Verizon Wireless has yet to formally acknowledge the Mobile Hotspot issues that are plaguing many users of the HTC Thunderbolt.
The issue in particular is that internet connectivity is lost at random, when on Verizon’s LTE network. Data connectivity on the device itself continues to function, but devices tethered over Wi-Fi cannot load pages.
Currently, the only known workaround is to root the Thunderbolt, and install the Wireless Tether app. Users report that this does indeed work properly. This in turn points to the Mobile Hotspot application from HTC itself having issues with Verizon’s LTE network.
HTC has not responded to requests for comment from PhoneNews.com. The Thunderbolt update released yesterday also has not been reported to fix this issue.
This problem continues over the looming May 15th date, which Verizon said it will end the free trial of Mobile Hotspot. Verizon also has not responded to requests for comment on what offering will be made available for LTE smartphone customers, following May 15th. Customers may face dramatic charges for LTE Mobile Hotspot usage.
Currently LTE is charged at $60/month for 5 GB of usage on mobile broadband cards and devices. It is possible to download this amount of data within an hour, over a good LTE connection.
Mobile Hotspot on Verizon 3G phones is charged at $20/month extra for 2 GB of data, except for the Palm Pixi Plus and Palm Pre Plus, which enjoy 5 GB/month of Mobile Hotspot for free.
