Here's what Joe with Verizon just told me, thought I'd get it out to you guys before I forget the details. Apparently, at least in my area, I would have to pay $15 per month for the account change. That includes the tethering ability. At this point I cannot upgrade the device to EVDO cpapbility without the tethering option and subsequent $15 fee. Since I'm not in an EVDO area I'm staying put for now. However, in Q1 2006 OS V4.1 will be out and it includes a provision for the EVDO capability on the device without the tethering option and at the same price as my current plan.

He disagreed with the other rep who said I could upgrade the OS without the account change.

He also made a good point about the tethering being no charge. Currently their air cards are $69 for broadband access; why would they allow a blackberry to be a tethered modem for the same price you are paying now for the unlimited data plan? In other words he didn't see how Verizon would allow tethering of the Blackberry without some upcharge.

Hope this helps. This forum has been a real help to me.