Wifi tether and sprint hotspot - Epic 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am currently running latest bonsai rom and am looking at swapping to acs rom 1.0.2. I keep reading about using the sprint hotspot app for wifi tether. Does this enable sprint to bill for tethering? Can't really afford it if it does. Can't search too well due to pc being down and xda app is hard to search on so sorry if repeat topic.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

The Sprint Hotspot app is Sprint's service. You pay $30/month to turn your phone into a wifi hotspot so that other devices can use your internet connection. Wifi tether does the same thing, except it's free. Sprint does not like that.
On a sidebar, AT&T is aware that customers with jailbroken Iphones are doing this (using a wifi tether service) and have sent notices to the users saying that they will automatically be signed up for AT&T's service package if they do not stop by March 30 (or somewhere close to that date). I wouldn't be surprised if Sprint followed suit.

running_the_dream said:
The Sprint Hotspot app is Sprint's service. You pay $30/month to turn your phone into a wifi hotspot so that other devices can use your internet connection. Wifi tether does the same thing, except it's free. Sprint does not like that.
On a sidebar, AT&T is aware that customers with jailbroken Iphones are doing this (using a wifi tether service) and have sent notices to the users saying that they will automatically be signed up for AT&T's service package if they do not stop by March 30 (or somewhere close to that date). I wouldn't be surprised if Sprint followed suit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way for a carrier to prove it one way or the other? I know that our phones are supposed to be more data intensive anyway.

ficjay said:
Is there a way for a carrier to prove it one way or the other? I know that our phones are supposed to be more data intensive anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. Any Internet connection that's not explicitly encrypted is easily sniffable. I think most providers pay attention to the HTTP user-agent string which give away your browser and OS version, but that's often faked on phones anyways to get "desktop" versions of websites in a mobile browser (and thus, if you get a notice and not tethering, worth complaining over).
But if you play WoW, or stream Netflix, or do something over a tethered connection that can't be done on the phone itself, that's another giveaway.

ficjay said:
Is there a way for a carrier to prove it one way or the other? I know that our phones are supposed to be more data intensive anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's really easy for a carrier to pinpoint an exact user and see how much data he/she is using and how he/she is using it (i.e. 3g, 4g, wifi). Additionally, it is easy for them to spot users that have hacked into their hotspot service. I probably wouldn't worry about it until I got a threatening letter from Sprint though.

running_the_dream said:
The Sprint Hotspot app is Sprint's service. You pay $30/month to turn your phone into a wifi hotspot so that other devices can use your internet connection. Wifi tether does the same thing, except it's free. Sprint does not like that.
On a sidebar, AT&T is aware that customers with jailbroken Iphones are doing this (using a wifi tether service) and have sent notices to the users saying that they will automatically be signed up for AT&T's service package if they do not stop by March 30 (or somewhere close to that date). I wouldn't be surprised if Sprint followed suit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint seems to be a bit more relaxed towards it, just like tmobile is until att buys them out. I don't think sprint would do it as anymore than a warning. Tethering on sprint phones has been around for many years back to an old sanyo brick I had. They had tethering plans back then but didn't enforce them. They would help you get around the tethering bill on national phone support. They also have free apps like pdanet that allow you to tether in the marketplace without root so the whole thing with android is you don't need to "jailbreak" your device to tether free. Before I rooted and romed my epic, hero, evo I always used pdanet and never had issues so for them to step on androids toes would take more balls then simply saying the only way on an iphone is to break in and make it do this.
TL;DR. Iphone and android are different things in all ways.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Related

[Q] Free wifi tether gone with new cap?

With the new hotspot cap of 5 gigs, I'm wondering if that will affect the wifi tether that us root users enjoy. I wouldn't think it would kick in since it's not already intergrated into that. So my question is, will root users using the free mobile hotspot be affected by Sprints 5gig cap?
Paloki1 said:
With the new hotspot cap of 5 gigs, I'm wondering if that will affect the wifi tether that us root users enjoy. I wouldn't think it would kick in since it's not already intergrated into that. So my question is, will root users using the free mobile hotspot be affected by Sprints 5gig cap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion, no.
I believe that software like easytether and wireless tether use a different way to force the phone to tether instead of the mobile hot spot resources, but someone who's really in the loop and understands the mechanics in the background of theses apps please keep me honest.
But I do know is that regardless over time if you use theses methods a lot they may catch up to you and they may send you a nasty letter or even suspend your account if they realize you've been tethering without paying. I do not recall if this has happened but I think I red something like that happening to a few people down in the androidforums.com Sprint section.
So proceed with caution if you do use this on the regular.
Sent from an Epic with 4G
megabiteg said:
In my opinion, no.
I believe that software like easytether and wireless tether use a different way to force the phone to tether instead of the mobile hot spot resources, but someone who's really in the loop and understands the mechanics in the background of theses apps please keep me honest.
But I do know is that regardless over time if you use theses methods a lot they may catch up to you and they may send you a nasty letter or even suspend your account if they realize you've been tethering without paying. I do not recall if this has happened but I think I red something like that happening to a few people down in the androidforums.com Sprint section.
So proceed with caution if you do use this on the regular.
Sent from an Epic with 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that they only put the cap on to cut down the excessive abuse of the tethering. How can they speed up the data service if everyone used the tether feature as their primary internet, and used tons and tons of data and slowed down the service (the slow 3G and 4G services that we always complain about). We want unlimited everything, but yet complain and wonder why data service is so slow. Who is and who is not using the wireless tether app is not their primary concern right now.
Well, I don't use massive amounts of data, I just use it if I really HAVE to. I have comcast and they give me crazy speeds so I am fine with that. I would use it on the go but at the same time, they shouldn't limit customers that use data on the phone, its unlimited, and if and when they "try" to say you have been using too much data. WELL ITS UNLIMITED so booya! I don't think its there concern how we use it as long as its through the phone and not the mobile hotspot they provide. I'm sure overtime users will abuse it and ruin it but we'll see.

Galaxy Nexus WiFi hotspot working on AT&T w/o tethering plan!

I'm coming from an iPhone 4S and so far I really like the Galaxy Nexus (although it definitely does have its shortcomings compared to the iPhone). I was just playing around in the settings and found Wifi hotspot options. With the iPhone these options never worked unless you paid AT&T extra for a tethering plan (which is not even available when grandfathered into an unlimited plan). I tried turning them on and configuring a PW and lo and behold it worked! I didn't see this mentioned yet and thought others would like to know as well.
Are you rooted and using a custom rom, or still stock?
I'm still stock...just got the device last night. Also still on 4.0.1 and device shows as no updates available.
jmwein said:
I'm still stock...just got the device last night. Also still on 4.0.1 and device shows as no updates available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Will you still be this excited if and when atnt switches you to a tethering plan?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I almost never use tethering but the few times I'm traveling it will be very beneficial. I highly doubt AT&T would switch me to a tethering plan if I use less than 1 GB of tethering per yr!
jmwein said:
I almost never use tethering but the few times I'm traveling it will be very beneficial. I highly doubt AT&T would switch me to a tethering plan if I use less than 1 GB of tethering per yr!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought an unlocked phone not associated with AT&T. As a result, the tethering features built into android are not blocked. This is one of my favorite feature of my Nexus One.
I tether all the time and us ~1.5GB of data a month. Although, I have gone as high as 3GB... (I have unlimited data)
Enjoy!
NPuter said:
You bought an unlocked phone not associated with AT&T. As a result, the tethering features built into android are not blocked. This is one of my favorite feature of my Nexus One.
I tether all the time and us ~1.5GB of data a month. Although, I have gone as high as 3GB... (I have unlimited data)
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know! Thanks!
Although I do own the unlocked version of the iPhone 4S and even that phone has the tethering options blocked.
jmwein said:
Good to know! Thanks!
Although I do own the unlocked version of the iPhone 4S and even that phone has the tethering options blocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to Android
NPuter said:
You bought an unlocked phone not associated with AT&T. As a result, the tethering features built into android are not blocked. This is one of my favorite feature of my Nexus One.
I tether all the time and us ~1.5GB of data a month. Although, I have gone as high as 3GB... (I have unlimited data)
Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Precisely...rooting or custom roms have nothing to do with this. Att effectively has no control over how you use your phone or data in this case.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
jmwein said:
I'm coming from an iPhone 4S and so far I really like the Galaxy Nexus (although it definitely does have its shortcomings compared to the iPhone). I was just playing around in the settings and found Wifi hotspot options. With the iPhone these options never worked unless you paid AT&T extra for a tethering plan (which is not even available when grandfathered into an unlimited plan). I tried turning them on and configuring a PW and lo and behold it worked! I didn't see this mentioned yet and thought others would like to know as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhh we knew this. Unlocked phone man. It just works. This is how phones are meant to be.
The iPhone is provisioned by AT&T and its IMEI's are known in AT&T's database. So they're able to block and charge for ridiculous services like tethering.
I have tried this out and it works. Is there anyway for AT&T to tell if we are tethering though? Should I be on a tethering apn?
rjstang said:
I have tried this out and it works. Is there anyway for AT&T to tell if we are tethering though? Should I be on a tethering apn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used tethering on my N1 for the past two years. Generally, I use around 1.5gb/month... No problem so far *knock on wood*.
was working - not now
yip have been using wifi hotspot for some time now
on my old SG1 and then on my Nexus
I has however stopped working recently, and cant see why
the app appears to be working but the wifi network is never discoverable
if anyone has a fix could you let me know
thanks in advance
m
Lol they know when your using it tho... with my Nexus one I was sent a text message saying my plan will change if I continue with tethering... I got out of unlimited last month and its the best thing I could have done... unlimited Mobile to Mobile (Verizon Sprint and T-Mobile) but 700 minutes for land lines. . Unlimited text and 5GB a Month... I hate being throttled so the switch was made. I'm paying less then when I was unlimited =]
- Google
for those having isues with tethering on android phones becauseits a att phone try foxfi app right on the market is great.....i dont have att but i passed the info to a friend of mine and now she is tethering for free

[Q] Question about TMobiles new Unlimited 4G plan (Tethering)

Unlimited 4G data on T-Mobile network for accessing the web, streaming music and HD video, and downloading cool apps—as much as you want. No limits and no overages - 89.99$ a month.
Which for me is only about 5$ more. So it says its not compatible with "Smartphone Mobile Hotspot" Now I assume thats the built in stock option they lock down.. So question is, how does this effect our rooted ways of tethering and wifi hotspot making. Has anyone tried yet? Or have info about this? Thanks.
with that plan you will not be able to tether as for as i know,can they stop you?that i don't know.can they tell? not really sure,but in the past talking to tmobile they can basically tell how much you use is by there a difference in using your phone and tethering...when you tether,there more data usage....but i have the 10 gb data plan which include free tether,also if you get the 5gb plan,that also comes with free tethering...
Well I have the 2GB one atm for the cost (which is still unlimited, just slows down) but yea, orig.. they never had an app for tethering. Seems the S3 has a T-Mobile made app for tethering (Stock rom app) So Id assume using our normal root wifi tether apps.. we should be ok. Like you said, they might know the diff in the bandwidth, then again might not.. Netflix and MobiTV alone can take up alot. Not to mention Youtube in HD. I may have to try this and see what happens. Unless someone has the new plan already. I mean unlimited 4G.. True unlimited.. thats not bad at all.
I know I'm loving T-Mobile right now I'm streaming radio for a whole shift at work downloading roms and all kinds of WiFi stuff.and get this I was already was paying for the 5g data plan so when I called for them to switch me over to the unlimited 4g plan I actually saved $5 off my bill and cause I was throttled by the 5th of September it brought me right out of edge. And yes the t mobile hotspot app redirects any device connected to some T-Mobile web page. But we are good with hotspot app from the play store
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Rooted tethering still works.
Sent from my SGH-T999
joshnichols189 said:
Rooted tethering still works.
Sent from my SGH-T999
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks! Great to know. I think paying 10$ more a month for the "ability" (even if not used) for TRUE unlimited is worth it. Lock in and grandfather before they change their mind. Mobile Netflix + Hdmi = Win for one example of travel use.
Do have one stupid question. Anyone know on the Official hotspot app use. If all ports are enabled? Or is it still 80 and 8080 only? Thats the only thing I could see a different on. TMO hotspot might give you more ports access. However I am unsure.
I highly doubt the T-Mobile hotspot is any better than something you can find in the market And if it's just hotspot through the settings, it's the exact same thing.
Tho if I am not mistaken... Wasnt most of the rooted wifi tether apps an "Ad-Hoc" connection vs "Infrastructure" mode? Granted computers and ios seem to handle that fine. However items like PSP, DS, and other consoles didnt like ad-hoc internet connections. Or is that different now? (I ask cause my tablet seems to host in infrastructure mode, while my G1 on its tether app did like an adhoc form)

Rooting Samsung Galaxy s3 sch-L710 for tethering

I have Sprint service and was told that they're very strict on Wi-Fi tethering so I wanted to know if I got my phone rooted and used it as a hotspot for my Xbox 360 and laptop will Sprint know and try to charge me? Will the root turn it into a mobile hotspot?
ksmoove2 said:
I have Sprint service and was told that they're very strict on Wi-Fi tethering so I wanted to know if I got my phone rooted and used it as a hotspot for my Xbox 360 and laptop will Sprint know and try to charge me? Will the root turn it into a mobile hotspot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most custom roms have the native hotspot hacked. As far as Sprint seeing, I've never heard of it.
ksmoove2 said:
I have Sprint service and was told that they're very strict on Wi-Fi tethering so I wanted to know if I got my phone rooted and used it as a hotspot for my Xbox 360 and laptop will Sprint know and try to charge me? Will the root turn it into a mobile hotspot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are willing to spend money, foxfi works fine too
I've been using it for almost a year now
Sprint knows when they see an excessive amount of data being used. They can't do anything about it unless you specify that your device is rooted.(Modified)
They do have specific tricks for customers with high data use. They disable the main tower where most of your data traffic comes from, but leave surrounding towers alone. That one tower will have LTE slowed but 3G will be at regular capacity. It's only done for about 2 to 3 weeks and then enabled again.
Basically, it's spot checking.
They've done it to me on 3 different occasions in 3 different areas across town. And I always check to see if it's the case by going to the next nearest tower and doing speed tests in the area.
(Just try to stay under 50GB and you'll be okay).
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

G3 Hotspot.

Has anyone had any experience with the G3's hotspot rooted or non-rooted? Any experience with signals or stability would be greatly appreciated.
A little sob story background: I live in a neighborhood that the Teleco companies have completely neglected. Even though I live in america I only have dial up. Our phones get the very Edge of sprint's LTE network but I'm running a Galaxy S2 with Wimax (which wonderful sprint discontinued a month after I bought the phone) So our only means of internet is a 3G and what little LTE my family can pick up with their various phones. I'm a gamer so I'd like to be brought into the highspeed age finally. Hotspot reliability will make or break buying the LG G3 and I'd love to get a little feedback of what to expect.
Thanks!
Osseon said:
Has anyone had any experience with the G3's hotspot rooted or non-rooted? Any experience with signals or stability would be greatly appreciated.
A little sob story background: I live in a neighborhood that the Teleco companies have completely neglected. Even though I live in america I only have dial up. Our phones get the very Edge of sprint's LTE network but I'm running a Galaxy S2 with Wimax (which wonderful sprint discontinued a month after I bought the phone) So our only means of internet is a 3G and what little LTE my family can pick up with their various phones. I'm a gamer so I'd like to be brought into the highspeed age finally. Hotspot reliability will make or break buying the LG G3 and I'd love to get a little feedback of what to expect.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works just the same as any other device for me, been using it a lot for my chromebook had no dropouts or issues.
Would I be able to use this phone as a hotspot out of the box like I can with my Nexus 5 or would I have to go through my carrier for that? I use my Nexus 5 as a hotspot for my Nexus 7 when I'm out and about. I wouldn't want to have to start paying monthly for that function.
partylikeaninjastar said:
Would I be able to use this phone as a hotspot out of the box like I can with my Nexus 5 or would I have to go through my carrier for that? I use my Nexus 5 as a hotspot for my Nexus 7 when I'm out and about. I wouldn't want to have to start paying monthly for that function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should work out of the box like any android phone
Are you Verizon unlimited, and that's why you're asking? If you just need something, what about FreedomPop? I know, I know - sleazy company - but they're wedded to Sprint's LTE/WiMax exsting network (if you're close), and you might be able to rig an antenna/amp to pull in that LTE. It's what I do to get V (and formerly AT&T) in my basement.
I'm keeping an eye on this thread, too, as I'm curious. I've got a JB iPhone to get the hotspot and keep my unlimited. I actually use the hotspot about once every 2-3 months, and usually for less than 1/4 of my phone-only data, so it galls me to consider adding ~$500/yr for those couple times I need a sip of data when I'm on the road. I'll be switching to the G3 as soon as its released, and seeing how it's like on the android side of things.
Protagoras said:
Should work out of the box like any android phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But does every phone work out of the box with tethering? I'm on T-Mobile with an older unlimited data plan, if that helps.
Coming from a Nexus 4 and 5, tethering was always an option in the settings. My concern is whether or not it's still an option in a skinned version of Android or will I need to add tethering to my plan and use a T-Mobile branded app?
partylikeaninjastar said:
But does every phone work out of the box with tethering? I'm on T-Mobile with an older unlimited data plan, if that helps.
Coming from a Nexus 4 and 5, tethering was always an option in the settings. My concern is whether or not it's still an option in a skinned version of Android or will I need to add tethering to my plan and use a T-Mobile branded app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of T-Mobile's older unlimited plans don't like you using wifi tethering. I'm on an older unlimited and once in a while I get a webpage telling me to upgrade my plan. I'm currently using an HTC Sensation though and thinking of getting the G3.
overzeetop said:
Are you Verizon unlimited, and that's why you're asking? If you just need something, what about FreedomPop? I know, I know - sleazy company - but they're wedded to Sprint's LTE/WiMax exsting network (if you're close), and you might be able to rig an antenna/amp to pull in that LTE. It's what I do to get V (and formerly AT&T) in my basement.
I'm keeping an eye on this thread, too, as I'm curious. I've got a JB iPhone to get the hotspot and keep my unlimited. I actually use the hotspot about once every 2-3 months, and usually for less than 1/4 of my phone-only data, so it galls me to consider adding ~$500/yr for those couple times I need a sip of data when I'm on the road. I'll be switching to the G3 as soon as its released, and seeing how it's like on the android side of things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does freedom pop have true unlimited? No hidden data charges and all the data I can handle? I've used about 30gb in the last month on my 3G connection and probably another 20GB in the last 4 days on my mother's LTE. This is using Sprint's unlimited data plan. I burn through the GB and 5-10gb a month just wouldn't do.
EDIT: Just checked and no Freedom pop doesn't Calculating the data charges for my current useage would cost me about $2000 a month. No thanks.
sykozylot said:
Some of T-Mobile's older unlimited plans don't like you using wifi tethering. I'm on an older unlimited and once in a while I get a webpage telling me to upgrade my plan. I'm currently using an HTC Sensation though and thinking of getting the G3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I need to know how native tethering works on a G3.
Tethering is the same as any other android phone. The G3 supports wifi, blue tooth and USB tethering. How this works with US versions of the phone I dont know. In the UK tethering is monitored and controlled by the network not the phone, so the phone still has the capability. If you have a plan that allows tethering, and you dont have a crippled version of the phone there's no difference, its just like any other android phone.
Dubhar said:
Tethering is the same as any other android phone. The G3 supports wifi, blue tooth and USB tethering. How this works with US versions of the phone I dont know. In the UK tethering is monitored and controlled by the network not the phone, so the phone still has the capability. If you have a plan that allows tethering, and you dont have a crippled version of the phone there's no difference, its just like any other android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying the ability to turn the G3 into a hotspot can be found in the settings menu?
partylikeaninjastar said:
So you're saying the ability to turn the G3 into a hotspot can be found in the settings menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What provider are you using?
partylikeaninjastar said:
So you're saying the ability to turn the G3 into a hotspot can be found in the settings menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless your using some carried modified version of the G3 it should be under the settings menu as "tethering & networks"
partylikeaninjastar said:
So you're saying the ability to turn the G3 into a hotspot can be found in the settings menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's correct.
Osseon said:
Does freedom pop have true unlimited? No hidden data charges and all the data I can handle? I've used about 30gb in the last month on my 3G connection and probably another 20GB in the last 4 days on my mother's LTE. This is using Sprint's unlimited data plan. I burn through the GB and 5-10gb a month just wouldn't do.
EDIT: Just checked and no Freedom pop doesn't Calculating the data charges for my current useage would cost me about $2000 a month. No thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, that's serious (mobile) data! No, FP would be just to get you connected, not an all-you-can-eat buffet. (I used it as backup on the road, but their coverage around me sucked)

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