[Q] Sprint monitoring Hotspot? - EVO 4G General

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.
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Click to collapse
What do you base this claim on?

mattykinsx said:
What do you base this claim on?
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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

Related

Just got pwnd by At&T-Mobile

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.
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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.
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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...
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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.

Just Pissed My Pants

Verizon just anounced they are working on finding root users and limiting or FULLY SUSPENDING DATA if the user is one of the following:
1. Rooted
2. Leaked Firmware
3. Using a custom rom that is modifing the system (All roms do!)
4. Overclocking (How would they know that?)
UPDATE: Verizon is developing the program and will take place in May-June.
What is your source on this information?
Sent from my HTC Evo
tyvallely said:
Verizon just anounced they are working on finding root users and limiting or FULLY SUSPENDING DATA if the user is one of the following:
1. Rooted
2. Leaked Firmware
3. Using a custom rom that is modifing the system (All roms do!)
4. Overclocking (How would they know that?)
UPDATE: Verizon is developing the program and will take place in May-June.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sue for breach of contract. they want to suspend it because people are tethering "Illegally" well according to my contract i have UNLIMITED data. does not say i have a LIMIT or how fast i can go thru it. if they do this they will need to start charging when friends use ur phone for checking facebook, twitter whatever uses data because then verizon hasnt authorized ur friends to use it. this **** is getting old. im starting to agree with sprints dan hesse when he says he looked up unlimited in the dictionary and found it says nothing about throttling or a limit.
Yeah Verizon is gonna have a thousands of pissed off people calling them. If you guys want P3Droid's link on what he heard here it is:
http://www.mydroidworld.com/forums/...rooting-manufacturers-carriers.html#post65013
I have unlimited data too. And if they think they can just take away our data plan...I dont know what to say...
I wouldn't install any updates if I were you guys lol. I would think our awesome devs will have some type of solution for this. Maybe one last " epic " ROM to use before the update that blocks VZW from looking into your phone.
I can't imagine that VZW would create some type of " big brother " software that automatically traces your DX to see if you are modded or not without an update.
My company issued Droid x's to employees and just announced that Verizon and or I.T. department will find rooted droids. Wonder how they do it? Needless to say I unrooted my x and it sucks now
Maybe that will come in the official 2.3.3 :'( Let's do as much hacking as possible before its over.
tyvallely said:
Maybe that will come in the official 2.3.3 :'( Let's do as much hacking as possible before its over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
P3droid also announced on his twitter that if you flashed the leaked gingerbread rom that you have already been tracked =(
tyvallely said:
Verizon just anounced they are working on finding root users and limiting or FULLY SUSPENDING DATA if the user is one of the following:
1. Rooted
2. Leaked Firmware
3. Using a custom rom that is modifing the system (All roms do!)
4. Overclocking (How would they know that?)
UPDATE: Verizon is developing the program and will take place in May-June.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can they do that? I did all of thee above. However I didn't steal wifi tether like most of you a holes. I rooted so I could remove crap like NFS and kindle and play angry birds without ads (I would've paid if they'd let me). Whatever, I'd just leave VZW. F**k their ETF, I got other bills I'm not paying.
Seriously, one way or another everyone's dx was purchased (not leased) at some time which makes it your property, not Verizon's. Is there really any harm in customizing your phone? Or having access to the system files of the phone?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
I call shenanegains.
demorse said:
P3droid also announced on his twitter that if you flashed the leaked gingerbread rom that you have already been tracked =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of now I dont give a f if they think they can suspend my account because I'll stay on the phone all day complaining about how the phone sucked anyway and how many problems it had.
thewahlrus said:
Can they do that? I did all of thee above. However I didn't steal wifi tether like most of you a holes. I rooted so I could remove crap like NFS and kindle and play angry birds without ads (I would've paid if they'd let me). Whatever, I'd just leave VZW. F**k their ETF, I got other bills I'm not paying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah they can and that's why everyone is unfolding as we speak. Also I removed all the apps and **** that came on the phone and slowed it down. But I do have to confess if I knew ahead of time that they were gonna do this I would never used wifi tether.
Oh and by the way if wifi tether is such a problem than why is it on the market? And legally wifi tether is totally different from the 3G hotspot because if you compare the two wifi tether has more options and was available first. Also the developers can decide the fees of wifi tether but another company can't just rise there fee prices.
jeraspie28 said:
Seriously, one way or another everyone's dx was purchased (not leased) at some time which makes it your property, not Verizon's. Is there really any harm in customizing your phone? Or having access to the system files of the phone?
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No not at all there is nothing wrong with having access to system files and making your phone suitable for the way you use it. Good point.
Does no body have a sack or what these are our phones if we mod them it's are business wifi tether is different but modding ur own hardware is ur right not a privilege.
There are other carriers mainly sprint and the soon nexus s so let them piss me off I got 3 smart phones with unlimited data and will leave in a heart beat.
Great. First I hear motorola us locking boot loaders, and now verizon is banning data if they catch you rooted. What's next?
Sent from my Focused DROID X
tyvallely said:
Oh and by the way if wifi tether is such a problem than why is it on the market? And legally wifi tether is totally different from the 3G hotspot because if you compare the two wifi tether has more options and was available first. Also the developers can decide the fees of wifi tether but another company can't just rise there fee prices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually from a software standpoint 3g hotspot and tethering are VERY different. Tethering programs such as Wireless Tether for root users are using an Ad-hoc network that can only connect to one device at a time. Also Ad-hoc uses much more power and essentially all it is is usb tethering without the chord which is built into vanilla android and wireless providers have no authority to limit us from doing this. 3g mobile hotspot on the other hand is a service that Verizon provides that essentially makes your phone into a true wireless router. You are capable of attaching to numerous devices (up to 5?) and this is not an Ad-hoc network but a true wirless (wifi) network that, I believe, works just like your ethernet router at home.
What Verizon is doing here is trying to block the competition by baking this security feature into their phones, forcing you to use their 3g hotspot - this is why the free hotspot hack still works, they werent trying to target those using the TBH patch to "borrow" this service, they are targeting application's developed to circumvent the 3g mobile hotspot app all together. Its really a joke if you ask me and completely goes against what android stands for.
Verizon could give a crap about android though, thats why they attempt to put things like the VZ app store in to place so they can monitor the programs they offer (finally they have the iphone, its like a match made in heaven!) I dont know at what point exactly verizon started becoming Nazis, but thats what it has become. If they could, they would circumvent any openess that is offered from their phones through google and they are clearly making as many steps as possible toward this goal.
[email protected] off verizon, Ill switch over to a pre-paid plan and unlock a cool android phone for it next time, the best network can go F it self.
Hold up...
Wait just a moment. Wasn't there something not that long ago. That a judge ruled that a "Jailbreak" wasn't illegal? That once you've purchased a device legally, you are therefore able to do what you wish, as long as you stay within the confines of the law? How does rooting break the law? You're not stealing intellectual property. You're not harming anyone. Last I heard, Google is still claiming Android is OPEN SOURCE (that is until Honeycomb..A-holes) right? Most of us are forced into 2 yr contacts at $30 plus a month for unlimited data. So, let me ask. Is it illegal to buy a new car, buy some nice RIM's, drop a few 12's in the trunk, tint the windows, and add some nitrous under the hood to "Go Fast, Go Fast"!? I think not!
Now to those who've abused these cool hacks, then it's to your shame that we are now facing these possibilities. Just because you can break the rules, doesn't mean everyone should.
But then again, who am I? Just another rooted fool that believes in Democracy, Liberty 2.0 and justice for all!

Newest Gingerbread Leak -- 3G Mobile Hotspot Risky?

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

Hide Your Tethering Usage from your Carrier w/ PDANET 3.0

Hey guys just wanted to make anyone aware who hadn't heard that the latest version of PDANET now comes with a setting to hide tethering usage from your carrier
Do you have a link for us lazy folks. I don't see it in the market
Sent from the bowels of hell...
The trick doesn't work.
People are still getting emails from AT&T.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
rjohnstone said:
The trick doesn't work.
People are still getting emails from AT&T.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please cite your source material, don't just spread rumors if that is all they are, who that was using pdanet 3.0 has received an email? my bull **** detector is flying off the handle, especially considering 3.0 which provided the hide tethering feature JUST came out
http://www.junefabrics.com/android/index.php for you lazy folk, its not on market, you install on pc first then it installs on your phone
You could easily get this from the Market. Put your phone on airplane mode, then connect to the Internet using wifi. Search for pdanet in the Market and it will show up.
banes said:
Hey guys just wanted to make anyone aware who hadn't heard that the latest version of PDANET now comes with a setting to hide tethering usage from your carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only problem is that it can only be use for one device at a time and it only works on Desktops and Laptops. Which means, no iPad, iPod, Xbox, PS3, etc. Barnacle is better
banes said:
please cite your source material, don't just spread rumors if that is all they are, who that was using pdanet 3.0 has received an email? my bull **** detector is flying off the handle, especially considering 3.0 which provided the hide tethering feature JUST came out
http://www.junefabrics.com/android/index.php for you lazy folk, its not on market, you install on pc first then it installs on your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you dumb? They can just see that you are using A LOT of data, they can't actually see you tethering......
Chubby_Skunk said:
Are you dumb? They can just see that you are using A LOT of data, they can't actually see you tethering......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no im actually pretty smart, are you dumb?
i never suggested that you use PDANET to download 50gb a month with your torrents, however there have been people served with tethering warning emails who have not even exceeded 2gb so please refrain from making bold assumptions, you could get caught using barnacle with a low usage just the same as pdanet except for that barnacle does not have hide tether usage as a feature
and yes i agree there is a downside that you can only use it on one device at a time and only certain devices, but everyones needs are different, if you are only using your pc or laptop and want take extra precautions to not lose your unlimited plan then use pdanet over barnacle, i personally only need my laptop connected, and realistically you could create an adhoc network with your PC that you tether with if you would like multiple devices connected at the same time
please if you are not here to contribute, just go away i dont want this thread clogged up with a ton of misinformation from a bunch of misinformed people with poor reading comprehension, i was just making a suggestion here, if you dont like it stfu and gtfo
banes said:
no im actually pretty smart, are you dumb?
i never suggested that you use PDANET to download 50gb a month with your torrents, however there have been people served with tethering warning emails who have not even exceeded 2gb so please refrain from making bold assumptions, you are far more likely to get caught using barnacle with a low usage, also keep in mind barnacle does not have hide tether usage as a feature please if you are not here to contribute, just go away i dont want this thread clogged up with a ton of misinformation from a bunch of misinformed people with poor reading comprehension
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thats why I've gone over 10gb for the past 5 months and have never gotten an Email. But if you know how its working then you would know that they cant actually see that you are tethering. Its just from data usages from how people have been reporting it. Plus PDANet is a pain to use. I have to have the App on all of the devices I want to connect to? It has to be USB? and only one device???? thats too much to give away when I could be using my custom APN or Barnacle tether.....
btw. its not misinformation, its the truth
Chubby_Skunk said:
Yeah thats why I've gone over 10gb for the past 5 months and have never gotten an Email. But if you know how its working then you would know that they cant actually see that you are tethering. Its just from data usages from how people have been reporting it. Plus PDANet is a pain to use. I have to have the App on all of the devices I want to connect to? It has to be USB? and only one device???? thats too much to give away when I could be using my custom APN or Barnacle tether.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as i said before, there have been people with low usage who have received emails, don't assume that high usage is the method they are using to crack down
are you implying that someone who watches tons of HD quality vids and creates high GB per month usage is going to receive a tethering notice? we all don't really know how its working, so please refrain from talking out your butthole when no one really knows the facts
if its truth as opposed to misinformation, then please cite sources, otherwise youre just talking out your butthole once again, til you can show your evidence, you might as well have made up everything you said
and if you don't like pdanet, theres a simple solution, dont use it, and leave this thread, theres plenty of people who might find this useful and appreciate the extra precaution taken with pdanets new feature
banes said:
as i said before, there have been people with low usage who have received emails, don't assume that high usage is the method they are using to crack down
are you implying that someone who watches tons of HD quality vids and creates high GB per month usage is going to receive a tethering notice? we all don't really know how its working, so please refrain from talking out your butthole when no one really knows the facts
if its truth as opposed to misinformation, then please cite sources, otherwise youre just talking out your butthole once again, til you can show your evidence, you might as well have made up everything you said
and if you don't like pdanet, theres a simple solution, dont use it, and leave this thread, theres plenty of people who might find this useful and appreciate the extra precaution taken with pdanets new feature
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im talking out of my buthole? Explain how I do that please
Here; my friend never tethers and he got an email from AT&T being acused of tethering. Look at his data usage.
just so we don't all drop our guards thinking we won't get caught if we just keep our usage low
http://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/g62wv/i_woke_up_this_morning_to_this_lovely_email_from/
Chubby_Skunk said:
Im talking out of my buthole? Explain how I do that please
Here; my friend never tethers and he got an email from AT&T being acused of tethering. Look at his data usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive never used an iphone, so i have to ask, if you are using a jailbroken phone with an app that is not the standard iphone att tethering app, why would it register under the iphones att statistics? i would be much more satisfied with an article or some other more credible source than a pic of a random iphone statistic with your anecdotal experience attached to it (unreliable narrator problem)
banes said:
ive never used an iphone, so i have to ask, if you are using a jailbroken phone with an app that is not the standard iphone att tethering app, why would it register under the iphones att statistics? i would be much more satisfied with an article or some other more credible source than a pic of a random iphone statistic with your anecdotal experience attached to it (unreliable narrator problem)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because tethering Apps are shortcuts for APNs really. So the tethering counter counts data going through a tethering APN. Therefore any tethering app that is a APN shortcut (MyWi) would be counted because it goes through the tethering APN.....
So are you going to explain how to talk through my butthole, or are you going to ignore that and look stupid for saying it?
Chubby_Skunk said:
Because tethering Apps are shortcuts for APNs really. So the tethering counter counts data going through a tethering APN. Therefore any tethering app that is a APN shortcut (MyWi) would be counted because it goes through the tethering APN.....
So are you going to explain how to talk through my butthole, or are you going to ignore that and look stupid for saying it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said before all u gave me was a pic with a likely story to go with it, please cite a credible source, I have no evidence that the story behind the pic is true, I mean why do u even have a pic of ur friends usage, its awfully convenient and I like to get my facts straight before I buy into something and forums I've learned are breeding grounds for huge amounts of misinformation, honestly u just seem to be trolling here so pardon me if I don't just buy ur anonymous pic with unverified story
And yes talking with ur butthole I didn't think this need an explanation but... http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=talking out of your ass
banes said:
Like I said before all u gave me was a pic with a likely story to go with it, please cite a credible source, I have no evidence that the story behind the pic is true, I mean why do u even have a pic of his usage its awfully convenient and I like to get my facts straight before I buy into something and forums I've learned ae breeding grounds for huge amounts of misinformation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, then cite your sources saying that people on Android phones are being caught for unoffical tethering and that AT&T can actually see it on Android phones....
btw that picture was for another forum. I got it from my friend when this whole thing started...
Chubby_Skunk said:
Alright, then cite your sources saying that people on Android phones are being caught for unoffical tethering and that AT&T can actually see it on Android phones....
btw that picture was for another forum. I got it from my friend when this whole thing started...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how they do it that's the point, no one does, att has not disclosed how they do it in order to avoid to having people figure ways around it, so since we are all just guessing at it, I suggest we err on the side of caution hence why I created this thread to inform people,not to attract trolls like moths to a flame, and for the record I try to maintain my usage around 2gb to be safe because u could be right although I believe I read somewhere that someone with low usage was sent a warning as well so that is where my doubt comes from, truthfully I haven't even looked into how pdanet is hiding tethering usage exactly or if it actually works, but like I said I believe in erring on the side of caution
I tethered my Atrix to my iPhone 4 when I was working on it at school, probably no more than 20MB. Got a letter in the mail, a call, and the text. I, on average, use around 6GB/month (non tethering). They're just mad that my $2500/year isn't good enough for them. Sorry, let me give you 20 of my unborn children.
banes said:
I don't know how they do it that's the point, no one does, att has not disclosed how they do it in order to avoid to having people figure ways around it, so since we are all just guessing at it, I suggest we err on the side of caution hence why I created this thread to inform people,not to attract trolls like moths to a flame, and for the record I try to maintain my usage around 2gb to be safe because u could be right although I believe I read somewhere that someone with low usage was sent a warning as well so that is where my doubt comes from, truthfully I haven't even looked into how pdanet is hiding tethering usage exactly or if it actually works, but like I said I believe in erring on the side of caution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill leave it at this:
My guess...
AT&T is working there way down the list of people with high data usage or whatever they look for and they are emailing them.
If that is true, my time is coming up.
I'll remember to PM you when/if I get an email from AT&T regarding unauthorized tethering usage.
"At one point in everyone's life (that posts something online), everyone will have been a troll at least once."
nosit1 said:
I tethered my Atrix to my iPhone 4 when I was working on it at school, probably no more than 20MB. Got a letter in the mail, a call, and the text. I, on average, use around 6GB/month (non tethering). They're just mad that my $2500/year isn't good enough for them. Sorry, let me give you 20 of my unborn children.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What method did u tether with?

Sprint Blocks Tethering Apps...

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.

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