Android Marketplace/T-Mobile following Apple/AT&T…banning tethering apps.

  • March 31, 2009 9:10 am
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Android and the Android Marketplace have been hailed as the “most open” app store.  Developers and consumers have free rein.  Besdies, Android is based off of Linux meaning everything should be up to the user base anyway…right?   Wrong?  According to a peeved Android developer who goes by Seth, an app he contributed towards was banned from the Marketplace for violating the Developer Distribution Agreement, more specifically a T-Mobile clause that bans tethering.  His app isn’t the only one though.  Apparently it is happening to other tethering apps.  Why?  T-Mob had something to say about it (inside).  Is this a sign of darker things to come from the Android/T-Mobile alliance?

Aparantly the overprice amount you already pay for an “unlimited” data plan does not include tethering.  We all already know how stupid that is.  And we also know that unlimited doesn’t mean unlimited.  It means a soft cap that we can disconnect or up  your fees at our discretion.  It’s robbery and illegal really.  But I digress.  For those who care to read, below is the statement from T-Mobile that Seth received:

“Google enters into distribution agreements with device manufacturers and Authorized Carriers to place the Market software client application for the Market on Devices. These distribution agreements may require the involuntary removal of Products in violation of the Device manufacturer’s or Authorized Carrier’s terms of service.”

“Your Data Plan is intended for Web browsing, messaging, and similar activities on your device and not on any other equipment. Unless explicitly permitted by your Data Plan, other uses, including for example, tethering your device to a personal computer or other hardware, are not permitted.”

As you can see form the statement above, T-Mob is the limiting factor.  They are the reason behind the fiasco.  The real issue is that today the Android Marketplace just beacme a little less open and a little less friendly.  Apple gets away with this crap because it’s Apple and has never cared nor exercised pro-consumer policies.  But this coming from Google and Android who from the beginning marketed Android’s openess and “freedom”?!  It really is a major disappointment that calls into question what direction Android is heading towards?

Is Android the new Apple in the sense that they’re going to get ban happy with the big red reject button?  In a similar light, is T-Mob the new AT&T in regards to crappy customer service and policies?  Voice your opinions!

Source: Into Mobile, Android Community


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  • jasneskis

    I went to a T mobile store today to compare the new apple to the new 3G touch android phone. I was thinking of buying one or the other.
    I presently have a wing, because of its tethering capability. The new Touch not having a tethering application is a draw back for me. It is something that is rarely used but once in a while if I go somewhere and I need it. Sometimes there is no readily available internet connection.
    I also wish the android had something like mobile word and excel mobile. in the store, neither of which I could find.
    There is a lot of fun stuff, but I need good stuff too.
    Someone should start a site with applications not approved by T Mobile. I especially want tethering and mobile word on my phone.
    I would love to see a mobile print application written for the android phone where I could connect to a printer without ever having to go through my notebook.
    I understand there is a non apple site where many aps can be downloaded for free.
    I wish I new how to get a whole of Seth, I would download his applicatin on tethering.

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