O2/Three Tethering?

[Trem]

I have just got back from Devon, I took the laptop for the kids to watch stuff on and I assumed I would be ok to tether either mine or the wifes mobile to the laptop so we could get internet.

All the connecting the devices to the laptop via usb went fine but when trying to connect to the internet it gave a DNS server error on both phones (HTC 8X on O2 and Galaxy SII on Three). Are the providers able to block the abillity to tether or is there a simple problem I have missed?

 

[Kryten]

Yes they are. Don't know if those do. Virgin actively block tethering, but not sure to what extent: I was able to use my phone as a wireless hotspot just fine. I've never physically tethered.

 

[Trem]

I also tried the wireless hotspot route and that gave the exact same error.

Hmmm.

 

[soze]

Did you try giving the laptop a manual DNS server of 8.8.8.8 or similar to try and get Internet Access? Generally speaking the providers stop tethering but removing the feature from branded phones. They also charge a small fortune for it when its not allowed so it is always worth checking your contract to see if it is allowed before trying.

My friend at work has o2 and he is allowed to tether in his contract so they may not block it you might just need the right internet bundle.

 

[smurkin]

My wife's I phone is on three unlimited data - tethering is included on this - for other less expensive packages (so I'm told) tethering is blocked. I was also told that there is a bolt on (for cash) to allow tethering.

 

[soze]

I think all iPhone packages include tethering as my shitty orange contract includes now where as before I admitted to using an iPhone they wanted £6 a month off me or £1 per 100mb.