Here's how things previously went. AT&T had (and still has) a data plan for $25 which gets you 2GB of data for your smartphone per month. They also had a tethering plan that gave you that exact same amount of data at 2GB per month, but added on $20 for the use of tethering. So basically, AT&T was charging you $20 extra not for any additional data, but how you used that data. Makes sense right? Of course not.

Well AT&T is finally seeing the light in this dark situation. They adding on an extra 2GB to that tethering plan which means for $45 a bunch, you get 4GB of data total to be used for regular smartphone use and tethering. Now things are starting to make sense.

In addition, AT&T is launching a Mobile Hotspot app on February 13th, coming first to the HTC Inspire 4G. Unfortunately, you'll need to have that pricey tethering plan in order to use the feature. If and when AT&T decides to embrace iPhone's new mobile hotspot feature, that plan will likely be required.