I’m in calls while tethering all the time and though you might point out that browsing the web and having a conversation shifts too much your attention, true; but what if you are downloading a big file and you receive a call? Or you’re in some kind of collaboration app?

Also, it’s been helpful -to me- using data while in a call for maps. Once you have have all this stuff in a such a easy to use phone, you grow accustomed to it and when they take it away, there’s the need.

Having the phone in CDMA without a data workaround doesn’t seem that appealing. Maybe in home data roaming, I don’t know. :)

BTW: I’m in Mexico so internet tethering is available, also the phone is in a two networks and can be bought unlocked.

CDMA is only use in the three adjacent countries in north america and a handful others around the world. I’m hoping Apple finds a workaround to let people use internet access while on a call, like borrowed GSM/UMTS access (like Kindle) when not near a WiFi network or while in movement.

Apple is all about user experience and removing such an useful part of it, kind of degrades the phone. Just my opinion. :)