Tethering Your iPhone 4 with an iPad 2 for Enhanced Connectivity

With the release of iOS 4.3, users of iPhone 4 with ATT found that they can tether their devices and connect a Wi-Fi iPad 2 to their 3G connection. This feature raises several questions about the practicality of using an iPhone 4 as a Wi-Fi hotspot for an iPad 2 and the associated costs vs. benefits.

Understanding the Connectivity Options

The ability to tether an iPhone 4 with a Wi-Fi iPad 2 is a matter of both technical possibility and practicality. While the technical capabilities seem to permit this functionality, the practicality is often based on the associated costs.

Cost Considerations and Carrier Fees

ATT, like other carriers, charges a monthly fee for tethering your iPhone 4 as a Wi-Fi hotspot. This monthly charge can range from $20 to $30, depending on the carrier and the plan. For instance, ATT charges $20 per month, which aligns with the PC World summary provided. This fee nearly eliminates the savings that come with purchasing a Wi-Fi-only iPad, as the 3G data plan for 2GB costs $25 per month. Thus, the 20 monthly tethering cost aligns with the savings of the 3G plan.

Facilitating Features: FaceTime and GPS

Despite the financial considerations, tethering an iPhone 4 can offer additional benefits. For example, it enables the use of FaceTime over 3G through the shared signal. This is especially advantageous if you desire to make video calls without needing a Wi-Fi connection. Furthermore, tethering can resolve the issue of missing GPS in Wi-Fi-only iPads, as the GPS functionality of the iPhone 4 can be shared.

Personal Hotspot Functionality Overview

Apple's iOS 4.3 allows for the use of an iPhone 4 as a mobile hotspot, enabling the sharing of a cellular data connection with other devices. The Personal Hotspot feature supports up to 5 devices, including Wi-Fi-capable devices such as iPads, Macs, PCs, and other smartphones. Each connection is password-protected for security, and the feature is designed to save battery life by turning off the hotspot when it is no longer needed.

Practical Solutions for International Travel

For users who travel frequently, another viable solution is to purchase a data SIM that can be activated and deactivated as needed. This approach is particularly useful for countries with expensive data plans, such as France. In France, users can activate a data SIM for just a month at a time, allowing them to use a 3G iPad during their stay without incurring continuous data charges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tethering an iPhone 4 with a Wi-Fi iPad 2 through iOS 4.3 is possible, the associated costs must be carefully considered. Although the 20 monthly tethering fee can offset the savings from a Wi-Fi-only iPad, the feature offers valuable benefits such as the ability to use FaceTime over 3G and share GPS functionality. For those who travel internationally and require reliable, unrestricted connectivity, purchasing a data SIM may be a more cost-effective and flexible solution.

References:

[1] PC World: ATT iPhone 4 Personal Hotspot Plan

[2] Explanation of ATT's Personal Hotspot Fee

[3] Apple Official Page: iOS 4.3