dan&betty

I noted with interest Optus' plans to prevent iPhone users from accessing the new tethering option in version 3.0 of the iPhone operating system without charging them for the privilege of using the data they've already paid for.

As yet, official pricing is yet to be revealed, but Optus' plans are quite apparent in the last three questions in their iPhone 3.0 FAQ.

Fortunately, some people have been hard at work already and have come up with a .mobileconfig file to fix the problem.

.mobileconfig files are created by the iPhone Configuration Utility, and allow you to package settings and other items for deployment to the iPhone. This is aimed at the typical enterprise administrator so they can securely configure iPhones for use within their company.

I use .mobileconfig files (hosted securely on one of my own websites) to configure other tricky items, such as WiFi networks with long and complex SSIDs or to deliver digital certificates to my phone. That way, should the worst happen when I am elsewhere, I can reconfigure those items with minimal effort.

Andrew Harrison's original article on fixing tethering (for the 3 network) can be found here. Additionally, this Whirlpool thread contains a link to a .mobileconfig suitable for Australian Optus subscribers.

Finally, I've hosted cjszumylo's file myself, just in case you're in a hurry:
http://www.lehman.id.au/OptusTetherv1.mobileconfig

Either point your iPhone at the above address, or download the file and email it to yourself to an address where you can retrieve the attachment with your iPhone. I've tested it and it works perfectly. Go forth and tether with confidence.