Several weeks ago I wrote about the experience of using a Nokia E71 as a 3G tethering device for my laptop here on Inside iPhone. I took advantage of a $19.99 unlimited data plan offered by AT&T GoPhone, the pay-as-you-go mobile service to do it. That service was discontinued last week, probably to protect the revenue collected from subscription customers who are charged considerably more for the same service.

There have been quite a few reports that AT&T is planning to change the terms of service on iPhone accounts to allow tethering with the payment of an additional monthly fee.

I urge AT&T to roll this service out as soon as possible. Many long-distance mass transit commuters like me need tethering to make our commutes more productive.

I hope I don't need to add that cost is a consideration for me. I think it's fair to say that the cheaper AT&T makes tethering, the more people are likely to try it.