Abstract: The presently described embodiments relate to a method for handling data sessions performed using tethered user devices in a network. The presently described embodiments are directed to network functionality to receive a tethered device indicator by a network element. The tethered device indicator, in at least one form, originates from a request from a user device. The indicator is then detected by the network and, based on the indicator, a variety of functions may be performed. For example, a network element may determine that a data session is not proper and, therefore, reject the data session that is requested by the user device. Alternatively, the network element may determine that the data session request is proper. In this case, the data session will be managed based on the indicator.