It could only last so long. Boy Genius Report received a tip today that T-Mobile USA is making preparations to follow other carriers' foot steps and is going to start charging for tethering on November 3rd. The $14.99 monthly plan is a surcharge on top of an obligatory $19.99 Unlimited Web plan, so don't go thinking you can replace one with the other.

T-Mobile was once praised for turning a blind eye to device tethering and portable WiFi hotspot functionality, but times are tough, so what better way to make money than charging customers for the same data twice? As a blissfully ignorant European resident, this is a slightly alien concept to me, but hey, if all the other networks can get away with it, why shouldn't T-Mo? At least it's not charging $20 like AT&T for iPhone tethering or $30 like Sprint on the EVO 4G. Feel free to leave your Molly Wood-esque rants in the comments.

Leaked info printed below for your parsing pleasure:

Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing Add-On Feature Launches November 3 Overview

On November 3, T-Mobile will launch a tethering and Wi-Fi sharing add-on feature. This feature will allow customers to use their phone as a modem, enabling them to connect a computer or Wi-Fi capable device to the Web using our 3G or HSPA+ network. By adding this add-on feature, which will cost $14.99/month, customers will gain access to the Web when they are on the go and wherever T-Mobile has coverage. Although most customers will use their laptop to access our network through their device, they will also be able to connect using any Wi-Fi capable device, like gaming devices, non-T-Mobile tablets like the iPad, and music players. Customers can make the phone-as-modem connection using a USB cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi sharing. Requirements Customers must have a 3G or HSPA+ compatible device to utilize the Tethering/Wi-Fi sharing feature.

Customers must have an Unlimited Web feature with an MRC of $19.95 or higher.

Customers must add the $14.99 Tethering/Wi-Fi add-on feature.

This is a separate add-on feature and in addition to the Unlimited Web feature.

Available for postpaid and FlexPay customers. Note: FlexPay customers will need to change their Unlimited Web feature in order for the new tethering add-on feature to work. Right fitting

Tethering/Wi-Fi sharing will be ideal for customers who: Need occasional access to the Web using a PC or other device.

Want a connection to the Web on-the-go, wherever T-Mobile has coverage.

Don’t see the need or want the expense of a complete mobile broadband experience, like T-Mobile’s webConnect. Note: customers who intend to use their laptops to access the Web frequently, or use a high amount of data, should consider a webConnect plan. Additional Details Customers who purchase a T-Mobile mobile broadband product like the upcoming Galaxy Tab should activate with a webConnect plan to ensure the best experience.

The set-up process will be determined by the type of device customers own and will be different for every manufacturer.

The data accumulated while tethering will count towards customers’ 5GB data speed reduction threshold limit.

Because T-Mobile Terms & Conditions have not permitted tethering in the past, those customers who have configured their device for tethering will receive a message on their handset advising them they will need to add the new add-on feature to continue using their device as a modem. Action Be aware dealers can begin selling the Tetherng/Wi-Fi add-on feature beginning November 3.

Review the Grab & Go for additional information.

Beginning November 3, refer to policy pages: T-MobileNews > In-Store Polices and Procedures

Source: BGR