According to Apple, iPhone OS 3.0 has tethering feature built-in. This feature can be enabled if the service provider would allow it. Certainly iPhone enthusiasts are cheering for it while iPhone detractors are pointing out that other phones are already capable of doing so for a few years now. The truth is that the service providers are the ones to officially allow such features enabled. It all comes down to how much the service providers want to charge their customers for the tethering plan.
In the early days of iTunes App Store (September 2008), Nullriver Software submitted an app called “NetShare” that enabled some kind of tethering between the iPhone and computer through the Wi-Fi. NetShare was eventually published and taken downa t the iTunes App Store, not once but twice. It is widely perceived that AT&T had something to do with the takedown, and NetShare was effectively banned from iTunes App Store.
All is not lost for those who purchased the $10 iPhone Application. The iPhone itself has gone through several OS updates and NetShare is still functional. When Apple revealed that tethering capability was built-in the iPhone OS 3.0, many wonders of NetShare would still be working. The answer is a resounding “YES!”
Does Apple really care if NetShare is still functioning? Probably not, because NetShare’s installed base is relatively low. Only those who followed the iPhone and iTunes App Store stories closely would have the chance to purchase NetShare before it was permanently taken down.
As of March 27th, 2009 NetShare still works in iPhone OS 3.0 Beta.
iPhone OS 3.0 Beta is available to certified iPhone Developers. http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/
NetShare is a product by Nullriver Software. http://www.nullriver.com/