Verizon/Google Team to Block 3rd Party Android Tethering Apps

You’ve probably seen Verizon Wireless’ commercial of three people downloading media to 4G tablets while a rocket speeds to destory a 4G MiFi hotspot. If you have a 4G capable Android phone running OS 2.2 (Froyo) or newer, you don’t need a MiFi hotspot since the phone can become a hotspot itself. However, Verizon Wireless has apparently asked Google to block third tethering apps in the Android Market. These apps are apparently not directly detected by Verizon and provides a way to avoid tethering fees.