iPhone 3G can’t be used as modem, says AT&T

One thing that the new iPhone could be very useful for is as a cable or Bluetooth-connected modem for your laptop. This is a feature that many old phones have had for quite some time now, and it’d be good to see a newcomer such as Apple add such a feature to its new 3G device.

That would’ve been good, but unfortunately, AT&T will not support such a feature on iPhone 3G, according to AT&T spokesman Mark A. Siegel. It seems that iPhone 3G users will be stuck with the $30 consumer unlimited data and visual voice mail plan and the $45 business data plan.

AT&T

Tethering, or using the phone as a modem for laptops, is a feature that is widely supported by almost all the 3G phones that have come out of market to date, but its looks as though Apple is “thinking different” again and will not be offering this feature on iPhone 3G.

That would mean disaster for the multitude of soon-to-be iPhone 3G owners who are planning to put iPhone 3G’s ability to perform voice and data functions simultaneously to good use. It’s a good thing there’s a community of hackers, though, who will probably find a way to remedy this like they always do. Still, Apple and AT&T could’ve just went on with it with no harm done and less effort on the customer’s side. You think?

Via iPhone Atlas

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Posted on 15 Jun 08 - Filed in Apple, Software&Services, Wireless - Comments - Written by David Gonzales

  • elna
    well your right, today i went to att to buy iphone 3G. and the sales rep walk me throught the plan in details that was awesome. and he said the bad news that we don't have Iphone 3G in stock!
    I asked the Sales rep if i can use Iphone 3G as modem or i can connect it to my laptop. his answer was no this feature its not available. however i just left the store and i was so happy i didn't buy iphone 3G because it doesn't fit my needs.

    I'm using Motorola Q9 and it works just fine and i can use it as modem
    thanks
  • VBallas
    I cannot understand why AT&T has Apple on such a short leash.
    If AT&T doesn't want it, then let them disable it via an operator update on ITunes.

    Still in Europe (and i guess in almost all other countries) tethering is allowed with any other data capable phone.
    Therefore I cannot understand how one company, AT&T can dictate what happens around the world.
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