Clear iSpot's device filtering falls to the hackers in near record time
By Chris Ziegler 
posted August 11th 2010 4:21PM
posted August 11th 2010 4:21PM
[Thanks, Travis]
Update: We've pulled the iSpot instant jailbreak link after hearing reports that it might be doing more harm than good -- and there might even be some malicious intent involved because it apparently opens a backdoor that allows remote access to the admin console. Welcome to the seedy underbelly of device hacking, folks.
Update 2: The creator of the iSpot instant jailbreak just reached out to us know that the remote admin issue was "an error on [his] part" and that the latest version of the config file has it removed; we've re-added the link to it, but as always with these sorts of things, use caution here and be ready for potential flakiness.
Sounds cool, but unfortunately they have no coverage in Los Angeles. What up with that?
@mustangs If this keeps up it will be canceled before it reaches Los Angeles.
@mustangs
The LA network goes live in December, I heard. There is a trial network up in LA right now.
So why are the Apple devices covered by a LESS expensive plan?
@loocas Because it is only supposed to work with their iOS devices, which use less data. This apparantly wasn't true out of the box, as testers were able to connect new Macbooks.
what does this cost again?? $25 a month?? For unlimited wherever Wifi?
Give me 10mb/s average and I would jump asap.
" they'll detect un-iPad-like amounts of usage and threaten to up your monthly fee"
Well, "unlimited" isn't really unlimited for any moble data provider now is it?
@Someguyperson
except for Sprint that is
@Someguyperson
And T-Mobile
@Someguyperson
Pretty sure Verizon's mobile plans are unlimited, however, their data only services/devices are limited. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
@Someguyperson Sprint once called me about my EVO data consumption (tethering, 5 gb usage) but oddly didn't call about threatening about using that much, but if someone stole my phone or cloned my esn. I told them all was fine and they told me to happily carry on. I don't know what's with the hate for a company who has 4G and actual unlimited plans.
The USB tethering is another matter, but couldn't you run SMAC (Spoof MAC) and leave the iSpot as-is?
http://www.klcconsulting.net/smac/
@kp kp kp
it doesn't work on many newer macs with snow leopard
I thought the MAC adress of an Apple device would be called iMAC, but probably I mixed it up.
I just wish other wireless companies wouldn't charge up the ass for 3G access. I really don't want to pay... what is it? 59.99 for a month for 3G tethering through verizon or sprint access when I already pay $49 for cable internet (time warner)+ $60 for two mobile data plans for att smartphones.
These devices need more battery life, I've been tossing the idea around of going 100% Skype and dropping my cell plan altogether. However, a true unlimited data plan would be necessary and I don't imagine the rate would be much cheaper than a cell plan with unlimited text, calls, and data.
Interesting to see how this will all pan out. I live in Dallas and they have decent coverage here. Not amazing but enough to work with and at 4G speeds for $25/month...come on!
We need something like this in Canada. Instead we have Bell, who actually took it upon themselves one day to disable ALL active MiFi routers until they were sent back to Bell. What the hell?
I love how much publicity this is getting (sense the sarcasm) almost ensuring that Clear is going to send out an OTA patch for this.
I'm ordering two!
'Welcome to the seedy underbelly of device hacking, folks.'
So true.
Well mine worked out of the box on my MacBook.. I hope it stays like that too and they don't up the fees.. Good thing it's a no contract thing.
is it just me or am i missing the point of the advantage of iClear over any wireless hotspot>?
@weerdoe
$25 month-to-month "unlimited" for the iSpot as opposed to $60/month 5GB cap and only with a 2-year contract. Previously, if you tried to get wireless access without a contract from Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile, you'd be stuck with some batshit crazy $50/month 500MB plan which only an idiot would purchase on a regular basis.
@Jeff Kibuule okay now i'm interested. IF ONLY I WASN'T TETHERING FROM MY IPHONEEE (don't get me wrong, i would love to pay for more data, except i'm a brokeass college student)
@weerdoe
The typical Clear 4G Hotspot runs anywhere from 35-45 dollars a month with unlimited data usage, so this device is offering the same data plan as the most expensive plan without a contract or data cap.
The device Jeff Kibule referenced is the Clearspot 4G+, which is a 3G/4G device, where the 4G has an unlimited data plan and the 3G has a 5 gb cap.
Welcome to Gizmodo level journalism, Engadget. You're not helping people hack their iSpots to play Ole Susannah or some other such thing, you're helping people break the contract they have with Clear. Oh sure, you put a little warning across the screen shot, like that makes it all better.