The FCC in the US has issued a ruling that Verizon can no longer prevent customers from using their preferred tethering apps in order to share the high-speed Internet that they have on their cellphones. Verizon hasn't been too keen on the whole idea of tethering because it essentially gives other devices a free ride on their bandwidth. With the FCC's ruling, Verizon can block tethering no more. And on top of that, the carrier has been ordered to pay $1.25 million USD in settlement. Score one for the customer.
What Else You Need To Know:
- Tethering is an easy way of sharing your mobile phone's Internet access with the use of standard USB ports.
- Verizon customers on unlimited data plans will still get charged with additional fees for tethering.
Other sources
While Verizon is licking its wounds, the FCC’s decision is a good one for consumers, and it may even attract new subscribers to the carrier.- Devindra Hardawar, Venture Beat
You can bet that Verizon isn’t all too happy with the FCC’s decision, but it’s good to be able to report on something that’s a win for consumers nonetheless.- Eric Abent, Android Community
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