Telstra blames Apple for iPhone tethering delay

Telstra emailed CRN protesting a recent article on the response of Australian telcos to the iPhone OS update which enabled tethering.

"It's Apple, not Telstra, that made the call on not allowing tethering," said Telstra spokesman David Luff.

CRN wrote to Luff seeking clarification on whether Apple was responsible for the absence of tethering for Telstra iPhones.

"Apple, not the carrier, technically can enable or disable the tethering function. We are actively working with Apple to allow tethering," said Luff.

The first versions of the iPhone operating system did not allow tethering. News reports attributed this decision on Apple's behalf as a concession in the exclusive deal with Apple's US carrier, AT&T.

However, since the release of the tethering-enabled 3.0 operating system, Optus and Vodafone have allowed tethering while Telstra's iPhone webpage has made no mention of the function.

Comments posted on CRN's earlier story link to a website with instructions for activating tethering on a Telstra iPhone. This suggests there are no technical barriers to tethering iPhones to Telstra's network.

CRN's questions are printed below with Telstra's responses.

CRN: Why would Apple allow Vodafone and Optus to tether but not Telstra? Both Vodafone and Optus' websites discuss tethering for the iPhone, but there is nothing on the Telstra website.

Telstra: Apple, not the carrier, technically can enable or disable the tethering function. We are actively working with Apple to allow tethering.

CRN: If Telstra can allow iPhones to tether, why would it take Telstra longer to implement it than Optus and Vodafone?

Telstra: As above.

CRN: Can you confirm that the iPhone is the only mobile phone sold by Telstra which doesn't have a Telstra skin with links to Telstra services?

Telstra: Most mobile phones sold are customised to provide one touch access to the services and applications we know customers value.

CRN: Why is Telstra selling a phone that connects directly to the iTunes Store and not to the Bigpond music and video store?

Telstra: Offering the iPhone is about meeting our customer needs and providing 3G iPhone experience to more Australians on Next G network.