Google's 'open' Android platform allows carriers to remotely block tethering apps.

[onehandle]

'Open'
_______________

It seems a few American carriers have started working with Google to disable access to tethering apps in the Android Market in recent weeks, ostensibly because they make it easier for users to circumvent the official tethering capabilities offered on many recent smartphones — capabilities that carry a plan surcharge. Sure, it’s a shame that they’re doing it, but from Verizon’s perspective, it’s all about protecting revenue — business as usual. It’s Google’s role in this soap opera that’s a cause for greater concern.

You might remember that Google made a big splash a little over three years ago during the auction for the C Block 700MHz spectrum that Verizon now uses for its LTE network, intentionally driving up bidding past the $4.6 billion open access trigger without really having any intention to win it:

“Google’s top priority heading into the auction was to make sure that bidding on the so-called ‘C Block’ reached the $4.6 billion reserve price that would trigger the important ‘open applications’ and ‘open handsets’ license conditions.”

Makes you wonder what it is about selectively blocking software by carrier request that would constitute “open applications,” doesn’t it? This isn’t the first time Google has pulled apps (tethering apps, even) per carrier agreement, but it is the first time they’ve come dangerously close to tangling with the new 700MHz regulations as a result.

http://thisismynext.com/2011/05/02/verizons-removal-tethering-apps-android-market-shame-fcc-violation/

[Nye Bevan]

1. "Don't be evil"

....except when it helps our bottom line.

[PeaceNikki]

2. on edit, NM, they are helping

[ret5hd]

3. what is a "tethering app"?

[onehandle]

4. It enables you to use the phone's data feed for your laptop, iPads and other devices.

Being able to do this up until now, has been one of Androids' fans favorite things.

Google sold people on being 'open.' Now that they have the customers, they are closing.

[ret5hd]

5. thank you