Android SmartPhone Free WiFi Tether App

Using your Android Smartphone as a WiFi hotspot is really cool.

With many cell carriers, “tethering”, whether via USB cable or Wireless, costs extra – possibly around $20/month.

IF you choose to “root”, or jailbreak as the Apple people refer to it, your phone, then you can use the free Barnacle WiFi or USB tether app to connect to your netbook, laptop or PC.

Now, rooting your phone MAY void your warranty. However, the same one click app that roots your android phone can also un-root it should you need to return for warranty. (Update: v2.2 Froyo – use this link instead for one-click root for Android)

Additionally, using Barnacle WiFi app MAY also be a violation of your cellular carriers terms of service; so use at your own risk.

I tend to like things as close to “stock” as possible, especially for clients, because it makes support easier.

But let me tell you, there are SOOO many cool apps out there for Android smartphones that require root access, you may want to consider it.

The WiFi tether, for instance, easily allows WiFi access for several Apple iTouch’s that need WiFi for internet access – think kids in the car.

Or, that Eee PC becomes MUCH more handy knowing that you can grab 400k down/128k up internet connection just about anywhere.

If you choose to pay your carrier, WiFi access does NOT require rooting the phone.

I’ll leave the details of what you want to risk up to you.

Naturally, I don’t do anything to violate any policies, warranties, etc.