Blackberry Bold As 3g Modem Options

[andrewr]

Is it possable to use the Bold as a 3G modem on a Windows XP machine?

Any ideas on instructions or software?

[Jon_Vodafone]

Is it possable to use the Bold as a 3G modem on a Windows XP machine?

Any ideas on instructions or software?

Certainly!

The following instructions detail how to use your Blackberry as a modem, and apply not only to the Bold, but to all other Blackberry handsets too. It is important to note, however, that only the Bold and the 8707v are capable of 3G speeds, so you should only expect dial-up like speeds on the other models.

Task 1

Install BlackBerry Desktop Manager on your computer. Make sure it is either the version that came with your phone, or the latest available.

When you install BlackBerry Desktop Software, the drivers that allow the BlackBerry smartphone to communicate through the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and virtual communications port are installed. The standard modem, which is used by dial-up networking, is also installed.

Note: If upgrading your BlackBerry Desktop Software from version 4.0 to 4.1, the required vrtual communications port and standard modem might be removed during the upgrade process. If this is the case, re-install the BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 or later and choose the Repair option to re-install these components.

Task 2

Set up an Internet APN.

1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Phone and Modem Options.
3. In the Phone and Modem Options window, click the Modems tab.
4. Select Standard Modem and click Properties.
5. Click Change Settings.
6. In the Standard Modem Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
7. In the Extra initialization commands field, type the following: +cgdcont=1,"IP","internet"
8. Click OK.
9. In the Phone and Modem Options window, click OK.

Task 3

To configure dial-up networking, complete the procedure that is appropriate to the operating system you are using:

Windows Vista™

1. Click Start.
2. Select Connect To.
3. Click Setup a connection or network.
4. Click Setup a dialup connection.
5. In the Dial-up phone number field type *99#.
6. Type the user name as "web" and password as "web" without quotation marks.
7. In the Connection Name field type BlackBerry.
8. Click Dialing Rules.
9. Make sure the profile created in Task 2 has been selected, and then click OK.
10. Select Connect to establish an internet.

Windows XP operating system

1. Click Start > Settings > Network Connections.
2. Double-click New Connection Wizard. The New Connection Wizard opens.
3. Click Next.
4. Select the Connect to the Internet option. Click Next.
5. Select Set up my connection manually. Click Next.
6. Select Connect using a dial-up modem. Click Next.
7. If the Select a Device screen appears, select the Modem - Standard Modem check box. Click Next.
8. In the ISP Name field, type a name for your connection. Click Next.
9. In the Phone number field, type *99#. Click Next.
10. Indicate which users will have access to the connection. Click Next.
11. Type the user name "web" and password "web" without quotation marks. Click Next.
12. Click Finish.
13. In the Connect window, click Properties.
14. In the Properties window, verify that Modem - Standard Modem appears beneath the Connect using heading, and then click Configure.
15. In the Modem Configuration window, clear the Enable hardware flow control check box and make sure none of the other check boxes are selected. Click OK. In the Properties window, click OK.

Windows 2000 operating system

1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network and Dial-up Connections.
3. Double-click Make New Connection. The Network Connection Wizard opens.
4. Click Next.
5. Choose Dial-up to private network. Click Next.
6. In the Phone number field, type *99#. Click Next.
7. Indicate which users will have access to the connection. Click Next.
8. Type a name for your connection. Click Finish.
9. In the Connect window, click Properties.
10. In the Properties window, verify that Modem - Standard Modem is selected, then click Configure.
11. In the Modem Configuration window, clear the Enable hardware flow control check box and make sure none of the other check boxes are selected. Click OK.
12. In the Properties window, click OK.

Task 4

Connect to the Internet using dial-up networking.

Note: During this procedure, do not operate the BlackBerry® Browser or any third-party applications on the BlackBerry smartphone. An active data session might interfere with the modem connection. Also, make sure an ethernet connection is not active at the same time.

1. Connect the BlackBerry smartphone to the computer.
2. Open BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
3. Click Start > Settings > Network Connections > <name of your new connection>.
4. Type the user name "web" and password "web" without quotations.
5. Click Dial.

Hope that helps

Jon

eForum Team

[andrewr]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for that, only issue i'm seeing is my connection is only at 115kbps, I was expecting a lot fasted with the HSDPA features of the Bold. Currently got full 3G coverage on the handset too.

[Reidar_Vodafone]

Hi Andrewr

The Bold is indeed capable of fast HSDPA connections, however, even though you're getting a 3G signal on the handset we can't see how quick that actually is, i.e. the higher or lower end of the 3G signal spectrum

Hopefully this should improve at some point, or alternatively you could provide a post code area so we can have a look at 3G coverage.

Thanks

Reidar

eForum Team

[TomTom]

Hi,

Sorry if this has been covered before, I've had a look around but couldn't find a clear answer.

As far as pricing goes, how does using the Bold, or any mobile phone with 3G/HSDPA compare financially with a mobile broadband USB modem.

For example, I currently use a '3' PAYG USB modem for my laptop, which costs £10 for 1GB/month.

When I get a bold next week or whenever, is there a similar package available from Vodafone which doesn't require a USB modem? So I can just use my phone with a bluetooth connection to my laptop to get a similar service.

I ask because the 'Mobile Internet' seems to be defined by Vodafone as Internet use on the handset only, am I right?

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Andrewr

The Bold is indeed capable of fast HSDPA connections, however, even though you're getting a 3G signal on the handset we can't see how quick that actually is, i.e. the higher or lower end of the 3G signal spectrum

Hopefully this should improve at some point, or alternatively you could provide a post code area so we can have a look at 3G coverage.

Thanks

Reidar

eForum Team

[Reidar_Vodafone]

Hi Tom Tom

Yes Mobile internet as a whole means internet on the move (USB and phone), however we mostly use 'mobile internet' when referring to Phone internet and 'mobile broadband' when referring to modem.

You can get an internet package on your Bold which will give you free internet usage etc, however, this only applies on the handset. If you were to then connect this to a laptop your usage will soar and would certainly prove to be more expensive than the £10 service on the USB modem. In other words 'unlimited internet' applies to your handset only as the amount of data 'pulled' to the phone takes up less bandwidth than if you were pulling it via phone to laptop.

It all depends on how you use your internet, I’m a slightly above average user, i.e. everyday, Facebook, BBC, gamer sites (favourites including IGN) etc I have a contract USB modem (£15 a month) and a blackberry 8310 with unlimited internet (getting Bold on next upgrade), I get the best of both worlds, hmmm, maybe I should consider a PAYT USB modem, now that's an idea.

Reidar

eForum Team

[JohnMcL7]

Are you saying that Vodafone are now charging for data usage on the mobile internet pack if the handset is used as a modem? If so when did this change as previously according to the eForum team using the handset as a modem for a PC was covered unless the data use was shooting over 500MB.

John

[Reidar_Vodafone]

Hi John

Not to worry, everything is as you've always understood it to be, ie 500MB, using the phone as a modem means you'll get to this 500MB limit faster due to the amount of data pulled by the laptop, so as long as they stay under the 500MB it's ok, be cautious as we've had scenarios where users have relied on the 'unlimited internet' aspect and found themselves with much more usage then the 500 threshold.

Reidar

eForum Team

[sanj dhar]

Hi, I have tried this, but receive the error "Error 734: The PPP link control protocol was terminated" I have all the settings set correctly..However when I switch it to SLIP/Unix connection mode it connects but doesnt work (it doesnt connect to the Internet or generates any data/IP Address). Is it my sim card/service plan/mobile/device that needs registering for this to work or an APN issue on Vodafone side? Internet works perfectly OK on the WAP and Blackberry browser on the device. The device is BES enabled..Would appreciate any additional advice.

[Jon_Vodafone]

Hi, I have tried this, but receive the error "Error 734: The PPP link control protocol was terminated" I have all the settings set correctly..However when I switch it to SLIP/Unix connection mode it connects but doesnt work (it doesnt connect to the Internet or generates any data/IP Address). Is it my sim card/service plan/mobile/device that needs registering for this to work or an APN issue on Vodafone side? Internet works perfectly OK on the WAP and Blackberry browser on the device. The device is BES enabled..Would appreciate any additional advice.

Hi sanj dhar,

If you have a BES handset, these generally do not have the Blackberry Internet Service enabled by default. The reasoning behind this is that BES devices usually need to be restricted and governed by the IT Administrator with regards to what websites they can and can't access, etc. Your BES Admin has the ability to restrict every aspect of the device, right down to whether or not it is allowed to be used as a phone or not.

We should be able to sort this out for you with a single email - we just need to add the Internet Browsing Service to your provisioning (at no extra cost). You will then see an option for "Internet Browser" in addition to "Blackberry Browser". The Blackberry Browser will try to connect to any MDS running on your BES for internet access, but if that's not enabled, you will need to use Internet Browser instead - that will go over the Vodafone network rather than your BES.

I've sent you an email asking for the details we need. As soon as you reply, we will be able to reprovision your handset for you

Jon

eForum Team

[simean69]

Hi - I am having the same problem, can you help likewise please? Tearing my hair out trying to get the blackberry modem to work. I noticed, btw, in the settings - options - advanced - TCP tab that the APN is wap.voicestream.com and the username and password for APN appear to be blank. Nonetheless, I have put "internet" at the end of the special initialisation command, and I have put 'wap' in the username and password, per the (very helpful) instructions at the top of this thread

Hi sanj dhar,

If you have a BES handset, these generally do not have the Blackberry Internet Service enabled by default. The reasoning behind this is that BES devices usually need to be restricted and governed by the IT Administrator with regards to what websites they can and can't access, etc. Your BES Admin has the ability to restrict every aspect of the device, right down to whether or not it is allowed to be used as a phone or not.

We should be able to sort this out for you with a single email - we just need to add the Internet Browsing Service to your provisioning (at no extra cost). You will then see an option for "Internet Browser" in addition to "Blackberry Browser". The Blackberry Browser will try to connect to any MDS running on your BES for internet access, but if that's not enabled, you will need to use Internet Browser instead - that will go over the Vodafone network rather than your BES.

I've sent you an email asking for the details we need. As soon as you reply, we will be able to reprovision your handset for you

Jon

eForum Team

[simean69]

Er, have been fiddling with berry, and now keep getting Error 692 There was a hardware failure in the modem; or also just got error 628: The connection was terminated by the remote computer

I think I have restored settings to what they were, but I'm not now getting to the 'verify username and password' dialogue box...help!!!!

[Reidar_Vodafone]

Hi Simean69

You mentioned that in the Advanced options and TCP sections you used the APN 'internet' and wap as password.

Can you try using password and username 'web'' instead please then trying another connection, I'm also assuming that your handset still connects to the internet on its own, i.e. when you browse via the handset, , this is essential as it proves that the phone is still making a solid data connection to the network.

Thanks

Reidar

eForum Team

[simean69]

Yes, tried that (and blanks for username and password too) - kept getting the 734 error.

Browsing is indeed still operational on the berry itself.

I'm guessing that because it is a company blackberry it is not set up to be used as a modem?

Btw, I am not using a blackberry program on my notebook - I have the 8310 curve which is paired via bluetooth to my notebook, and the notebook successfully dials the berry and turns up a 'verifying username and password' dialogue box before returning the 734 error. I have all the right advanced boxes etc unticked on the notebook modem settings.

[Tom_Vodafone]

Hi simean69,

I expect this will be due to the Blackberry being a business one. You need the internet access point to be on your account to use the phone as a modem as we've described. Is your account a business or corporate one?

Tom

eForum Team

[simean69]

Not sure what the difference is, but I work for a financial company and my employer provided me with the Blackberry. Can you explain what I need to operate the phone as a modem? If I need to go through employer, I can try that, just need to know what is needed.

[Jebelious]

well if you use bluetooth you should be able to just pair the devices and put the number as *99# username and password web

If you use a usb cable you will need the drivers installed so it works..

[PaulE_Vodafone]

Hi simean69,

Jebelious is spot on with his post, you can also have a look at the Blackberry setup guide which will talk you through setting up your balckberry as a modem

Paul
eForum Team

[simean69]

Yeah, yeah, I know the theory, and I've followed the site instructions, and guess what, I still get the 734 error.

I'm sure that's because company has disabled modem capability. Giving up on you guys and buying a PAYG 3G USB Modem

[Tom_Vodafone]

Hi simean69,

All that we need to do is add the internet browsing to your Blackberry account, so just get your named account holder to give us a call and ask for "internet browsing" to be added to your Blackberry's PIN, and it'll work in no time

Tom

eForum Team