FCC Forces Verizon To Allow Tethering Apps
Jul 31, 2012, 3:08 PM by Rich Brome @richbrome
The FCC has determined that Verizon has been violating the "open access" rules of its 700 MHz spectrum by blocking third-party Android apps that allow tethering a phone to a laptop or other device for Internet access. The rules for the C block of the upper 700 Mhz band state that the owner (Verizon) must allow consumers to use data any way they like. Verizon uses the spectrum for its 4G LTE network. This decision marks the first major enforcement of the open access rules. Verizon must pay a $1.25 million fine and start allowing tethering apps. The apps can be used to circumvent Verizon's usual $20/month tethering charge, although Verizon will still force users to subscribe to a "usage-based" pricing plan that will charge users for data regardless of whether it involves tethering. Verizon will also be forced to train its employees on compliance with the open access rules.
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Comments
"the FCC’s consent decree...
So when can I bring my own device? No wonder Verizon is zealously guarding its LTE Sim cards.
I think a lot of you don't understand this....
grandfathered unlimited plans are unaffected by this... and your still expected to pay for hotspot...
though, the unblocking of tethering apps, will benefit all plan types...
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As it should be!
I pay for "X" amount of data, and it doesn't matter how I use it - phone, laptop, or whatever. Data is data.
I mean, the grocery store doesn't charge extra for milk you'll put on cereal as opposed to milk you just drink from a glass.. You just buy a quantity, and use it as you see fit. Duh.
Say!
Jarahawk said:
Open Access... Hmmmm... Shouldn't Verizon be forced to allow any compatible device on its network as long as it poses no threat to the network?
I'd say so. It's wireless so you can't physically hu...
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Ahem!
Sadly
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