With 3G and 4G connections being what they are, many turn to their
iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices for a little on-the-go backup
internet. Unfortunately, despite many carriers offering unlimited web
access, unauthorized internet tethering doesn’t come as part of the
deal, and some – namely AT&T – have been
swiftly altering consumers’ packages to include tethering for those caught surfing via third-party devices.
The argument is ongoing, with the general consensus wondering why an unlimited package isn’t
truly unlimited.
But checking the small print of your contractual agreement will usually
confirm that the process goes against what you signed up for, leaving
the purchase of a more expensive package as the only remaining option
besides purchasing the rather pricey USB dongle, which is less practical
and even more expensive than browsing via your smartphone.
Subsequently, modders and developers have released various apps which
try and offer users a covert angle to tethering which avoids the price
hike by hiding the activity. One such individual is
Koushik Dutta, mastermind behind ClockworkMod who has just released a tester of what he claims to be an undetectable tethering ap.
ClockworkMod Tether
Alpha allows Windows, Mac and Linux users to utilize the 3G or 4G
connection of an Android as if it were a proxy, as opposed to a router.
In theory, the technique will spoof carriers checking for the TTL (Time
To Live) data coming from a desktop, which would usually give the game
away.
The Android device itself doesn’t even need to be rooted. A computer
app installs a virtual connection which understands how to communicate
with the proxy on the phone.
The app itself is in alpha, so don’t expect the finished article;
Indeed, the Linux version is not much more than a command-line app.
Dutta has set the utility to expire on 7th January in order to encourage
users to purchase the proper version once it has been developed.
Bluetooth tethering is also in the pipeline for what could turn out to
be a really useful tool in the battle against the additional charges.
With the big guns offering tethering for an additional 20+ bucks, the
likes of Dutta’s progress will undoubtedly ruffle a few feathers.
You can download the Alpha version
here.
Be sure to check out our
Android Apps gallery to explore more apps for your Android device.
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