“We did the hotspot feature [for Verizon’s iPhone] because it’s something Verizon offers, they have a system and specs for it in place,” Mr. Schiller told Ars Technica at the Verizon media event announcing the deal. “We can’t say if it will come to AT&T.”
Apple doesn’t speak for AT&T in most regards, of course, but the comment all but challenges the company to match Verizon on this feature, which Apple has built into the system controls on its Verizon iPhone.
The mobile hotspot feature was first brought to market by Verizon for Android devices, where it has been a popular selling point. The company announced on Tuesday that it will be available on the CDMA iPhone that Verizon will begin selling February 3rd.
Verizon hasn’t yet announced data plan pricing, nor has the company announced whether this tethering feature would require an additional fee for users to access it.