Mobile Hotspot: Special Feature or Required by Law?

[CellDaddy]

Hold on...something just came to my attention:

I have been using the terms "mobile hotspot" and "tethering" interchangeably, but they may not actually mean the same thing.

On AT&T's website, "tethering" means establishing a one-to-one relationship with a wire; for example: attaching a smartphone to a tablet with a wire. "Mobile hotspot" means establishing a one-to-many relationship wirelessly; for example: connecting a smartphone with two tablets wirelessly.

I don't know whether the distinction exists only in AT&T's opinion, or whether there really is a distinction between "mobile hotspot" and "tethering". If so, it seems like an artificial distinction - what does it matter whether you connect your smartphone to one device or many devices (presuming your smartphone has the necessary hardware built in)?

If there really is a distinction: Is Verizon Wireless required by law to allow only a 1-to-1 connection, or is it also required by law to allow a 1-to-many connection?

[ttipgem]

Tethering and WiFi Hotspot are, in fact, two different things.

However, for the purposes of your questions, they are handled the same way.

Verizon does not block you from either tethering or using WiFi Hotspot IF you are on a new plan.

If you are on an old tiered data plan, then you have to either download an app and use that to tether or pay for a tethering plan.  Or if you are on an old unlimited data plan, then you still have to pay extra for tethering (or WiFi Hotspot).

[dimap52]

Carriers in most countries do not charge for tethering/hotspot at all.  The FCC really fell down on this. They should make tethering charges ILLEGAL on all carriers. Tethering is NOT a service, it is a networking application use of which carriers should NOT be legally allowed to charge for under any circumstances on any data plan whatsoever.  This shouldn't be a mater of one carrier on one band of spectrum. This should apply equally to ALL carriers and all bands.

[CellDaddy]

So when Verizon advertises (e.g., for Share Everything) "Share your connection ... by using capable smartphones... as mobile hotspots at no additional cost" they are referring to their own mobile hotspot app (or being disingenuous)?

[ttipgem]

Okay, you are really overthinking this.

YES.  YOU CAN USE THE WIFI HOTSPOT FEATURE AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE ON THE SHARE EVERYTHING PLAN.  You can tether your computer or your tablet. 

The data you use will come out of your data allowance.

They are not being "disingenuous".  Use it.  It will not be blocked.  You will not be charged extra (unless you go over your data allowance).  Do not pass Go.  Do not collect $200. 

[ttipgem]

Which has nothing to do with this thread since this thread is discussing Verizon which DOES allow it.

[CellDaddy]

lol...I'm guilty as charged (of over-thinking.) 

I'm all straightened out now. Thanks very much for everyone's hrelp.