Software Turn iPhone into a Mobile Broadband Dongle
The new Apple iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 3G handsets topped with an additional monthly charge, can be used as a wireless modem with a simple technical alternative method. However, this finding has caused problems for the O2, which has a dominant sales for iPhone in the UK along with high interest in the new 3GS, reportedly.
O2’s short cut software addition makes it possible for iPhone owners to use their handsets as a wireless modem on their computer at an extra cost of GBP 14.68 per month for up to 3GB of download data. This comes additionally to the existing iPhone monthly contract that allows unlimited data downloads. This move invited widespread protests from the iPhone owners in the country as they expected that their unlimited contracts would be treated with an extension to accommodate the usage of the handset as a mobile broadband dongle, particularly for Apple enabling its iPhone with the iphone 3.0 software.
A report from a journalist close to the Guardian, claimed that with a 3G iPhone it took only seconds to download and install the profiles without any delay as well as start working flawlessly. Apple’s latest iPhone 3GS, as an attached modem connected to the PC delivers the speed of a typical mobile broadband connections boasting of up to 1.4Mbps.
In the UK, iPhone is only available with O2. A spokeperson of O2 warned that the use of this feature without the purchasing of bolt-on software was subjected to a prohibition that was specific under their terms of service. He claimed that they had the right to take action against the failing cutomers under this term, which may extend to charge them as well as disconnecting their service. He added that the company however, would only making the decisions on a case by case basis.
BenM website had created an XML file based on Apple’s iPhone configuration utility and had it pushed into the iPhone users’ handsets. The iPhone users could download the profile from the website of BenM to engage the dongle facility. This configuration is available as free download from Apple website with an APN and a password that are published online. With sufficient technical knowledge, one can create and attach the tethering profile and employ it on their iPhone to convert it into a dongle.
