This morning it was reported that Google has removed all tethering apps from the Android Marketplace. I can’t say I agree with the decision, but it makes sense for the carriers to restrict this ‘feature’ within Android phones. I have mentioned in almost all of my posts on tethering how unlikely it would be for carriers to encourage tethering.
Revenue Driving Tether Decisions
There are a lot possibilities for tethering through the G1 that essentially takes future revenue away from carriers.
- I can image a world where every consumer electronics device supports both WiFi and 3G (or whatever speed comes out next). These can be location aware devices, gaming devices or in-car devices. For each of these devices, carriers may make somewhere between $1 – $15/month.
- Think of all the netbooks that will ship over the next couple years. Now think of all the 3G cards that will ship with them and the $30/mo. 3G service for each card. Now you can understand the carrier’s reluctancy to support WiFi tethering through the G1.
If you have root access to your phone, you don’t have to worry, the free tether apps I am sure will pop up in various places so you will still have the joy of tethering to your hearts content.
iPod Tethering News
Tethering with the G1 over WiFi now gives your Apple iPod touch Internet access from anywhere. That has always been the case with WiFi tethering so it’s not really new news. But with the recent availability of Skype for the Apple iPod touch, it makes even more sense. Now you can call other Skype users for free over the T-Mobile G1’s 3G network. Long distance calling is also very inexpensive over Skype.
Just a reminder that you can have all this greatness only after you root your Android phone.
Finally, I previously stated that I was going to take a break from tethering news and updates. That break didn’t last long thanks to the above announcements.
Tags: android, g1, ipod touch, t-mobile, tethering
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