O2 has responded to reports that users have been bypassing the forthcoming iPhone tethering charges by stating it will disconnect or charge offenders.

It’s not difficult to find information on how to enable tethering without going for the overly pricey bolt on offered by o2. Plenty of iPhone owners have already done so over the last 48 hours with success. And not just in the UK. It’s against o2′s terms of service however, but there is a groundswell of opinion that the tethering bolt on is grossly overpriced. Particularly when the iPhone service from o2 is already supplying unlimited data services.
It’s not clear how, or even if, o2 can tell if the data usage is on a mobile phone or a laptop. And it’s not as if this is a new thing anyway. Using a cellphone as a modem for a laptop has been possible for a number of years now on all networks including o2. You just had to pay for the bandwidth. But iPhone users are already paying for the bandwidth.

A number of people have complained to Ofcom about this and Ofcom say they need more people to complain if they are to take any action.
So if you are affected by this call them now on 0300 123 3333 and tell them you’re not happy with this and that you believe this to be an unfair charge.

link: O2: We’ll disconnect ‘free’ iPhone tetherers | News | TechRadar UK