* Check the fine print for acceptable use terms
Last week, I mentioned that the terms and conditions accompanying so-called unlimited mobile data service packages contain some significant caveats. Among these are restrictions on what kinds of applications you can use with your service – basically, those that compete with the cellular carriers’ own mobile voice services and those that generate large volumes of traffic.
There are a few other “acceptable usage” issues to note. One involves your use of the Bluetooth connections that may be embedded in your phone.
The initial reason Bluetooth was added to mobile phones was to allow the use of cordless Bluetooth headsets and other devices that facilitate hands-free conversations. Meanwhile, though, there have emerged other uses for Bluetooth, the short-range, low-speed “personal-area network” that runs in the same frequency as 802.11b/g wireless LANs.
Phones have gained the ability to take digital photos, which you might wish to beam to a laptop, desktop, or printer. Similarly, you may wish to sync a handheld device, such as a smart phone, with your PC back at the office to transfer calendar, contact, or other data gathered or created while on the road.
Historically, and for obvious reasons, the carriers have preferred that you use mobile minutes of airtime for these data exchanges. This is reflected in some carriers’ terms and conditions of use.
Cingular has been the most liberal in its policy, allowing you to use your Bluetooth phone connection freely to transmit pictures and data. The carrier also permits you to tether your mobile phone to your PC for use as a modem, a capability that the carrier says enables you to conduct voice calls and data sessions simultaneously.
Verizon Wireless has long disabled Bluetooth for data networking applications, though its policy is relaxing. These days, Verizon’s permission to use Bluetooth for data applications depends on the phone you have. Same thing with using your phone as a modem with your PC: To find with which handsets Verizon will allow you to conduct Bluetooth-based data networking, click here.
Neither Sprint-Nextel nor T-Mobile responded with information about their policies for using Bluetooth for data networking. However, in Sprint’s case, the t’s and c’s on the carrier’s Web site, reproduced below, would indicate that Bluetooth and phone-as-modem uses are prohibited with its unlimited data usage plans:
“Unlimited…plans/options may not be used with Sprint PCS phones or smart phones being used as a modem in connection with other equipment (e.g., computers, etc.) through use of connection kits or other phone-to-computer/PDA accessories, or Bluetooth or other wireless technology. We may terminate services without notice for any misuse.”
