With Android 2.2 Froyo, Google introduced APIs for wireless tethering. Developers created tethering apps and users were able to use their mobile phone as mobile hotspots on their favorite carrier. This internet sharing between mobile and other devices such as laptops could all be done on unrooted or rooted device. Those were good times, and I hope you enjoyed it, because now wireless carriers are starting to block tethering apps from the AndroidMarket.
But why? Well obviously for money. Despite the fact that you’ve signed up for an unlimited data plan, that plan is only for you to enjoy on your cellphone and for you to use the way your wireless carrier sees it. Not for tethering data, because for that they have another plan, a tethering plan.
AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless are among the first one to block tethering apps. Whether your Android device is rooted or not does not seem to make a difference, the tethering apps just does not seem to work anymore. The only way around that kind of worked, seems to be side-loading your tethering app from outside the market, but even then it should only be a matter of time before your carrier shuts you down. Only Sprint Android phone still work at the moment with tethering apps.
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