I've just discovered that our iPhone 4's can create the personal hotspot and allow our WIFI only iPads to connect. We have a new shared data plan with 4 GB/month. (We think that is plenty) my question is this, does activating this feature cost more with AT&T ? If I understand our only limit is the data plan. We like the speed at 3G service and are thinking about upgrading to the iPhone 5 so we can connect via 4G or LTE when available. I do not see why people would buy an AT&T device and pay monthly for service for MIFI, this seems to be the same. After spending 4 days at a campground with terrible WIFI service we feel like we're on high speed Internet now. Just hope it does not cost more then our data plan.

It is $45/mo for 4GB. We have never used more than 2gb but are carsful not to download apps etc. works great. Two iPads

I think you are asking "why buy a wifi device if the phone hotspot does the same thing?" The answer is that some folks like to leave the rig (with their cellphone) and leave a wifi device at the rig for such things as IP cameras, remote temp. sensors, etc. If you don't have one of these devices then the phone hotspot is adequate. BTW, if you go over the 4g plan it is $10.00 per gig after. No other penalties.

Isn't that called tethering and not allowed by most providers?

We use the ATT HTC One Android with the personal Hotspot. ATT has several options for using wifi on their system. The HTC One Hotspot is only one authorized option plan.5g for $50, which is less than my older USB card. I use the Hotspot for 2 pc's, a kindle and an HTC Desire Android Phone. If we upload pictures, at times we can exceed the 5g by 1g or 2g on rare occasions. As we fulltime, the extra $10 for 1g, is still less than the former usb card charge.Usually we are able to use local wifi at times to offset the ATT data plan.Been using the personal hotspot for about a year and a half. No need to go back to another device. It works good even with a one bar signal.

tvman44 wrote:Isn't that called tethering and not allowed by most providers?We use the ATT HTC One Android with the personal Hotspot. ATT has several options for using wifi on their system. The HTC One Hotspot is only one of their authorized option plans.

AT&T iPhone Personal Hotspot | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

TechWriter
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
tvman44 wrote:
Isn't that called tethering and not allowed by most providers?

With a 4G iPhone it's built in. You just turn it on.
TechWriter
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
Mikesr wrote:
I do not see why people would buy an AT&T device and pay monthly for service for MIFI, this seems to be the same.

When you buy an iPhone, you have to buy a data plan which is expensive compared to what a 3rd party vendor like Millenicom can offer.

Millenicom's MiFi Hotspot gives you 20 GB/month for $70. You won't find that kind of deal buying direct from Verizon or AT&T.

Also, if you switch from 3G to 4G, you'll probably start using more, even much more, bandwidth because 4G can be VERY fast.
RV_CONUS
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
tvman44 wrote:
Isn't that called tethering and not allowed by most providers?

We use the ATT HTC One Android with the personal Hotspot. ATT has several options for using wifi on their system. The HTC One Hotspot is only one of their authorized option plans.
RV_CONUS
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
We use the ATT HTC One Android with the personal Hotspot. ATT has several options for using wifi on their system. The HTC One Hotspot is only one authorized option plan.

5g for $50, which is less than my older USB card. I use the Hotspot for 2 pc's, a kindle and an HTC Desire Android Phone. If we upload pictures, at times we can exceed the 5g by 1g or 2g on rare occasions. As we fulltime, the extra $10 for 1g, is still less than the former usb card charge.

Usually we are able to use local wifi at times to offset the ATT data plan.

Been using the personal hotspot for about a year and a half. No need to go back to another device. It works good even with a one bar signal.
tvman44
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
Isn't that called tethering and not allowed by most providers?
lynndiwagon
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
I think you are asking "why buy a wifi device if the phone hotspot does the same thing?" The answer is that some folks like to leave the rig (with their cellphone) and leave a wifi device at the rig for such things as IP cameras, remote temp. sensors, etc. If you don't have one of these devices then the phone hotspot is adequate. BTW, if you go over the 4g plan it is $10.00 per gig after. No other penalties.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Aug 17, 2013
It is $45/mo for 4GB. We have never used more than 2gb but are carsful not to download apps etc. works great. Two iPads

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AT&T iPhone Personal Hotspot

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