used the TBH patch or any market-acquired tethering apps.
Not sure what Cricket would think of me tethering, but I am on the $55 Android plan (unlimited everything). I might tether once or twice a month, if that, so I'm not really worried about any repercussions.
It's not risky. He's not rooted. Verizon is allowing FREE access to the 3G Mobile Hotspot at the moment just as it's allowing free access to it on the Thunderbolt. This is widely known. In order to flash the newest version of GB, he would have had to SBF back to .340 first, which would have negated his TBH hacks.
http://droidattic.com/News/Verizon-Offering-FREE-Mobile-Hotspot-From-March-17-Through-May-15.html
yea im on cricket also and have no problem with 3g hotspot its not stealing when u pqy for unlimited data... especially considering cricket doesnt have a plan for tethering. just mho...
Sent from my DROIDX using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
DizDroid said:
Considering you are stealing, yes, I'd say its risky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are going to espouse opinion, please at least have the courtesy of backing it up with more contextual data.
Some of you zealots are so fevered about proclaiming tethering as "stealing" that its sickening. Its a talking point that people just copy and paste into their brain for mass broadcasting. You didn't even take the time to investigate this particular situation. You just logged in, pasted in your standard "stealing" talkpoint, and backed it up with no other supporting arguments. In this scenario, the hotspot is FREE, but I'm sure you'll still call it "stealing".
Its your phone and your data plan. Let people make their own decisions. Personally, I rarely tether as I have no other devices and already have a home internet connection. However, I feel as long as only 1 device is using the data plan actively, then you are fully entitled to use it as you see fit.
jeftep said:
If you are going to espouse opinion, please at least have the courtesy of backing it up with more contextual data.
Some of you zealots are so fevered about proclaiming tethering as "stealing" that its sickening. Its a talking point that people just copy and paste into their brain for mass broadcasting. You didn't even take the time to investigate this particular situation. You just logged in, pasted in your standard "stealing" talkpoint, and backed it up with no other supporting arguments. In this scenario, the hotspot is FREE, but I'm sure you'll still call it "stealing".
Its your phone and your data plan. Let people make their own decisions. Personally, I rarely tether as I have no other devices and already have a home internet connection. However, I feel as long as only 1 device is using the data plan actively, then you are fully entitled to use it as you see fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to engage in this troll fest, but I just couldn't pass this up.
From the VZW Terms of Service:
http://b2b.vzw.com/broadband/bba_terms.html
Customers who do not have dedicated Mobile Broadband devices cannot tether other devices to laptops or personal computers for use as wireless modems unless they subscribe to Mobile Broadband Connect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can 'feel' however you want about it. If you tether without having the appropriate plan, you are breaking the TOS.
VZW does evidently have a special going on until May 15 where tethering is free, so you are not stealing if that special applies.
Having said all of that, I too like to be able to tether my laptop in an emergency. I also occasionally tether my Tablet for Navigation. But just because we want to, doesn't mean its legal.
Zaphod-Beeblebrox said:
I hate to engage in this troll fest, but I just couldn't pass this up.
From the VZW Terms of Service:
http://b2b.vzw.com/broadband/bba_terms.html
You can 'feel' however you want about it. If you tether without having the appropriate plan, you are breaking the TOS.
VZW does evidently have a special going on until May 15 where tethering is free, so you are not stealing if that special applies.
Having said all of that, I too like to be able to tether my laptop in an emergency. I also occasionally tether my Tablet for Navigation. But just because we want to, doesn't mean its legal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This from the guy that not only steals other peoples spaceships but even stole his own spaceship.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Anyone know if Sprint is actively monitoring Hotspot usage on custom ROMs? I know they can, but never really worried about it since I only use it once every month or so for small amounts of data.
The other day I enabled it for a couple minutes just to test a tablet's wifi access out, and less than 5 minutes later, I got a message:
From 4483:
SprintFreeMsg: Turn your Evo 4G into a Wi-Fi router and connect up to 5 devices with Sprint Mobile Hotspot.
It could be a coincidence, but the timing is suspicious. Is there real concern about being charged/dropped? I've read some have been dropped for excessive forced roaming using custom ROMs, but didn't know if I should suspend use of limited Hotspot usage unless I pay the $30 monthly (which I'd never do for < 1 hour usage / month).
wvufan said:
Anyone know if Sprint is actively monitoring Hotspot usage on custom ROMs? I know they can, but never really worried about it since I only use it once every month or so for small amounts of data.
The other day I enabled it for a couple minutes just to test a tablet's wifi access out, and less than 5 minutes later, I got a message:
From 4483:
SprintFreeMsg: Turn your Evo 4G into a Wi-Fi router and connect up to 5 devices with Sprint Mobile Hotspot.
It could be a coincidence, but the timing is suspicious. Is there real concern about being charged/dropped? I've read some have been dropped for excessive forced roaming using custom ROMs, but didn't know if I should suspend use of limited Hotspot usage unless I pay the $30 monthly (which I'd never do for < 1 hour usage / month).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ha, I jsut got the same one, and I never tether. Coincident
Anyone know if Sprint is actively monitoring Hotspot usage on custom ROMs? I know they can,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no they cant.
wvufan said:
Anyone know if Sprint is actively monitoring Hotspot usage on custom ROMs? I know they can, but never really worried about it since I only use it once every month or so for small amounts of data.
The other day I enabled it for a couple minutes just to test a tablet's wifi access out, and less than 5 minutes later, I got a message:
From 4483:
SprintFreeMsg: Turn your Evo 4G into a Wi-Fi router and connect up to 5 devices with Sprint Mobile Hotspot.
It could be a coincidence, but the timing is suspicious. Is there real concern about being charged/dropped? I've read some have been dropped for excessive forced roaming using custom ROMs, but didn't know if I should suspend use of limited Hotspot usage unless I pay the $30 monthly (which I'd never do for < 1 hour usage / month).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's coincidence.
They can't tell if you're tethering from a custom rom.
This has been discussed by verizon customers for some time now. Carriers can monitor tethering, rooted or not. They can also block tethering apps in the market, which is what verizon and the others have done. Sprint doesnt block the apps in the market and could care less if your tethering without paying for it. If you pay the $10 a month for premium data you have unlimited data. They care less how you use it.
I was wondering the same thing since some ROMs come with Wireless Tether, which comes from the market, and the Sense ones come with Mobile Hot Spot. I remember reading that Mobile Hot Spot connects the the devices differently than the Wireless Tether and didn't know if Sprint was able to trace if you're using one or the other. Looks like they can't tell the difference between the two. And since you have unlimited data, they'll let you use as much data to tether as you want.
mikeyinid said:
Carriers can monitor tethering, rooted or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you base this claim on?
mattykinsx said:
What do you base this claim on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My girlfriend has a Nexus S 4G(unrooted) and according to her she tethered for a day and the next was told to pay for it to continue to tether.
goodboynyc said:
My girlfriend has a Nexus S 4G(unrooted) and according to her she tethered for a day and the next was told to pay for it to continue to tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it has some sort of Sprint apps on it like SprintIQ/Sprint Zone or something that could potentially monitor that.
Especially if she used the tether function that is built in.
But if you use AOSP or some sort of ROM with the Sprint monitor apps removed it they can't monitor it.
There's no way for Sprint to know if I, with my Evo, tether with CM7
mattykinsx said:
What do you base this claim on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2011/03/unauthorized-tethering-warnings-atts-bark-bigger-bite
Thats about att
http://stopthecap.com/2011/05/05/ve...start-cracking-down-on-tethering-freeloaders/
This is just in general.
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news...own-on-wireless-tethering-app-for-android.ars
This talks about Sprint being the only carrier that doesnt block tethering apps in the market.
.
If you think for a second they cant tell whos tethering, your wrong. I cant give you the science behind it, but carriers do know whos tethering. I think alot of it based on usage. If your tethering and playing COD, that would probably piss them off more than just checking emails, or browsing forums.
mattykinsx said:
I'm sure it has some sort of Sprint apps on it like SprintIQ/Sprint Zone or something that could potentially monitor that.
Especially if she used the tether function that is built in.
But if you use AOSP or some sort of ROM with the Sprint monitor apps removed it they can't monitor it.
There's no way for Sprint to know if I, with my Evo, tether with CM7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since the nexus s has 0 sprint apps on it, that is not the case.
mikeyinid said:
http://appadvice.com/appnn/2011/03/unauthorized-tethering-warnings-atts-bark-bigger-bite
Thats about att
http://stopthecap.com/2011/05/05/ve...start-cracking-down-on-tethering-freeloaders/
This is just in general.
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news...own-on-wireless-tethering-app-for-android.ars
This talks about Sprint being the only carrier that doesnt block tethering apps in the market.
.
If you think for a second they cant tell whos tethering, your wrong. I cant give you the science behind it, but carriers do know whos tethering. I think alot of it based on usage. If your tethering and playing COD, that would probably piss them off more than just checking emails, or browsing forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure it is based on usage but that's no proof that they know you're tethering.
A reasonable person could use 5 GB a month tethering and I see no way and no proof that they would have any idea, unless they could see that you have downloaded a tether app from the market.
mikeyinid said:
since the nexus s has 0 sprint apps on it, that is not the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're misunderstanding.
Just because it doesn't have Sprint TV on it doesn't mean it doesn't have Sprint Framework.
Obviously you can activate and update your PRL/Profile with the Nexus S 4g so there is obviously some sort of Sprint framework and it's conceivable, that if they can tell you're tethering and it's not based on usage, (and there's been no evidence to prove they can presented here yet) that would be how.
So you think att or verizon will just send someone a letter or text saying "we know your tethering, knock it off" without REALLY knowing? Sounds like bad business to me.
mattykinsx said:
What do you base this claim on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a variety of ways they *could* track it if they wanted to. Whether or not they do is a different question, but they easily could. For example. think about some of what your computer tends to do in the background. If you're running Windows, it pings windowsupdate now and then, checks for antivirus updates from a Norton/McAfee/Kaspersky/whatever server, and even pings time.windows.com every now and then to sync your clock. All tell-tale signs you're using data on a Windows machine. I'm sure that similar clues can be identified for Mac and Linux, and that's just one way to go about it. Then it's just a question of matching up the phone's IP address at the time to an account, which I expect they track already.
Bottom line is that if someone gave me a directive and a budget to create a system to identify people who are tethering, I could come up with something that would probably be at least 90% effective, without any regard to what's on your phone.
bkrodgers is right. I don't know if Sprint does monitor, hence my question, but there are ways to look at the packets being sent to identify the source with reasonable accuracy. In addition to things like the user agent on browsers, which can be overridden but will give you away most of the time, there are other ways. There are well known network analysis tools that can look at the way low-level network negotiations work and accurately identify the specific version and operating system of a computer, and that's not even necessary because of the user agent and update signatures associated with various operating systems.
Because my tethering/hotspot usage is low compared to my normal usage (multiple gigabytes per month of podcasts and streaming audio usage), I don't think Sprint will care nearly so much about a few megs of tethering usage, but I also don't want to lose the good deal I have on my Sprint account. Thanks all for the feedback. I really wish I had some insight from a Sprint insider.
mikeyinid said:
So you think att or verizon will just send someone a letter or text saying "we know your tethering, knock it off" without REALLY knowing? Sounds like bad business to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you really want me to answer that question? lol
wvufan said:
bkrodgers is right. I don't know if Sprint does monitor, hence my question, but there are ways to look at the packets being sent to identify the source with reasonable accuracy. In addition to things like the user agent on browsers, which can be overridden but will give you away most of the time, there are other ways. There are well known network analysis tools that can look at the way low-level network negotiations work and accurately identify the specific version and operating system of a computer, and that's not even necessary because of the user agent and update signatures associated with various operating systems.
Because my tethering/hotspot usage is low compared to my normal usage (multiple gigabytes per month of podcasts and streaming audio usage), I don't think Sprint will care nearly so much about a few megs of tethering usage, but I also don't want to lose the good deal I have on my Sprint account. Thanks all for the feedback. I really wish I had some insight from a Sprint insider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't know if they can tell or not but I haven't really seen evidence that they actually can besides knowing the market apps you get or ridiculous usage.
When you tether via Android it's the same kinda concept as having a wireless router. [no, it is not the same exact thing]
Can your ISP tell you have a router?
Because routers have a firewall built-in, usually.
But that's not applicable to tether apps.
Furthermore, even I have received the Sprint text message about the tether charge and I have never tethered.
I'm *not* saying is or isn't capable of telling if you're tethering, I just want some proof.
Edit: I just thought of a *possible way* they could tell.
MAC Addresses.
If there are multiple MAC addresses that are using your connection that would give it away right there.
Is that what's going on? No proof.
I should clarify that I'm not saying I believe Sprint is actually using anything like what I described. Though I wouldn't rule out Verizon and AT&T...they seem to know. For some reason I think Sprint's less evil, which might be naive. But they also seem to be less concerned about how much data people are using.
I don't think it's true that Sprint doesn't care if you tether though. If they didn't, they wouldn't be having manufacturers strip it out of their ROMs, and they wouldn't be selling a $30/month add-on. But that doesn't mean they care enough to go to the trouble I describe. At least not at this point.
I think they may have used data usage as an indicator in the past, but with streaming HD videos, music, and all sorts of other data heavy apps, it's easily possible to go past a couple GB with legit phone-only usage. At this point they'd need to go to something more sophisticated, and I don't think Sprint's concerned at that level.
mattykinsx said:
Edit: I just thought of a *possible way* they could tell.
MAC Addresses.
If there are multiple MAC addresses that are using your connection that would give it away right there.
Is that what's going on? No proof.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I think they can only see the MAC address of the device directly connected to their network. Your ISP just sees your router's MAC address (though most routers have the ability to spoof the MAC address of the machine you were originally setup on, if your cable company requires that). Since your phone is basically the router, they'd just see the phone's MAC address.
But regardless, it still just comes down to whether they care enough to invest in a system to detect that. One way or the other, it can be done with pretty good accuracy if they really wanted to.
hhmmm, no comment
Here is your proof:
http://www.sprintfeed.com/2011/10/s...arket/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...locking-tethering-apps-in-the-android-market/
There are a million ways to get around this of course: market hacks, downloading the apps from other sources, side-loading... they're included with most roms... blah blah blah.
Just bringing this to your attention in case you were trying to d/l it from the market and it's not showing up. Now you know why
Just checked the market and looks like you're right. No PdaNet. No Easy Tether. Can still get Easy Tether on Amazon's app store however.
This will only effect the NOOBS.
CapsLockKey said:
Just checked the market and looks like you're right. No PdaNet. No Easy Tether. Can still get Easy Tether on Amazon's app store however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will only effect the Noobs. We can easy download the tether programs to our computers and then copy them on to our android phones.
I knew this. I just ingored it
sent from my cm7-ified epic
Why do they give us data hungry phone and then want to limit our usage?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
Technically we agreed not to use these, but still. Getting around it is so trivial, and yes, this might trip up a few noobs, but chances are if you're that nooby you wouldn't have a need for, or even realize that, tethering is an option.
Add that all up, and it seems like the only thing this move can get you is bad PR/karma.
You may as well be "cool","allow" it, and play the "other carriers try to tell you how you can use your phone and limit your access to certain apps" card, cause it's happening either way.
Sprint can and will cancel service with high data usage.
Sent from my SCH-I405 using xda premium
I use my PC and go to http://market.android.com/ and login to google account.
Easier to find apps that way anyway. Plus it shows all that I've ever downloaded if I look at my library.
jamice4u said:
This will only effect the Noobs. We can easy download the tether programs to our computers and then copy them on to our android phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what the OP says dude...
swear0730 said:
I use my PC and go to http://market.android.com/ and login to google account.
Easier to find apps that way anyway. Plus it shows all that I've ever downloaded if I look at my library.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easier to find apps, yes. Shows your previous download library, yes. Once you click on an item that is no longer offerred, it will tell you its no longer available for download. You basically stare at the husk of an app it once was. But it doesn't tell you that til after you click on it to view its details.
Meh i never used tether apps i use the official hotpot hack
davidrules7778 said:
Meh i never used tether apps i use the official hotpot hack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like that one better. Its not an adhoc connection like the tether apps, but an actual hotspot that your computer actively looks for and can become a preferred network. Its just kewler.
Doesn't log your data usage though, only downside really.
Xhyperion said:
Sprint can and will cancel service with high data usage.
Sent from my SCH-I405 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's about "unlimited data?"
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
rangerover_95 said:
What's about "unlimited data?"
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really only applies on your phone, as in, the data your phone is using. Tethering is a whole new realm. Sprint can tell if you're tethering or using your phone, so if you have a large amount of data through tethering, they'll flag you for it.
I think they're putting limits on tethering plans now, somewhere around 5GB or so I thought.
ArchangelRenzoku said:
I like that one better. Its not an adhoc connection like the tether apps, but an actual hotspot that your computer actively looks for and can become a preferred network. Its just kewler.
Doesn't log your data usage though, only downside really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plus it is stable and doesn't cause reboots and its built into settings so u also get usb tethering too
Also i like it cause it has many different security types and i found one that works with my ds
Only one LOL
hayzooos said:
Sprint can tell if you're tethering or using your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can make you pay for the use of *their* tether app, but I'd like to see evidence that they can tell if your using the likes of a rooted phone with Wireless Tether. I think of this situation the way I viewed using a wired/wireless switch off your home broadband ISP back in the day. For me, Charter only allowed one registered MAC address to the cable modem, and there was some FUD spreading around that you'd get "busted" for using a switch to provide service to multiple computers. Of course there was no way to tell unless they get really invasive. Similar deal here. Hopefully restrictions on phone tethering will seem just as crazy in a few years.
I'm using TWC isp over wifi right now & its not showing up? WTF how is it that its not showing up over wifi?
Edit. I see the one by open gradin. But not the one by Muller
Sent from the Drivers Seat of my Suby txting and Driving doing 100MPH+ in a school zone! Ha.
hayzooos said:
Really only applies on your phone, as in, the data your phone is using. Tethering is a whole new realm. Sprint can tell if you're tethering or using your phone, so if you have a large amount of data through tethering, they'll flag you for it.
I think they're putting limits on tethering plans now, somewhere around 5GB or so I thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually they can't. The data logger only kicks in if you pay for the Hotspot app. They can't tell the difference if you are tethering or downloading tons of movies to your phone.
ArchangelRenzoku said:
That's what the OP says dude...
Easier to find apps, yes. Shows your previous download library, yes. Once you click on an item that is no longer offerred, it will tell you its no longer available for download. You basically stare at the husk of an app it once was. But it doesn't tell you that til after you click on it to view its details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually... I decided to use my Epic as a wireless hotspot about 3 days ago and was didn't find any wifi tether apps using my phone so I used my PC 'cause I knew I'd downloaded one before. (wifi tether). Went through my library, found it and pushed it to my phone.
(cool story bro)
hayzooos said:
Sprint can tell if you're tethering or using your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forgot "I think" in the beginning of that sentence - you can't "know" something that is false, so that would be the only edit that would make your sentence accurate. Oh, but you'd still be wrong, just to be clear
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
"Unlimited data" only means that you aren't going to get billed for going over x amount.
It doesn't mean Sprint just has to lay back and take it from someone who's costing them money to have as a customer, tethering or not. They reserve the right to tell any of us to beat it.
I'm wanting to use a VPN to mask my browsing when in public/using free wi-fi/at work/etc. I'm fine with setting it up on my home PC (I was originally going to use Hamachi/Privoxy but I don't think Hamachi is supported on Android) or even paying a small fee but I'm not going to be torrenting or accessing any secure information so I don't care about VPN logging/DMCA issues/etc.
I saw Android has a built-in VPN client. Is that any good? I also noticed "Rooted AnyConnect" (yes I'm rooted, running AOSP+ 4.2.1) on the Play Store. What about that?
Thanks in advance!
Maconi said:
I'm wanting to use a VPN to mask my browsing when in public/using free wi-fi/at work/etc. I'm fine with setting it up on my home PC (I was originally going to use Hamachi/Privoxy but I don't think Hamachi is supported on Android) or even paying a small fee but I'm not going to be torrenting or accessing any secure information so I don't care about VPN logging/DMCA issues/etc.
I saw Android has a built-in VPN client. Is that any good? I also noticed "Rooted AnyConnect" (yes I'm rooted, running AOSP+ 4.2.1) on the Play Store. What about that?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what you want to accomplish, you should consider purchasing a subscription to a personal VPN provider such as Witopia or PureVPN. Android's built-in VPN functionality will directly support most protocols such as PPTP and L2TP/IPsec.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
ljg600 said:
For what you want to accomplish, you should consider purchasing a subscription to a personal VPN provider such as Witopia or PureVPN. Android's built-in VPN functionality will directly support most protocols such as PPTP and L2TP/IPsec.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying use the built-in VPN along with a paid VPN? There aren't any other good options/apps for Android?
Maconi said:
So you're saying use the built-in VPN along with a paid VPN? There aren't any other good options/apps for Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may wish to review this article:
lifehacker.com/5759186/five-best-vpn-service-providers
However, I recommend the above approach. Also, you may find free VPN providers and applications that offer limited bandwidth, download limits, advertising, etc.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Probably the most secure of anything free and maybe even the paid ones as well, speed isnt terrible either. I get 1.5mb/s down and 2mb/s up when routing all data in and out of my phone through this.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.torproject.android&hl=en
EniGmA1987 said:
Probably the most secure of anything free and maybe even the paid ones as well, speed isnt terrible either. I get 1.5mb/s down and 2mb/s up when routing all data in and out of my phone through this.
I respect the aims of the Tor Project. While performance, based on your post, seems a little weak- it sounds like a great free alternative- especially, but not exclusively, for rooted devices.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Torrenting allowed here in this vpn im using and is cheap. $3 A month.
Maybe the vpn you use has not provided open port. Try this. Ive been using it for more than a year http://xtreamvpnworld.blogspot.com
Sent from my WT19i using xda premium
Hotspot Shield VPN its totally free
FFor what you want use Hotspot Shield VPN its on the pl
ay stor its free no up or down limitfs
[email protected] said:
FFor what you want use Hotspot Shield VPN its on the pl
ay stor its free no up or down limitfs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hotspot Shield is a TERRIBLE service. Dont use that.
ljg600 said:
I respect the aims of the Tor Project. While performance, based on your post, seems a little weak- it sounds like a great free alternative- especially, but not exclusively, for rooted devices.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anything that is properly secure will not get you above a few mb/s in speed, unless you want to pay huge amounts per month. If you want to be secure then that is the price you must pay. If you want better speed then you shouldnt even bother wasting your money on services that still let anyone track you with the smallest amount of effort put towards the matter. here is a list of the only worthwhile providers there are:
BTGuard
Torguard <- the best in my experience
IVPN
Private Internet Access
PrivatVPN
Proxy.sh
Privacy.io
VikingVPN
TorrentPrivacy
Anonine
AirVPN
PRQ
Boxpn
EarthVPN
Mullvad
Ipredator
BolehVPN
NordVPN
EniGmA1987 said:
Hotspot Shield is a TERRIBLE service. Dont use that.
Anything that is properly secure will not get you above a few mb/s in speed, unless you want to pay huge amounts per month. If you want to be secure then that is the price you must pay. If you want better speed then you shouldnt even bother wasting your money on services that still let anyone track you with the smallest amount of effort put towards the matter. here is a list of the only worthwhile providers there are:
BTGuard
Torguard <- the best in my experience
IVPN
Private Internet Access
PrivatVPN
Proxy.sh
Privacy.io
VikingVPN
TorrentPrivacy
Anonine
AirVPN
PRQ
Boxpn
EarthVPN
Mullvad
Ipredator
BolehVPN
NordVPN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
somehow many of these VPN are not working ie. NORD.
As far as VPN choice is concerned. First you have to decide. whether you want a better experience or you just want a cheap one.
I personally go for better experience approach. because slow speed and advertisement is way too troublesome.
For vpn suggestion you can go and visit
www.bestvpnservices.com for your vpn selection.
zangetxu said:
somehow many of these VPN are not working ie. NORD.
As far as VPN choice is concerned. First you have to decide. whether you want a better experience or you just want a cheap one.
I personally go for better experience approach. because slow speed and advertisement is way too troublesome.
For vpn suggestion you can go and visit
www.bestvpnservices.com for your vpn selection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NordVPN works fine for me, your link however does not. VPN is about security an anonymity, the "experience" as you say can have a little bit to do with speed, but also ease of use and if you are even secure at all. A proper VPN is one that does not keep records of any kind on you, most VPN services do. This means that no matter how much you are paying, and no matter how fast of speeds you get through the VPN, you are doing nothing but paying money to someone pointlessly. The first thing to decide about using a VPN is: "Do I want to be secure and anonymous online", the second question is: "how much speed am I willing to pay for". Those are the only two questions of any relevance when dealing with a VPN. DO yourself a favor and actually research whatever company you are considering, because if they keep logs on you or are in a country that is required to comply with any little request from your government then that company is completely pointless to use.
EniGmA1987 said:
NordVPN works fine for me, your link however does not. VPN is about security an anonymity, the "experience" as you say can have a little bit to do with speed, but also ease of use and if you are even secure at all. A proper VPN is one that does not keep records of any kind on you, most VPN services do. This means that no matter how much you are paying, and no matter how fast of speeds you get through the VPN, you are doing nothing but paying money to someone pointlessly. The first thing to decide about using a VPN is: "Do I want to be secure and anonymous online", the second question is: "how much speed am I willing to pay for". Those are the only two questions of any relevance when dealing with a VPN. DO yourself a favor and actually research whatever company you are considering, because if they keep logs on you or are in a country that is required to comply with any little request from your government then that company is completely pointless to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry, the correct link is http://www.bestvpnservice.com/
Thank you for pointing out.
Nordpvn is working now. It actually emailed and asked about the problem, and they said that they were migrating their server. ie on Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm (+5 GMT) that is when i tried connecting to their website. Yes, i am concerned about the log issues, because you are absolutely right that there is no point if your privacy is compromised for whatsoever reason. But here is the thing we are not sure if they actually dont maintain any user log. That is another story.
I was thinking to go for PureVPN. I did some research, read blogs and I think it will cater my needs for what I am willing to pay for.
Free VPN are not the solution
EniGmA1987 said:
Hotspot Shield is a TERRIBLE service. Dont use that.
Anything that is properly secure will not get you above a few mb/s in speed, unless you want to pay huge amounts per month. If you want to be secure then that is the price you must pay. If you want better speed then you shouldnt even bother wasting your money on services that still let anyone track you with the smallest amount of effort put towards the matter. here is a list of the only worthwhile providers there are:
BTGuard
Torguard <- the best in my experience
IVPN
Private Internet Access
PrivatVPN
Proxy.sh
Privacy.io
VikingVPN
TorrentPrivacy
Anonine
AirVPN
PRQ
Boxpn
EarthVPN
Mullvad
Ipredator
BolehVPN
NordVPN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
totally agreed with you free VPN are limited as well in terms of servers, speed and obviously with very few basic feature and the most important thing the keep logs that is a big No for me
Best VPN
Maconi said:
I'm wanting to use a VPN to mask my browsing when in public/using free wi-fi/at work/etc. I'm fine with setting it up on my home PC (I was originally going to use Hamachi/Privoxy but I don't think Hamachi is supported on Android) or even paying a small fee but I'm not going to be torrenting or accessing any secure information so I don't care about VPN logging/DMCA issues/etc.
I saw Android has a built-in VPN client. Is that any good? I also noticed "Rooted AnyConnect" (yes I'm rooted, running AOSP+ 4.2.1) on the Play Store. What about that?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try purevpn, read review on USAVPN.com before purchasing
You need to change your VPN service provider, I can suggest you my VPN service https://www.iwasel.net/en/trysmoketunnelfree/, I have been using it for more than 2 years without any problems.