Talk about frustrating: when you're in an area with decent coverage, the iPhone 3G can notch up some impressive data speeds. AT&T, though, won't let you take advantage of all that speedy data by tethering the handset to your laptop; you're only meant to use the unlimited plan on the iPhone 3G itself. Of course, we know that being told "no, you can't" only encourages some people, and thankfully one of those people is Nate True.
Nate has figured out exactly how you can hook up the iPhone 3G to your notebook and use it as a tethered data modem. He's even put together a guide explaining all the different software you'll need to take advantage of to do it. The end result is a Jailbroken handset that can connect over WiFi to your computer, meaning this is actually wireless tethering.
Here's the basic rundown:
- Jailbreak your iPhone 3G
- Install 3Proxy and Terminal
- Create an ad-hoc Wi-fi network using your laptop
- Join the network with your iPhone
- Find the iPhone's IP address
- Open Terminal and run the proxy program
- Open Safari on your iPhone and open a web page
- Configure your browser to use the proxy
Of course, doing so contravenes AT&T's data plan terms & conditions, and as such could get you into trouble with the carrier. And trouble in this case could mean a big fee for whatever tethered data you consume, or your contract being cancelled altogether. Nate suggests you only use the method when in dire need; personally, I'd wait until the iPhone 3G unlocking system is finally made available, and save tethering until you have a contract with another company that allows it.
