AT&T Admits Its Network Can't Handle Tethering

Smartphones that can tether to laptops have swelled in number lately, including those such as the HTC Droid Incredible, Palm Pre, and others. One smartphone that can't tether -- at least in the U.S. -- is the iPhone. Why not? Because AT&T's network can't handle it.AT&T has complained that the iPhone increased the demand on its data network by 5,000%. That's a big number. We know that iPhone users are data-happy fiends, and make good use of their monthly unlimited data plans.

When Apple introduced iPhone OS 3.0 in mid-2009, it added tethering to the list of the iPhone's capabilities. Users in other countries have been tethering their devices to laptops for over six months now. Despite assurances from AT&T in 2008 and 2009, tethering is still not available for the iPhone in the U.S.

Engadget wanted to know why, and was able to wrangle an answer from AT&T. Here's what AT&T said about tethering:

AT&T said in pretty plain language that it thinks if it allows tethering, iPhone users will bring down its network. It's probably right.

Earlier this year, AT&T admitted that its network was performing "below par" in San Francisco and New York City, two regions that happen to have extremely dense iPhone populations. Though AT&T says its network in these markets has improved, it's still not up to snuff for regular use, let alone tethering.

At this point, I have to wonder if AT&T's network will ever be ready for tethering. AT&T's competitors offer tethering on a number of devices, allowing users to skip a dedicated laptop dongle and use their smartphones from mobile data instead. I think the introduction of the 3G iPad is going to place yet more strain on AT&T's network. I am sure AT&T is going to sit back and assess what sort of impact the iPad has before making any more moves with respect to tethering. And who knows what's going to happen this summer when the next version of the iPhone becomes available.

[Via Engadget]