AT&T is tinkering with the notion of using the new hotspot feature for the iPhone

Verizon customer will soon experience all the wonders and joys that the Apple iPhone 4 has to offer, but as of right now, Big Red's version will have a mobile hotspot functionality from the onset – which is something that AT&T iPhone owners lack.

Granted that tethering was available with iOS 3 for a short period of time back in mid-2009 when the iPhone 3GS was released, it was unfortunately never rolled out officially to AT&T customers due to the possibility of adversely affecting their over-saturated network. But now that we're seeing Verizon's model offering it, right now, AT&T seems to be watching as AT&T spokesman Seth Bloom hinted to the notion that they are “evaluating” the new functionality – which is added with iOS 4.2.5 on the Verizon device. He says, “This is a brand new software feature from Apple. We are evaluating the feature, but have no plans to announce today.”

Even though Verizon's network has already been tested by the myriad of Android powered smartphones on its network, it's going to be interesting to see how the iPhone's mobile hotspot functionality will test their network further. Regardless, it might not matter as much since pricing for the mobile hotspot functionality is yet unknown – and plays a larger roll in whether or not customers will add it to their plans. However, it would more than likely follow the same pricing structure in use with other smartphones on their lineup.

source: Electronista