Yesterday, Rogers announced an updated policy for people who tether their mobile device to a computer, generally preserving their promotional rates.
Tethering allows you to connect a computer to the Internet, usually using the computer interface cable that connects a smartphone (such as a BlackBerry or iPhone) for synchronization purposes. Computers typically use a lot more data when connected to the Internet than smartphones do, so many mobile carriers have restrictions on the use of mobile devices in tethered modes.
Under the new policy, customers who have a 1GB or greater mobile data plan can use their mobile device as an oversized data-stick at no additional charge.
Just last week, my residential internet was knocked off the air and my Blackberry was pressed into service as a broadband modem. Frankly, you would want to have at least a 1G plan before letting your PC do its virus definition updates, back-up services and downloading of email attachments.
Blackberry’s Desktop Manager made it very easy. Do you really need a mobile data stick?
I agree – the BB desktop manager made it much easier than I expected to get online. I tried it out myself last week, and was surprised by the quality of the service. I can see this being very helpful for those travelling on business. I know public free WiFi is becoming more widely available at many venues, but there have been a number of times in the last few years when I couldn’t get online when I wanted. This completely removes the need for a mobile data stick or an AirCard for me.
On the other hand, the data roaming rates are probably out to lunch when travelling out-of-country. I wouldn’t dare try tethering when I’m in the US – I can just picture the reaction from IT if I tried.
Indeed, I may be close to saving that $50/month by ditching my rocket stick.
But you know what I’d rather, is if Rogers would just let me share a data plan across a couple of different SIM cards. With a 6GB plan, I have more than enough data allocation that I’d love to be able to share across a few different devices without having to physically tether them or set up wifi sharing etc.
As we move to a world where people have an increasing number of connected devices, it would be great if I could have one personal data plan, and many SIM cards.
Or, to Tom’s point, one device with a large data plan that allows other devices to connect to it, a sort of mobile hotspot. Like Sprint just announced in the US with its 4G Evo device from HTC, which allows a user to do exactly that.