It figures. Just days after I signed up for a new home internet service, opting for a cable modem only deal instead of a cable/WiMAX combo deal because I figured I can always use my Google Nexus One’s tethering capability if I need a backup or mobile solution… it looks like T-Mobile is about to start charging for tethering capabilities.

Boy Genius Report has obtained a document which shows that customers who have unlimited smartphone data plans running $19.95 and higher will be able to opt into the new “Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing Add-On” program for $14.99 per month. That extra fee added to your monthly bill won’t actually get you faster speeds, additional data transfers, or anything else. Just the ability to keep doing something you can do on select phones like the Nexus One today… for free.

Customers will be able to tether their phones over WiFi, USB, or Bluetooth connections. That means if you have supported hardware, you should be able to share your internet connection with a laptop or desktop computer, gaming console, WiFi tablet, or other device. For $15 per month more than you’re paying now.

The new plan is expected to go into effect on November 3rd.

Of course, there are a number of apps that will let Android users with rooted devices tether their devices without alerting T-Mobile or other wireless carriers. But for non-root users, it looks like T-Mobile is officially eliminating free tethering.

via MobileCrunch

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2 replies on “T-Mobile to begin charging $14.99 monthly fee for tethering”

  1. Stay classy T-Mobile. You give us a tiny cup of data to drink, then tell us we can no longer use a straw.

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