IPhone 3G Tethering

Rumors of a possible Apple and AT&T approved tethering function for the iPhone 3G began swirling in late August of 2008. According to unconfirmed reports, iPhone users would be able to purchase an additional data plan, allowing them to use the Internet connectivity of their phone on computers.¹

Fast Facts

Rumor reported late August of 2008¹
Would be Apple and AT&T authorized¹
Requires an additional data plan¹
Allows users to connect to the Internet on a computer via the iPhone's connectivity¹
Previously available only on jailbroken iPhones²
Netshare, a unauthorized tethering application previously removed from the iPhone App Store²

Steve Said What?

The story, which was first reported by Gizmodo on August 28, 2008, was backed up by an alleged e-mail from Apple founder Steve Jobs. A Gizmodo reader contacted Jobs about offering a tethering plan similar to the one currently in use by AT&T for BlackBerry phones. Jobs supposedly agreed, saying they are in talks with AT&T to offer the function. Many have questioned the credibility of the e-mail, saying that it is virtually impossible to prove that it came directly from Jobs.¹

One VentureBeat blogger speculated that Apple may have removed Netshare, a tethering application that was pulled from the App Store in early August, in preparation for this authorized tethering feature.²

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