NetShare iPhone Tethering App Off-Again, On-Again At AppStore

If you've been following our sister-site iPhoneBuzz over the past few days, you may have been keeping track of Nullriver's NetShare app for the iPhone.  Intended to offer iPhone users a way to tether their handsets, via WiFi, to their laptops (for use as an external modem), the program initially went on sale through the Apple AppStore for $9.99 before suddenly disappearing without explanation.  Nullriver had heard nothing from Apple and, as far as they could tell, NetShare did not contravene any AppStore ToS.

"We're not quite sure why Apple took down the NetShare application yet, we've received no communication from Apple thus far. NetShare did not violate any of the Developer or AppStore agreements. We're hoping we'll get some feedback from Apple today. Sorry to all the folks that couldn't get it in time. We'll do our best to try to get the application back onto the AppStore if at all possible. At the very least, we hope Apple will allow it to be used in countries where the provider does permit tethering" Nullriver comment one

Just as suddenly, NetShare appeared back on the AppStore (though some have said it can only be found by searching, not by browsing the list).  Again, Nullriver have heard nothing from Apple. 

"NetShare is back on the Apple Store, hopefully for good this time! We're not quite sure why Apple took down the NetShare application yet, we've received no communication from Apple thus far. NetShare did not violate any of the Developer or AppStore agreements to our knowledge. It is unknown how mobile phone carriers may react to using the program. Or if they are even in a position to tell. My personal advice is to not go NUTS just yet by downloading tons. Also be aware that contracts/carriers vary in what they offer from country to country, please be careful your service doesn't have a metered limit, that if you go over may incur extra costs for you" Nullriver comment two

The assumption is that using NetShare contravenes at least AT&T's terms of service, which state that the iPhone cannot be used as a tethered modem.  Our contact at the carrier could only confirm that there is no current tethering plan for the iPhone 3G, and that while he could not speculate on future plans he would let us know if anything changes.

We are yet to hear back from Apple regarding the situation.