Just because AT&T recently enabled MMS on the iPhone and allowed VoIP over its network doesn't mean iPhone tethering is imminent.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, an AT&T spokesman said the carrier's 3G network still isn't ready for people to use their iPhones as computer modems, sticking with the company's previous statement: "Whenever we offer new features, we want to offer the best possible customer experience. For tethering, we need to do some additional fine tuning to our systems and networks so that we do deliver a great experience."
AT&T seemed to be gaining confidence in its network lately. In September, the carrier finally allowed multimedia messaging on the iPhone, enabling a function that Apple added months ago. AT&T was reportedly worried about how the rollout would affect its network, but there were few problems to speak of as the feature came online.
And this week, the carrier dropped a bombshell, announcing that it will allow VoIP calls, such as those placed by Skype, over its 3G network on the iPhone. AT&T said the change of heart was in response to customer demand, but it's hard not to see a link to government interest in wireless net neutrality. The carrier might be trying to appease regulators in hopes of staving off new government rules.
Tethering could happen under the same logic, but AT&T's holding to its belief that the network can't yet handle the extra traffic. It's true that AT&T has enough network issues already, but I wonder if tethering will really be as popular on the iPhone as AT&T anticipates. After all, MMS hasn't caused any problems, and I'm guessing that's a more common use for the iPhone than tethering to a computer, which will probably cost extra anyway.
