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Google allowing tethering apps for non-T-Mobile users

02 April 2009 by Chris Davies


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+7 [11 votes]


After performing a mass sweep of tethering applications from the Android Market earlier this week, Google have backtracked.  Rather than a total ban, their suggestion is to leave tethering software available to “users outside the T-Mobile US network”:

“We inadvertently unpublished your application for all mobile providers; if you like, we can restore your app so that all Android Market users outside the T-Mobile US network will have access to your application” Google statement to WiFi Tether for Root Users developer

It looks as though, as we suggested, Google has a filtering system which allows them to limit Android Market content depending on carrier.  It’s arguable whether that’s good news or bad; one perspective is that at least developers can promote Android software that, while perhaps falling foul of some carriers’ Terms of Service (ToS), would still be usable by those with unlocked devices on different networks. 

However, a different view might maintain that by giving in to carrier pressure, Google has set a precedent which could significantly impact future software, such as VoIP apps.  The layering of ToS and distribution agreements involving users, carriers and Google themselves makes keeping track of which apps will be permitted, whether partially or totally, difficult, and it’ll only get worse as more carriers sign up their own Android devices.

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  1. Nice! I haven't got a chance to try tethering yet :P
  2. Eh, well thats just the Market(T-Mobile US).
    Nothing stops the internet.

    Wifi tether for root users app- Free

    Credits:
    parrothd
    zodiac




    .
  3. Quote:
    Originally Posted by gbk1 View Post
    Eh, well thats just the Market.
    Nothing stops the internet.

    Wifi tether for root users app- Free

    Credits:
    parrothd
    zodiac
    Haha love the response.
  4. i bought the g1 so I would be able to escape apple and its totalitarian control over the app market. if google is starting to censor tether apps from its market, its only a matter of time before t-mobile has it blocking texting apps or something.
  5. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Synergy View Post
    i bought the g1 so I would be able to escape apple and its totalitarian control over the app market. if google is starting to censor tether apps from its market, its only a matter of time before t-mobile has it blocking texting apps or something.

    Its doing that on tmobiles behalf... plus did you see the link above your post, I'm pretty sure you couldn't download an app from a link with the iphone.
  6. Hmm not only did I find the tether app on the market but I got an update for it this morning all while on the T-Mobile network.

    And did t-mobile ever stop and think that their data coverage sucks as$ and is way too overpriced to not tether?
  7. I got my T-Mobile G1 in November and have been waiting patiently for someone to provide an easy-to-install tethering app that would function with my Vista-64 system.

    All things considered, it didn't take long for the Android community to meet and surpass my hopes.

    Check out PDAnet.com for a tethering app that is installed to the G1 through the USB cable rather than the Market. It's easy to install and use in less than 5 minutes, and it works perfectly for me on T-mobile's 3G and Edge networks.

    Highly recommended.

    Robert
  8. http://www.junefabrics.com/android/ 64 bit tethering (cabled tethering) for Android... or use one of the wireless tethering apps (which im not fond of).
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