Imagine my surprise when I opened my cellular bill this month to find around $200 in overage fees. I looked at the detail and found that data overage was the culprit. Strange because all lines that use data have unlimited data for that exact reason. I know I’m a heavy data consumer. Even as I’m writing this post, I’m working from a mobile tethered device. Unfortunately ‘Unlimited’ data only applies to data used from using the actual phone from the handset. If you use the ‘Wireless Hotspot’ software, there is a limit to the amount of data you may use.
I’m technical, I’ve worked in the cellular industry, been a certified technician, am not new to cellular concepts. Unfortunately though, the discussion I had at the cellular store when I purchased the phone didn’t detail the specifics of the plan well enough. I don’t blame the people that sold me the phone… I blame myself for being on the bleeding edge of what the carriers are offering. That being said, I began my crusade last night to fix a problem that would undoubtedly cause more issues over time.
Bottom line, root your Android device. What does that mean? Android as an operating system is open-source. Unfortunately phone manufacturers don’t want you to have access to the open-source nature of the system because it makes it harder for them to support your use of your device. If you’re new to the idea of rooting, get one of your nerdy friends to help you.
After you root your Android phone you can:
- Take screenshots of your Android operating system.
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Enable wireless tethering. (more info on the app pictured in this post here)
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Overclock your processor (discussed here)
There are risks that come with rooting your phone. My humble opinion though, is that my device just quadrupled in usefulness. 🙂
Complete instructions on rooting the Motorola Droid here.