All I have read is the WiFi is for UMA and not data. But without having a current shipping BB device with wifi - in house to examine - no one will know for sure as things have a way of changing.

All I have read about 3G is - the guys getting the best data rates ( 1.6mbps+ ) are using HSDPA/UMTS data cards for notebook computers and not the ones tethering (900kbps).

So for heavy duty tethering, it may be best to either swap SIMs, or get a dedicate data card and SIM. I can live with calls rolling to VM. Others can't. YMMV.

The 8800 does appear to be a compelling upgrade over the 8700. YMMV.