smartphone hotspot

Question about tethering, when I use the browser on my phone I am restricted from some U-tube videos, mostly music, saying to use a non-mobile device to play. The only time I tethered my phone to my laptop I still had the same message, so how would you get around this? I am currently using a 3 year old BlackBerry Curve and Windows 7 os laptop. I have been thinking about the Galaxy 5s or active, I take my phone with me in the rain and snow, ect and need something that will be weather resistant. I have an unlimited plan from Sprint that has carried over from when I had Nextel, this account is about 15 years old now and has no throttling or other restrictions so I don't really want to switch carriers as I only pay $42.70 a month due to long term loyalty. Thanks

 

Yes, that's what I do. I use a rooted Android phone with a custom ROM (Dirty Unicorns, if you're interested) and it allows me to use my cell as a wifi hotspot while not interfering with the operation of the phone in any way. I can make a call using my bluetooth headset while my laptop is online through the hotspot.

If you're really into making your phone useful, here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTpUO5VCwqE

Be aware that surfing the web with a laptop will use a LOT more data than surfing with a phone or tablet. I'm on a 20 GB family plan with AT&T. There are 6 devices sharing the account and so far so good.

 

if they charge you extra to tether, there's no need to root and use an app. your already paying for the service and the app is already built in.

rooting and apps are for NOT paying for the service. and i don't think that's possible with verizon. mobile hotspot automatically comes with your plan at a cost.

 

Its possible with Verizon that's what I use

 

I've been with Verizon for 12 years and still have the old unlimited plan and have never used the official hotspot subscription. FoxFi is a tether masking that allows you to use the hotspot on your phone (phone thinks you have the official service). I have used it with every Android smartphone I have had except the Thunderbolt...

Unfortunately I have the regular Note 3 on Verizon. Verizon's Note's have the bootloader locked. The only current method of rooting is 'towelroot' and then use safestrap to sideload a new rom. And there are only a handful of non-AOSP roms available. I am kicking myself for not waiting for the developer version of the Note, it's still rootable.

 

It might be a limitation of your Curve...I just checked the FoxFi site...no current Sprint Android models allow wifi tethering so if you upgrade, it will still have to be a hardwired connection thru PDAnet (FoxFi's usb tether mode).Just remember, if you get a new phone, be prepared to pay full retail. If you take the subsidized price, they will charge you whatever the current rate is on Sprint for unlimited.

As far as the weather durability, there are several high quality cases that protect your phone. I use the Otterbox Defender, but there is a new case maker (Lifeproof I think) that does the same thing. My Defender has a rubber enclosure around a ABS plastic shell and makes it almost weather proof. Short of dropping it in a puddle or falling in a chuck hole past my waist, it's protected.

 

I do it all the time on my LGG2 with t-mobile. Depends what kinda signal your getting really

Tmobile plan is unlimited but i only drive in california if i went otr again id prolly go with sprint for there unlimited data.

Its gotta be done through one of the cell carriers unfortunately

Maybe if you get dish or direct sat on your truck but i didnt like the idea of whipping out a satellite dish every day.

I would never teather with verison or at&t unless you like 250 dollar phone bills tried that


However with that said you can do it on att and verison if you have your phone rooted with a teathering app that doesnt allow att to know your even teathering then you could cancel your teathering plan. That would prolly be the best option for optimal service

 

It Depends<TM>.

Carrier lockouts notwithstanding, if your phone uses CDMA for voice (Sprint, most Verizon), then no. It's a limitation of CDMA technology. GSM/LTE phones do, in general, have that capability.

Back when the iPhone 4 was released on Verizon, AT&T ran ads on TV touting that very ability on their network.

An easy way to check is to see if you can use the Internet on your phone while making a voice call.

 

yes, it's called FoxFi. and it's stealth. your provider doesn't know you're tethering.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foxfi&hl=en

 

if you need good solid signal every where you go, then I'd look at a broadband 4g/lte signal boost amp.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JG9O2P0...TF8&colid=3TDJ03BX0UWBY&coliid=I39C4IZ9YRS8T7

Wilson has higher end models, just make sure you get the truckers antenna though, you will get the best signal gain with it.