Tethering allows users to connect a notebook or netbook and use the iPhone as a modem to provide data connectivity. However, that feature has been blocked since Apple added it to the iPhone in America.

AT&T still maintains that before it offers a new feature, it must be sure that it will offer a good user experience. An AT&T spokesperson said, "Whenever we offer new features, we want to offer the best possible customer experience. For tethering, we need to do some additional fine tuning to our systems and networks so that we do deliver a great experience."

Presumably that fine tuning includes things like improving the 30% dropped call rate in NYC and making 3G service more readily accessible across its network. AT&T's Ralph de la Vega, head of AT&T's wireless unit, had previously said tethering could come to the iPhone this year.