AT&T Cracks Down on IPhone Tethering: Plans on Enrolling You In A Tethering Data Plan

AT&T is reportedly cracking down on use of MyWi, a Cydia tweak used to create a personal
hotspot using your iPhone, according to ModMyi. One user notes that AT&T first contact him
with an SMS saying, "AT&T Free Msg: Did you know tethering your Smartphone to a computer
requires a tethering plan? Pls call 888-860-6789 for details or visit att.com/dataplans." The SMS was then followed up with an email that warned he would be switched to the tethering plan if he continue to tether.

Dear [Customer], We've noticed your service plan may need updating. Many AT&T customers use their smartphones as a broadband connection for other devices, like laptops, netbooks or other smartphones– a practice commonly known as tethering. Tethering can be an efficient way for our customers to enjoy the benefits of AT&T's mobile broadband network and use more than one device to stay in touch with important people and information. To take advantage of this feature, we require that in addition to a
data plan, you also have a tethering plan. Our records show that you use this capability,
but are not subscribed to our tethering plan. If you would like to continue tethering, please
log into your account online at Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans - Wireless from AT&T, or call us
at 1-888-860-6789 Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 9p.m. CST or Saturday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST, by March 27,
2011 to sign up for DataPro 4GB for Smartphone Tethering. Here are details on the plan: DataPro 4GB for Smartphone Tethering • $45 per month (this gives you 4GB in total, combining both
your smartphone data plan for $25 and the
tethering feature, $20)
• $10 per each additional GB thereafter, added automatically as needed
• Mobile Hotspot capabilities are included for compatible Smartphones If we don't hear from you, we'll plan to
automatically enroll you into DataPro 4GB
afterMarch 27, 2011. The new plan – whether you sign up on your own or we automatically
enroll you – will replace your current smartphone data plan, including if you are on
an unlimited data plan. If you discontinue tethering, no changes to your
current plan will be required. It's easy to track your usage throughout the
month so there are no bill surprises. For example, we send you free text messages
when you reach 65, 90, and 100 percent of your plan's threshold. If you would like to
monitor your account more closely, go towww.att.com/dataplans to learn about other
ways to track your data usage. As a reminder, our smartphone data plans also include unlimited usage of Wi-Fi at no
additional charge. AT&T smartphone customers can use Wi-Fi at home or on-the-go
at any one of our more than 23,000 U.S. hotspots already included in your data plan. Thank you for bringing your account up to date.
We appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve your mobile broadband needs. Sincerely, AT&T