Using the Blackberry as a tethered modem
Since RIM OS4, it has been possible to use a Blackberry as tethered modem with a notebook computer, allowing your notebook to connect to the internet anywhere your phone can.
Read all about it in this Blackberry forums article on how to use a Blackberry as a modem for a laptop.
I got this working successfully on my T-mobile 7290; be sure to have your phone plugged in and run the Blackberry Device Manager software before you try testing or using the connection. Naturally, no one would mistake GPRS for broadband, but the connection is fine for emailing, blogging, and light web browsing. (I’m posting this message through my phone connection.) Very cool.
Note that this approach requires a PC and a USB connection. There are also Bluetooth alternatives.
Bluetooth support for PCs:: Mobishark supports Bluetooth modem functionality for PCs and the Blackberry. See Blackberry forums for details. Mobishark is $45 and supports a free trial.
Bluetooth support for Mac OSX: Pulse supports Bluetooth access to the Blackberry on the Mac. Pulse is $50 and also supports a free trial.
. Or if you’d like a free option, try the OSX modem script from fibble.org; it sounds like this hasn’t been tested on as many different devices but the price is certainly attractive.
24 Comments so far
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[…] As a users of T-mobile unlimited dataplan on the Blackberry, I’m excited about this. It will make the Blackberry much more effective both for mobile data apps and as a tethered modem. […]
By Bogle’s Blog » T-Mobile Edge network nearly complete on 03.09.06 2:08 pm
I am a cingular employee and recently found out that having the unlimited Blackberry package was not enough to use it as a tethered modem. You must upgrade to the 79.95/mo (74.95 with a voice plan) unlimited laptop connect package in order to unblock all the ports, same as if you had a data air card for your laptop…
By zmoney on 05.10.06 11:35 pm
That would explain why I am having problems setting up my 8700c as a modem. I followed the clear instructions on BlackBerry Forums and it still will not work. Does anyone know of a work-arund?
By asavault on 05.29.06 8:13 pm
Anyone know how to do this with a mac? I have a BB 7290…
By MacGirl on 06.29.06 9:38 am
I just purchased the BB 8703c and use the phone as a modem and it is incrediable!!! It is very fast and reliable at any time. I am very happy with the phone, service and the speed just fast.
By Will on 10.30.06 12:29 am
i am using the 7130e and it is working but i would prefer that the phone not interrupt the data session. any idea on configuration for that?
By Jim on 11.07.06 2:25 pm
Trying to tether my Blackberry Nextel to my laptop.
Need help.
By Thomas on 01.15.07 11:49 am
I have recently purchased a blackberry 8703e I have Alltel as my phone service. I appears that I am able to get the blackberry acting as the modem, but I cannot access the internet on my lap top. I have followed the directions (which are very helpful) but I am not sure if it is my execution of the steps, or my Alltel provider. please advise. Thank you so much.
Signed,
a technology challenged guy.
By scott on 02.16.07 9:26 am
I also have a Blackberry 7130 with Alltel as my service provider and I am able to get the blackberry acting as the modem, but I cannot access the internet on my lap top. If anyone has any suggestions, please help!
By Misti on 02.17.07 9:35 pm
Any idea when the cell providers are going to put out the windows vista drivers for tethered modem capabilities; specifically cingular and sprint?
By Chris on 02.19.07 11:16 pm
I also have alltel. Alltel currently does not support blackberry tethering. I was told everything is in place and it should be offered VERY soon. The only tethering they offer is for smarthphones. It is 10.95 a month for the service. But I am hoping this will be very soon. Apparently the system works already, but you need a user ID and password and they will not issue one yet for blackberries. Anyone know anything else?
By Maclain on 03.12.07 4:05 pm
I am trying to use my 7130 as a modem. It does not see the phone as connected even though the desktop manager does and I am able to sync data.
By chris on 03.31.07 12:55 pm
Hi,
I have a MAC and i’m trying to use my BlackBerry as a tap modem, but i’m unable to find out any information about it. Can anyone provide me with any guidance, thanks!!
Jason
By Jason on 04.23.07 12:44 pm
I can’t send attachments with gmail using my 7290 as a wireless modem
By trey sheppard on 04.29.07 12:53 am
Verizon told me there is a virtual tethering software, but I can’t remember the name. Call Verizon as I’m going to do.
By Marge on 07.13.07 8:10 am
Verizon told me there is a virtual tethering software, but I can’t remember the name. Call Verizon as I’m going to do.
By Marge on 07.13.07 8:10 am
Verizon told me there is a virtual tethering software, but I can’t remember the name. Call Verizon as I’m going to do.
By Marge on 07.13.07 8:10 am
i have a sprint 8830 bb, is there anyway to tether it to my laptop? any advice would be greatly appreciate it.
By robert ure on 08.23.07 4:00 am
greatly appreciated*
By robert ure on 08.23.07 4:01 am
This worked a lot easier before the cell carriers found out they could make more money from it as a value added option.
By Wil on 11.17.07 12:55 pm
[…] Using the Blackberry as a tethered modem […]
By The idiot’s guide to using your BlackBerry as a modem | BB Geeks on 12.28.07 1:45 am
I use my Alltel 8703e as a teathered modem with no problem, All you have to do is set it up like you would set up a dialup connection on a windows XP machine, not at all hard to do, For all CDMA phones the dialup # is (#777) and the username is (firstlast) and the password is (Alltel) simple. thats for Alltel, Verizon has an additional charge to do tethered modem, I am not sure about Sprint. Hope this helped.
By Will on 02.18.08 5:41 pm
I have a Blackberry 8703E with Alltel 500 unlimited data plan.I recently signed up for a tethered modem at an additional $10.00 per mo.I had a technition come in and set the Blackberry up to operate as a tethered modem because they were unable to do it at the Alltel store.I have viewed some forums which appear to indicate that it will operate without paying the extra $10.00 charge at Alltel.Can somebody tell me if this is possible?
By Pete Kote on 04.25.08 10:47 am
Any way to set up a tether WITHOUT the Blackberry desktop software running? For whatever reason my company doesn’t want the Blackberry desktop software installed.
By nate on 08.04.08 12:39 am
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