Hotspot Users on the EVO Can Use the Feature Free in June, Sprint Unable to Block 3rd-Party Solutions
Well here’s a little unintentional treat that Sprint’s bringing out of the oven: the mobile hotspot feature that many are anticipating on the HTC EVO 4G will be free at least for the month of June. An internal screen states that – due to a proper activation method not being in place yet for the hotspot feature – you’ll be able to tether up to 8 other devices to your EVO’s 4G connection without having to pay the initial $29.99.
As it stands, you won’t be able to use this feature on 3G during that month regardless of if you pay for it or not: Sprint’s hoping to correct this sometime in July. Once that time comes, though, 3G users will be able to use the feature at that premium and 4G users will need to begin paying for it, as well.
What I thought was interesting was that Sprint acknowledges that hotspotting may be achieved through other third-party methods, but is urging their employees to explain to the customer that it doesn’t come with the rock solid security and routing options that Sprint’s offering. At least three bullet points on the launch guide directs employees to keep urging the value you’re getting for $29.99 – meaning perhaps Sprint can’t technically fight against all of the other hotspot methods that are currently out there (maybe including the one introduced in Android 2.2, if the EVO should ever receive that upgrade).