I would think verizon would want to sell the extra services so is it microsoft that has this locked down and if so why do you think? I would have gotten this phone if not for this.
Update: Microsoft's Matt Bencke responded and gave more detail on the status of tethering on the Windows PHone blog (Thanks, @techSage)
"I appreciate your pain around tethering (using your device as a modem) as this has been something that I've used in the past. Tethering, in the past was something that we managed independently of the Mobile Operators (e.g. AT&T, Orange, Verizon). In recent years, the Mobile Operators have now taken ownership of this functionality x-all platforms (e.g. our competitors as well as us). We are continually working with them and our OEM partners to enable this functionality for our devices, but at this time there isn't an announcement that we've made in regards to rolling out this feature. Stay Tuned!"
I think it really comes down to the individual carriers policy and not whether it is technically possible for the hardware to do it. I've used the USB tethering hack with my Focus, and my carrier has policies that allow you to use your "data bucket" however you want.
Saw a post on Engadget today about AT&T considering some type of shared data plan. That wold be a good thing, but assume being AT&T they would probably screw it up somehow.who's your carrier? i wish more of the big carriers (especially the ones with data caps) would see data this way...
i knew about the wired tether, but verizon's offering has typically been of the wireless variety...