Fixing Data Reporting Problems with the Verizon iPhone 4

The Verizon iPhone 4 is very similar to the AT&T iPhone 4. Same hardware, same power, same camera, same features. In fact, the two phones are so similar that any difference between the two has already received a ton of tech media coverage-and of course, that includes bugs.

A potentially serious bug in the Verizon version of the iPhone 4 relates to how it reports on the amount of data that its users have consumed via the Verizon's "Personal Hotspot" feature. The personal hotspot allows an iPhone users to tether up to four computers or other Wi-Fi enabled devices to the iPhone's Internet connection. This means that you can use the iPhone's 3G to surf the Internet on your laptop.

However, the personal hotspot feature costs users an extra $20 a month for the first two gigabytes of shared data and more for every additional gigabyte of data that's used. This means that it's important to keep an eye on your data reports via the iPhone's Settings menu if you're planning on using the device as a personal hotspot.

Unfortunately, some Verizon iPhones report the amount of data incorrectly. This can lead to larger-than-expected bills, and while it's too soon to say just how bad the problem is, Apple has quickly released a patch that fixes the data reporting problems with the Verizon iPhone 4.

Getting A Fix With iOS 4.2.6. The latest update from Apple, iOS 4.2.6, can be downloaded for free on iTunes. Use the computer that's linked to your iPhone to install the patch.

IOS 4.2.6. should completely fix the Verizon iPhone 4's data reporting issues, allowing Verizon users to accurately assess how much data they've been using. As the AT%T version of the iPhone 4 doesn't offer users the ability to turn the phone into a personal hotspot (yet), the patch doesn't really offer AT&T fans anything new.

Upgrade now. If you intend to use the Personal Hotspot feature of the iPhone 4, you should immediately upgrade to iOS 4.2.6 to avoid potentially serious data reporting problems. Otherwise, you may use too much data and pay extra for the personal hotspot tethering, or you might think that you're out of shareable data when you've actually got quite a bit left. Upgrade to the newest version of the iPhone's software, however, and you should be able to use the feature without worrying about the accuracy of the iPhone 4's data reporting.

Have you experienced any problems with the personal hotspot data reporting of the iPhone 4? Post your thoughts and comments below.