Mobile Hotspot & Tethering Free?

[rdirks05]

I just updated my OS and noticed that I have the ability to use the Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and the tething mobile broadband features on my Droid X now.  I have not signed up for the $20/month service to use these features.  When using the mobile hotspot/tething, will this be free then?  Or will I be charged as I use it?  I don't see any information on VZW's web site indicating a per kb or mb charge for hotspot/tethering usage.

[mdram4x4]

they probably just pushed the app to the phone

if you try to use it you will be asked to sign up for a plan

[rdirks05]

I have used it and it doesn't ask or indicate anything about being charged for it.  And my account online still shows that I don't have the $20/mo. plan.

[rdirks05]

Ok... so I thought I could use it.  Allows me to turn the tethering/hotspot on.  Other devices can even connect to it, but Verizon is blocking the data from getting to the other devices.  Bummer.

[Wildman · Accepted solution]

Also the plans have changed..  Some users may be eligible for a unlimited plan but this isnt offered to all users.

Mobile Broadband Plans

How much data do you need? That depends on you. The more data you have,
the more you can do like surf, game, and more.

  2GB – $30.00/Month 5GB – $50.00/Month 10GB – $80.00/Month

Overage $10.00/GB (Overage charges occur when you exceed your plan's monthly allowance.)

Chack out rates at https://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/plans/?page=mobileBroadband

[NealWV]

Does this mean for tethering too? Because the $20 warning is only for mobile hotspot only. When the wifi is off and using the data cable, I didn't see a message about those charges. So can I tether, either by cable or Bluetooth without the ridiculous charges? If not I will be looking for someone who doesn't in the future. I've been paying $210 and have not used excessive data, always under 10G.

[AntonioC_VZW]

Hi NealWV,

As Wildman indicates (thanks!) using your phone to provide internet access to your computer requires the addition of a Mobile Broadband feature; regardless of being connected wirelessly or with a USB cable (tethering) the Mobile Broadband feature must be added to your account. Please find feature/plan options at this LINK.

You can add this feature online if you access your My Verizon account or by calling us at 1-800-922-0204 at your convenience. You can also contact us via Twitter @VZWSupport.