Spark Mobile Unlimited Data : can it block tethering?

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Spark Mobile Unlimited Data : can it block tethering?

matt17

92 posts

Master Geek

#252792 12-Jul-2019 06:47

Hi

I’ve just switched my Spark mobile to their Unlimited plan : unlimited data, unlimited texts, free calls to/within NZ and Aus. I have Spark Fibre 100 at home.

The main reason for switching the mobile to Unlimited : unlimited data which I had planned to use to stream data to my iPad, which is registered to a SkyGo account - thereby enabling the iPad (a non cellular version) to run the SkyGo app, which will allow me to watch big sports matches (such as the cricket final,and the RWC matches) when I’m away from my home WiFi network. . The mobile phone isn’t registered for SkyGo and can’t be.

However, I’ve just read that tethering or hot spotting devices isn’t permitted. I just tested the tethering (iPhone X to iPad) and it appeared it work. I ran SkyGo on iPad using a streamed 4G connection from the iPhoneX connected to the iPad using the Personal Hotspot settings. I had disconnected the iPhone from the WiFi prior to running the test, although the house WiFi was still operational - so unless it was just sharing that connection?

Anyone know why this appears to work even though Spark states that tethering and hot spotting from a device running their Unlimited Mobile data plan, is prohibited?

Matthew

tripp

3848 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2274947 12-Jul-2019 06:51

You can buy tethering add on's for spark. It may work now however you might get a warning for tethering the device or asked to purchase the add on.

matt17

92 posts

Master Geek

#2274948 12-Jul-2019 06:56

Thanks. Yes, I did read that you can buy tethering add-ons - but am concerned that the add-on (which I think permits tethering up to 10Gb only) may not be sufficient to stream the entire cricket match. Just wondering how they know I’m tethering too!

grimwulf

121 posts

Master Geek

#2275065 12-Jul-2019 09:32

My understanding (no expert) is that they can detect tethering via a few methods :-

Iphones simply use a different APN for tethering, which isn't configurable - so if you're tethering, your Iphone will be dobbing you in.
Androids dont do that, but they can be detected via packet sniffing to ID that a device different to the one on your plan is originating the packets - but that's relatively hard to do, even harder if you're using a VPN. So you'll likely get away with it.

If you are detected, my understanding is you'll be billed the tethering charge and you'll have to argue the toss come bill payment time.

Given you're already paying $79.99 for the unlimited plan it's unlikely another $10.00 will break the bank.

They did recently up the slowdown limit from 22gb to 40gb - so that's a + if you're a data gobbler.

But yeah, it's kinda annoying that they get to dictate how you use the connection.

Best bet if you want to ninja it is android w/ vpn imo.

matt17

92 posts

Master Geek

#2275393 12-Jul-2019 15:32

Thanks very much for the explanation - sounds like I need to investigate the additional $10 charge...scoundrels!! They already have my home fibre connection so it's not like I'm planning to use an unlimited mobile plan instead of that.

graham007

221 posts

Master Geek

#2275394 12-Jul-2019 15:36

matt17:

Thanks very much for the explanation - sounds like I need to investigate the additional $10 charge...scoundrels!! They already have my home fibre connection so it's not like I'm planning to use an unlimited mobile plan instead of that.

If you went 2degrees $85 a month, unlimited plan - hotspot unlmtd included

on top if you add another person, it drops to $55 a person , 3 pax - $45 a person , 4 pax - $40 a person