Is using a tethering app without paying extra, stealing?

[The General]

I'm not clear on the youtube violation. What do you mean?

This is from the iPhone terms of service:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/articles-resources/iphone-terms.jsp

Prohibited and Permissible Uses: Data Service sessions may be conducted only for the following purposes: (i) Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) corporate intranet access (including access to corporate email, customer relationship management, sales force automation, and field service automation applications). PROHIBITED USES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, USING SERVICES: (I) WITH SERVER DEVICES OR WITH HOST COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WEB CAMERA POSTS OR BROADCASTS, CONTINUOUS JPEG FILE TRANSFERS, AUTOMATIC DATA FEEDS, TELEMETRY APPLICATIONS, PEER-TO-PEER (P2P) FILE SHARING, AUTOMATED FUNCTIONS OR ANY OTHER MACHINE-TO-MACHINE APPLICATIONS; (II) AS SUBSTITUTE OR BACKUP FOR PRIVATE LINES OR DEDICATED DATA CONNECTIONS; (III) FOR VOICE OVER IP; (IV) IN CONJUNCTION WITH WWAN OR OTHER APPLICATIONS OR DEVICES WHICH AGGREGATE USAGE FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES PRIOR TO TRANSMISSION; (V) USING THE SERVICES FOR ANY ACTIVITY THAT ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE ABILITY OF OTHER PEOPLE OR SYSTEMS TO USE EITHER THE SERVICES OR OTHER PARTIES' INTERNET-BASED RESOURCES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF NETWORK OR SYSTEM RESOURCES (WHETHER INTENTIONAL OR UNINTENTIONAL) AND "DENIAL OF SERVICE" (DOS) ATTACKS AGAINST ANOTHER NETWORK HOST OR INDIVIDUAL USER; OR (VI) INTERFERENCE WITH OR DISRUPTION OF OTHER NETWORK USERS, NETWORK SERVICES OR NETWORK EQUIPMENT. EXCEPT FOR CONTENT FORMATTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AT&T'S CONTENT STANDARDS, UNLIMITED PLANS CANNOT BE USED FOR UPLOADING, DOWNLOADING OR STREAMING OF VIDEO CONTENT (E.G. MOVIES, TV), MUSIC OR GAMES. FURTHERMORE, UNLIMITED PLANS (EXCEPT FOR DATACONNECT AND BLACKBERRY TETHERED) CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY APPLICATIONS THAT TETHER THE DEVICE (THROUGH USE OF, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONNECTION KITS, OTHER PHONE/PDA-TO-COMPUTER ACCESSORIES, BLUETOOTH® OR ANY OTHER WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY) TO LAPTOPS, PCS, OR OTHER EQUIPMENT FOR ANY PURPOSE.

What are AT&T's content standards? Am I to look this up before I agree? It's nowhere to be found on Google. Either way, Safari will play Quicktime movies from any website. So there you go.

If AT@T has to expand as a result of people using the phone to provide data to another device, you should help pay for that expansion, in proportion to your use, if you are going to use your phone to provide data to another device against the TOS.

They haven't expanded because of it. You act like tethering with a computer uses more bandwidth or is faster than if I use my phone... ITS THE SAME CONNECTION. SAME SPEED. SAME BANDWIDTH.

 

[wwooden]

I personally don't see a difference between the data usage of the phone and phone/computer tether. I mean, the phone can only connect at a certain speed, it's not like when you tether to a computer all the sudden you get more bandwidth. You assume that someone tethering is going to use more data than someone who doesn't. You make it sound someone who uses the phone all day on data, should have to pay more than someone who one uses it a couple times a day to check email, etc. It's part of the agreement with AT&T that we get unlimited data usage; how we use that is our decision I think.

 

[plumbingandtech]

EXCEPT FOR CONTENT FORMATTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AT&T'S CONTENT STANDARDS,

FURTHERMORE, UNLIMITED PLANS (EXCEPT FOR DATACONNECT AND BLACKBERRY TETHERED) CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY APPLICATIONS THAT TETHER THE DEVICE (

Thank you for proving my point.

Have a nice day.

 

[noah82]

So I have a question for you...I was one of the few lucky people to purchase NetShare when it was available in the App Store during the 6 hour window.

Because I purchased this program legally with Apple's approval, does this mean that I am "allowed" to tether because I am doing it within the rules?

I am curious to see everybody's take on this.

 

[jajohns8]

I personally don't see a difference between the data usage of the phone and phone/computer tether. I mean, the phone can only connect at a certain speed, it's not like when you tether to a computer all the sudden you get more bandwidth. You assume that someone tethering is going to use more data than someone who doesn't. You make it sound someone who uses the phone all day on data, should have to pay more than someone who one uses it a couple times a day to check email, etc. It's part of the agreement with AT&T that we get unlimited data usage; how we use that is our decision I think.

This actually gets to to heart of the argument. Thanks for bringing it up. I happen to think that people who tether are more apt to use more bandwidth.

I don't have solid numbers, but then again, I don't think anyone has numbers to prove the opposite either.

So we'll just have to make our different assumptions and disagree about them.

If you use more data because of tethering, you can use it anyway you see fit. Have at it. But, you should pay for it if you put more of a burden on the network.

 

[The General]

Also, because I am not hauled into court over stealing a paper clip doesn't mean it's not wrong. So...the whole "AT@T isnt bringing people to court, so it must be ok" argument fails.

It's not illegal, it's not stealing. I am baffled at your inability to understand this.

No, its not like what you said at all. You are talking about a 3G network that caved because of how fragile it is during the Iphone 3g activation debacle.

Oh, you mean the iPhones caused the network to fail? Well that's okay, because we all pay $30/mo. They can use that money to fix it and expand.

This isnt the same as your cable broadband network. That comparison is inaccurate.

What? Hahaha, you must be joking. Do explain how the cable company analogy doesn't apply or is inaccurate. I would love to hear it.

Of course not since are downloading them ON the phone, not via tether.

And what is the difference in bandwidth? There isn't one.

Wow. Just wow. So legalese in a legal document means it is null and void?

Just wow.

YES. That is EXACTLY why it is null and void. People agree to that crap because they want an iPhone, not because they understand it and accept it.

Here. I corrected it for you:

ON the iphone. Tethering is NOT the iphone, it is a conduit. You get unlimited bandwidget using the phone. Not unlimited tethered. Not really rocket science here.

The iPhone is using its hardware to access the internet. The iPhone is using its paid-for unlimited internet access. I know, it really isn't rocket science. It's that simple, the IPHONE is using its UNLIMITED DATA access.

It forces them to upgrade $$$$ their 3g network faster so the people following the rules don't complain and leave the service.

God, the MAFIAA has REALLY gotten to you. ITS THE SAME FREAKING BANDWIDTH AT THE SAME FREAKING SPEED. IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO THE NETWORK THAN IT WOULD IF I WERE SURFING USING THE IPHONE. WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLY MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT THIS? THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. THE NETWORK IS EQUALLY LIKELY TO BUCKLE UNDER THE LOAD OF 100 IPHONES AS IT IS TO 100 PEOPLE TETHERING USING THEIR IPHONES.

See above. On the phone. And the bandwidth is NOT yours, it is ATTs and you and I are paying for the use of it.

The bandwidth IS mine. I've PAID FOR IT. $30/MO FOR UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH. IT IS MINE. I OWN THE BANDWIDTH.
If AT&T want to micromanage how I use it, THAT IS A FAULT ON THEIR PART AND THEY SHOULDN'T SELL BANDWIDTH THEN.

ATT gets to say what we can do with THEIR bandwidth. They say no to tether on the iphone. If one disagrees with all that then one can cancel one's ATT mobile phone service.

They might get to say what you can do with your bandwidth, but not me. I don't just bend over and take that kind of crap. I'm also not switching providers because:

1. I want an iPhone.
2. The other providers are EVEN WORSE.

 

[jajohns8]

So I have a question for you...I was one of the few lucky people to purchase NetShare when it was available in the App Store during the 6 hour window.

Because I purchased this program legally with Apple's approval, does this mean that I am "allowed" to tether because I am doing it within the rules?

I am curious to see everybody's take on this.

Great question.

Since the use of this impacts the network that AT@T is responsible for maintaining, I think you should be allowed to keep the app, but you should abide by whatever AT@T wants you to do in terms of data usage. If they say, "hey, only a few people obtained it, no problem."
Then, hey, that's their call.

If they come up with an unlimited plan that you have to pay X amount per month, then yes, I personally believe you should pay for it.

 

[The General]

This actually gets to to heart of the argument. Thanks for bringing it up. I happen to think that people who tether are more apt to use more bandwidth.

I don't have solid numbers, but then again, I don't think anyone has numbers to prove the opposite either.

Even if we are more apt to use more bandwidth, it wouldn't matter BECAUSE WE HAVE AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF IT.

So we'll just have to make our different assumptions and disagree about them.

If you use more data because of tethering, you can use it anyway you see fit. Have at it. But, you should pay for it if you put more of a burden on the network.

Yes, agree to disagree. But, I do have one question to you:

Why did you post this thread ASKING us if you had already made up your mind that it IS stealing?

 

[jajohns8]

It's not illegal, it's not stealing. I am baffled at your inability to understand this.



Oh, you mean the iPhones caused the network to fail? Well that's okay, because we all pay $30/mo. They can use that money to fix it and expand.



What? Hahaha, you must be joking. Do explain how the cable company analogy doesn't apply or is inaccurate. I would love to hear it.



And what is the difference in bandwidth? There isn't one.



YES. That is EXACTLY why it is null and void. People agree to that crap because they want an iPhone, not because they understand it and accept it.



The iPhone is using its hardware to access the internet. The iPhone is using its paid-for unlimited internet access. I know, it really isn't rocket science. It's that simple, the IPHONE is using its UNLIMITED DATA access.



God, the MAFIAA has REALLY gotten to you. ITS THE SAME FREAKING BANDWIDTH AT THE SAME FREAKING SPEED. IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO THE NETWORK THAN IT WOULD IF I WERE SURFING USING THE IPHONE. WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLY MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT THIS? THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. THE NETWORK IS EQUALLY LIKELY TO BUCKLE UNDER THE LOAD OF 100 IPHONES AS IT IS TO 100 PEOPLE TETHERING USING THEIR IPHONES.



The bandwidth IS mine. I've PAID FOR IT. $30/MO FOR UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH. IT IS MINE. I OWN THE BANDWIDTH.
If AT&T want to micromanage how I use it, THAT IS A FAULT ON THEIR PART AND THEY SHOULDN'T SELL BANDWIDTH THEN.



They might get to say what you can do with your bandwidth, but not me. I don't just bend over and take that kind of crap. I'm also not switching providers because:

1. I want an iPhone.
2. The other providers are EVEN WORSE.

General, I will not reply to this until you repost and attribute posts that I made, to me.

 

[The General]

General, I will not reply to this until you repost and attribute posts that I made, to me.

Well, I fixed it but I really don't care about your response.

 

[jajohns8]

Even if we are more apt to use more bandwidth, it wouldn't matter BECAUSE WE HAVE AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF IT.



Yes, agree to disagree. But, I do have one question to you:

Why did you post this thread ASKING us if you had already made up your mind that it IS stealing?

You have an unlimited amount to use on your phone. Not what your phone can provide to another device.

I didnt make up my mind completely until I saw the responses.

Please. Change my mind.

 

[jajohns8]

Well, I fixed it but I really don't care about your response.

LOL. OK then. Take your ball and bat and go home.

 

[The General]

You have an unlimited amount to use on your phone. Not what your phone can provide to another device.

I am using it on my phone. It's not like I pulled the SIM card out and put it in a laptop connect card. And even then, it's the same account and same connection speed and same unlimited bandwidth that I am using. If AT&T's terms of service forbid that kind of activity, then that is their problem, not mine. I don't really care what the terms of service say I can and can't do.

Having my phone provide data to another device affects AT&T in no way.

The only way I would consider it stealing is if I were able to duplicate my SIM card and somehow activate and use the same account on two separate devices. Then I would be able to use twice as much bandwidth, and that WOULD affect AT&T.

LOL. OK then. Take your ball and bat and go home.

LOL

 

[jajohns8]

It's not illegal, it's not stealing. I am baffled at your inability to understand this.



Oh, you mean the iPhones caused the network to fail? Well that's okay, because we all pay $30/mo. They can use that money to fix it and expand.



What? Hahaha, you must be joking. Do explain how the cable company analogy doesn't apply or is inaccurate. I would love to hear it.



And what is the difference in bandwidth? There isn't one.



YES. That is EXACTLY why it is null and void. People agree to that crap because they want an iPhone, not because they understand it and accept it.



The iPhone is using its hardware to access the internet. The iPhone is using its paid-for unlimited internet access. I know, it really isn't rocket science. It's that simple, the IPHONE is using its UNLIMITED DATA access.



God, the MAFIAA has REALLY gotten to you. ITS THE SAME FREAKING BANDWIDTH AT THE SAME FREAKING SPEED. IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE TO THE NETWORK THAN IT WOULD IF I WERE SURFING USING THE IPHONE. WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLY MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT THIS? THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. THE NETWORK IS EQUALLY LIKELY TO BUCKLE UNDER THE LOAD OF 100 IPHONES AS IT IS TO 100 PEOPLE TETHERING USING THEIR IPHONES.



The bandwidth IS mine. I've PAID FOR IT. $30/MO FOR UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH. IT IS MINE. I OWN THE BANDWIDTH.
If AT&T want to micromanage how I use it, THAT IS A FAULT ON THEIR PART AND THEY SHOULDN'T SELL BANDWIDTH THEN.



They might get to say what you can do with your bandwidth, but not me. I don't just bend over and take that kind of crap. I'm also not switching providers because:

1. I want an iPhone.
2. The other providers are EVEN WORSE.

Even though General claims he doesnt care, I'll respond.

I do think it is stealing. I do think it may be illegal, but hey, that's not really what I'm concentrating on this thread.

Yeah, overloading the 3g network did make it fail. Yeah. That's what happened.

Broadband cable network is different than the 3G network. I dont go home and connect to my Iphone to play Call Of Duty. Please prove to me how I don't do that. It's because they are different.

Difference in bandwidth is an assumption BOTH of us are making differently. See other posts related to that.

Yeah, you paid for unlimited data for the phone to use. Not for what another device can suck through the iphone.

Oh, and not too sure about the mafia references. I liked The Sopranos. A little.

 

[evildarklordude]

I think I might regret throwing in my two cents but...

...

Is it really true that a tethered computer on the iphone leads to higher bandwidth usage (And to be clear I mean data rate not total data usage)? As long as data speeds for others are not altered by the tethered I see no problem in tethering.

I am paying for unlimited total data THROUGH my iphone connection and I should be able to get it. The difference between using that data ON my iphone or through my iphone and ON my computer is immaterial. I am paying for data throughput and AT&T should not prescribe what that data is used for (imo, I don't know what the legalese for this is).

However, If it is true that tethering means I hog more than my fair share of the data rate on a given cell tower, I kind of feel some guilt. Don't know how I would fix that though. (For the record, I don't tether mostly because I don't need to... I am quite happy with the access just the iphone provides).

Cheers All.

 

[iamkarlp]

To the OP, you are absolutely right in spirit. While it isn't theft per-say, it is against the contract you signed - a legally binding contract.

For those that say that the TOS doesn't hold water because it bans usages that Apple themselves advertise that doesn't matter as Apple is the one who has put their name to the apps, they have assumed responsibility for the usage of them and we can surmise they have separate, private agreements with AT&T to enable those otherwise banned activities.

This means you can use YouTube on the iphone !!!BUT NOT ON ANY OTHER AT&T PHONE THAT ISNT NATIVELY LOADED WITH A YOUTUBE PLAYER FROM AT&T!!!!!

This also means that the few people who legally obtained netshare are ok with tethering, BUT NO ONE ELSE CAN TETHER and still hold up their end of the contract.

The reality is that if someone uses an iPhone to tether outside of a legally acquired netshare app then the contract is now broken and AT&T can choose to do what they will whether live with it, or kill your service and bill you a termination fee, or anything else for that matter.

You guys realize that breaking the TOS and thus the contract itself is a two way street that also gives AT&T the ability to, at some level, retaliate if they choose to, right?

And while it isn't illegal, it is technically stealing.

Don't let people who have justified their breaking of the contract change your viewpoints.

Living on the right side of the line is often a little more expensive, a little more work, and a little less glamorous but it is the basis to long term success in all ventures.

Karl P

Edit: Don't try to argue with me here. Especially with that unlimited bandwidth crap. We all know the unlimited data is for use ON the phone only. Not Through the Phone. We also know that it isn't truly unlimited data, it is simply unmetered bandwidth with soft caps that if passed may give us a warning, but not an extra charge. While I agree that this is a dubious use of the word unlimited in theory since it is unmetered it is unlimited. In any event in no way can you justify based on the TOS that the unlimited data is for use anywhere else but on the physical phone itself.

 

[jajohns8]

I am using it on my phone. It's not like I pulled the SIM card out and put it in a laptop connect card. And even then, it's the same account and same connection speed and same unlimited bandwidth that I am using. If AT&T's terms of service forbid that kind of activity, then that is their problem, not mine. I don't really care what the terms of service say I can and can't do.

Having my phone provide data to another device affects AT&T in no way.

The only way I would consider it stealing is if I were able to duplicate my SIM card and somehow activate and use the same account on two separate devices. Then I would be able to use twice as much bandwidth, and that WOULD affect AT&T.



LOL

Guess you really do care. 8^)

The thing is you don't know that it doesn't affect AT@T. I am making the assumption that it does. You are making a different assumption.

 

[KingHuds]

Someone using the same bandwith they would use on their phone but simply forwarding it over a local network to a computer is not going to cause any amount of extra strain onto the 3G network.

Tethering DOES NOT allow your iPhone to exceed the capped speeds that are already in place, the same exact data is being pulled down when you access a website on your phone as when you access it on your computer.


If I open a page on my phone, then use my local network, or the USB connector cable to send that data to my computer... there is no extra strain to the AT&T network.


The EULA and TOS of any hardware or software do not dictate LEGALITY, corporations do not make the laws, which is somewhat of the point you are trying to get across.

My question: Is it right for AT&T to charge you to access something that you are already paying for, but simply forwarding over ones local network? If it was simply for the app, or connector or something sure, but a monthly fee to use the data plan that you already pay for? I think they are the ones who are stealing.

 

[jajohns8]

...

Is it really true that a tethered computer on the iphone leads to higher bandwidth usage (And to be clear I mean data rate not total data usage)? As long as data speeds for others are not altered by the tethered I see no problem in tethering.

I am paying for unlimited total data THROUGH my iphone connection and I should be able to get it. The difference between using that data ON my iphone or through my iphone and ON my computer is immaterial. I am paying for data throughput and AT&T should not prescribe what that data is used for (imo, I don't know what the legalese for this is).

However, If it is true that tethering means I hog more than my fair share of the data rate on a given cell tower, I kind of feel some guilt. Don't know how I would fix that though. (For the record, I don't tether mostly because I don't need to... I am quite happy with the access just the iphone provides).

Cheers All.

I disagree with you saying THROUGH the phone. I don't think that's what you pay for.

 

[jajohns8]

Someone using the same bandwith they would use on their phone but simply forwarding it over a local network to a computer is not going to cause any amount of extra strain onto the 3G network.



If I open a page on my phone, then use my local network, or the USB connector cable to send that data to my computer... there is no extra strain to the AT&T network.

Tethering an iPhone or




And the EULA and TOS of any hardware or software do not dictate LEGALITY, corporations do not make the laws, which is somewhat of the point you are trying to get across.

My question: Is it right for AT&T to charge you to access something that you are already paying for, but simply forwarding over ones local network? If it was simply for the app, or connector or something sure, but a monthly fee to use the data plan that you already pay for? I think they are the ones who are stealing.

I cant just assume that it doesn't use more bandwidth. That is YOUR assumption.

And no, I dont think you are paying for it in the first place. You are paying to use the data for your phone. Not for what the phone can provide to something else.

 

[sahnert]

Even if we are more apt to use more bandwidth, it wouldn't matter BECAUSE WE HAVE AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF IT.

There are some problems to which there are no technical solutions.

 

[The General]

Broadband cable network is different than the 3G network. I dont go home and connect to my Iphone to play Call Of Duty. Please prove to me how I don't do that. It's because they are different.

Oh, you totally misunderstood it. No wonder it made no sense. Okay, I'll retry - because it makes total sense.

I am paying my cable company for bandwidth. In the same sense, I am paying AT&T for bandwidth. They are both unlimited and have capped speeds either due to technological limitations or because I only pay for a certain speed.

AT&T telling me that I can't create a LAN that connects through my phone would be like my cable company telling me I can't create a LAN and connect through my modem.

Either way, I only have access to the same speed and amount of bandwidth (which in this case is unlimited), so the WAN takes the same load from me no matter what I do on the computer(s) that are connected through the iPhone or the cable modem.

AT&T is just micromanaging what I can and can't do with my bandwidth so they can make more money - not because it actually costs them anything extra if I tether.

Oh, and not too sure about the mafia references. I liked The Sopranos. A little.

MPAA/RIAA = MAFIAA

"You wouldn't steal a purse, would you?"

 

[jajohns8]

Oh, you totally misunderstood it. No wonder it made no sense. Okay, I'll retry - because it makes total sense.

I am paying my cable company for bandwidth. In the same sense, I am paying AT&T for bandwidth. They are both unlimited and have capped speeds wither due to technological limitations or because I only pay for a certain speed.

AT&T telling me that I can't create a LAN that connects through my phone would be like my cable company telling me I can't create a LAN and connect through my modem.

Either way, I only have access to the same speed and amount of bandwidth (which in this case is unlimited), so the WAN takes the same load from me no matter what I do on the computer(s) that are connected through the iPhone or the cable modem.

AT&T is just micromanaging what I can and can't do with my bandwidth so they can make more money - not because it actually costs them anything extra if I tether.



MPAA/RIAA = MAFIAA

"You wouldn't steal a purse, would you?"

Well, your cable network is different and not the same as the 3G network. It is administered differently.
Fine, I'll bite on the usage aspect.
If you burn up bandwidth by downloading bittorrent, yes you should pay more. In that sense, I am completely consistent.
Fair enough?

Well, again, you are making the assumption that it does not impact them. I am making the assumption that it does.

(I'm out for a bit, will be back sometime later.)

 

[iamkarlp]

My question: Is it right for AT&T to charge you to access something that you are already paying for, but simply forwarding over ones local network? If it was simply for the app, or connector or something sure, but a monthly fee to use the data plan that you already pay for? I think they are the ones who are stealing.

It is simply because AT&T is building the price of these plans based on expected usages. The expected usages models on a device such as an iphone and a computer are two _VASTLY_ different things. Even on an internet rich device such as the iPhone the amount of bandwidth a computer can eat through in half an hour can easily equal an entire day of iPhone usage.

Under that understanding - yes it is absolutely correct for them to charge in accordance with the usage.

There is a reason why the 3G datacard and 3G smartphone fees are so different what is essentially the same network and speed. It is all about expected usage.

The "unlimited" data is for the phone and the price is for the expected data usage per month that the device will typically be used in average use. They use the world unlimited because they don't charge you if you go over the computed average.

Do any of you guys have even the tiniest clue the amount of money it takes to operate networks? Billions and Billions and Billions. They aren't charging you because they woke up and said "I want to screw people over today". The prices are agonized over (as all consumer services are) and based on complex metrics to try and achieve something that will keep the networks in business (and tens of thousands of families have food on the table) while at the same time make the services affordable enough to gain wirespread adoption.

To make a truly unlimited wireless 3G data service would likely cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a month.

No different than you buy unmetered business internet connections that cost 20x more than your home connection and is slower to boot.

The only way individuals such as you or I can afford these advanced services is for the providers to share the network bandwidth and bill people based on expected usage as opposed to "full time" usage.

In any event it is against the TOS, and while the companies don't make law's. The law does contain many provisions for contracts between two entities and the legal enforceability of the contracts. Unless you played a good trick you will have signed that contract before recieving your device.

If you signed the contract it doesn't matter. You probably wont be taken to court or otherwise punished for it, but it is certainly wrong.

Karl P

 

[The General]

If you burn up bandwidth by downloading bittorrent, yes you should pay more. In that sense, I am completely consistent.
Fair enough?

Well, no. That's not fair at all actually. I pay $30/mo for "unlimited" bandwidth. The limit is actually 6GB, so if I go over 6GB then yes, maybe I should suffer some consequence like a fee or something, but I have never gotten anywhere close to 6GB.

Bittorrent doesn't work very well through the iPhone, so I don't even use it. I tether when I'm in one of my classes because the school's wifi doesn't reach far enough to get there, and all I do is surf the web, use iChat and use Twitterrific. I rarely download files because its so frickin' slow and it makes surfing the web impossibly slow.

Well, again, you are making the assumption that it does not impact them. I am making the assumption that it does.

I guess you're just more of a pessimist than me, then.