Since news of the hack broke, O2 has threatened to get medieval on anyone who attempts the workaround. Mooted penalties include disconnection – potentially rendering a multi-functional next-gen handset little more than a brick. Meanwhile, the owner could be hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

What makes taking a risk with the hack even less defensible is that standalone mobile broadband deals are now so affordable. Signing up for 24 months with Vodafone will get you 3GB of usage per month for £15 per month. And they’ll even throw in the first three months free and a £30 travel voucher to spend at lastminute.com. Result!

Alternatively, even O2’s mobile broadband packages are better priced than choosing to tether your iPhone. And not by a small margin either. Top 10 calculates that an annual saving of up to £20 is on offer.

For further information about the most competitive mobile broadband deals, check our dedicated mobile broadband page.