vB Easy Archive - All things tethering (Keep all discussion here)

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All things tethering (Keep all discussion here)
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Posted by: luigi1111

Since the other thread was locked (good choice I think), and HF 9 said someone could feel free to create another one, I've decided to kind of summarize everything I know about Verizon Wireless's CURRENT tethering policy to attempt to answer a lot of the questions out there (who wants to read through 1000+ posts in the old thread?). Information can be added as needed.

1. To tether with a feature (non-smart) phone, Verizon currently offers the same $59.99/month Broadband Access plan that it has for it's aircards that offers unlimited (5GB cap) data and can be prorated. This data is for tethering only and does not include data used on the phone (I think, correct me if I'm wrong). There is also a slightly cheaper plan that offers a measly 50MB/month for $39.99.

2. For smartphones, the tethering cost depends on your data plan. Basically no matter which plan you have, the total cost will amount to approximately $60.

3. HOWEVER, on ACI or II plans, there was a clause that allowed one to tether a 1x ONLY phone (not an EVDO capable-but-disabled phone) for only Minutes of Use (making night and weekend browsing free).

4. On NW plans, that clause no longer exists (and why should it, for although it may still technically work to tether a 1x-only phone on NW, who would want to pay $1.99/MB to do so??)

5. EVDO capable phones have NEVER been allowed to tether within the Terms of Service on ANY plan without a compatible Access plan (except possibly with Q2N, who knows). In fact, Verizon has added code to EVDO-capable phones that won't even allow you to connect to their server without hacking your phone.

6. Finally, for Q2N (or QNC, basically using your phone as a modem to call an external ISP), some say you can use EVDO phones, some say you can't. It's kind of a gray area. Bottom line: I say Verizon isn't going to care at all if you use it, no matter what phone or plan your on (you will have to pay the same $1.99/MB if on NW plans), because you are using an absolute minimum of resources. So if it works for you, go ahead and use it and be happy with your 14.4kbps speeds.

7. Also, the wording in the TOS for the $15 vPak specifically prohibits tethering of any kind, so no, you can't use it to cover your data costs in #6.

And that's about all I have for now. Have I missed something critical? Any feedback would be appreciated. Hopefully this thread can be used to clear up most questions for people without growing to a disproportionate size (and thus becoming nearly unreadable).

Thanks,
Luigi

Posted by: FL1134

3. EVDO phones forced to 1x with Vcast removed works just fine.

5. VZW allows EVDO phones on AC plans. Adding an EVDO does not invalidate your 1x MOU billing. Unlimited 1x MOU tethering is allowed with EVDO phones on AC plans.

6. Q2N is a CSD connections with terrible latency. It is almost completely useless for any web browsing. VZW has also disabled CSD in certain areas since no one really uses it.

Posted by: luigi1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

3. EVDO phones forced to 1x with Vcast removed works just fine.

5. VZW allows EVDO phones on AC plans. Adding an EVDO does not invalidate your 1x MOU billing. Unlimited 1x MOU tethering is allowed with EVDO phones on AC plans.

6. Q2N is a CSD connections with terrible latency. It is almost completely useless for any web browsing. VZW has also disabled CSD in certain areas since no one really uses it.

3. Sure it works just fine, it works just as well with EVDO enabled and the vPak added.

5. On ACI or II, ALL data is billed as MOU. This does not change the fact that you are not allowed (according to Verizon policy) to tether an EVDO phone without a BBA plan.

6. Hey we agree on something!

Posted by: C DM

Yeah, the old 1x-only tethering clause still has to do whether or not the phone that is being used is 1x-only or not--we keep on coming back to the same old things that have been covered fairly extensively by knowledgeable people quite a bit over time: http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...0&postcount=958.

Posted by: holmz

i'm confused... if you have an unlimited data plan and add tethering, does that mean they add the 5gb cap?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holmz

i'm confused... if you have an unlimited data plan and add tethering, does that mean they add the 5gb cap?

When it comes to tethering, there's a cap (since it's that much easier to use lots of data compared to just using data on the phone itself). Technically speaking, there's the same cap on data on the phone as well, it's just that in the case of tethering you are simply charged overage rates if you go over, while in the case of the phone, if you go over (if you really manage to do that somehow) VZW can take some other actions (down to even terminating your service).

Posted by: vulariter

Does anyone know anyone who has seen the "big bill" or termination from breaking ToS?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulariter

Does anyone know anyone who has seen the "big bill" or termination from breaking ToS?

Yeah, there have been a few posts about people getting large bills for going over, like a recent thread at http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1482012, although not so much on getting terminated, even though a few posts here and there have made references to it.

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

http://www.howardforums.com/showpos...947&postcount=7

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremyjudkins

Its an air card.. that is its sole purpose.

An aircard going over the clearly defined 5GB limit has little to do with tethering a phone.

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by luigi1111

3. Why pay for something that you can legally "pay" for with minutes under AC I & II?

5. Tethering @ EVDO speeds is against the ToS of AC plan. Tethering @ 1x, as long as it is not a BB/PDA, is NOT.

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulariter

Does anyone know anyone who has seen the "big bill" or termination from breaking ToS?

If you are on the America's Choice I, II, or older plan, tether @ 1x until you are blue in the face. It is legal, unlimited, and has no cap @ 1x speeds.

If you are tethering EVDO speeds, you will get caught.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

http://www.howardforums.com/showpos...947&postcount=7

An aircard going over the clearly defined 5GB limit has little to do with tethering a phone.

For the purposes of overages or things of that nature VZW sees it the same way, as the quoted reply in the post you linked to also implies.

Posted by: Moderator HF 6

Thread cleaned up.

Please keep the discussion on topic avoiding discussions that can become of personal nature.

Posted by: luigi1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

3. Why pay for something that you can legally "pay" for with minutes under AC I & II?

Why pay for something with minutes and get relatively slow ~100kbps speeds when you can do the same thing at EV speeds??

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

All data is counted the same way, it doesn't matter whether it was at 1x or EV speeds. At 1x speeds, you could still use 5GB in about five days if you kept the connection maxed out, at which time I'd think Verizon would be letting you know...
Also, the last sentence should say, "you COULD get caught", as there are plenty of people who are tethering, even now, at EV speeds on a regular basis and have not been billed. Its not GUARANTEED you'll get caught.

Posted by: huskies90

I am totally new to this. I have an lg Dare and a week long road trip coming up and I would like to be able to get the tether data for just the week and have it prorated. I have two questions:

1. How do you actually set this up? What I mean by this is after I call VZW cust service and add the plan on the day I am leaving. Then what do I do? How is the phone connected to the PC and how do you get it working?

2. How well does it work? Is it as good as an air card for speeds and latency? Does the connection stay connected? How about when moving like in a car?

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by luigi1111

Why pay for something with minutes and get relatively slow ~100kbps speeds when you can do the same thing at EV speeds??

1x is the only legal, official way. If you're comfortable with EVDO without a dataplan, go ahead.

Quote:

I'm just trying to provide the best answer to people who ask. People can make their own decision after given the facts.

Posted by: ianargent

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskies90

I am totally new to this. I have an lg Dare and a week long road trip coming up and I would like to be able to get the tether data for just the week and have it prorated. I have two questions:

1. How do you actually set this up? What I mean by this is after I call VZW cust service and add the plan on the day I am leaving. Then what do I do? How is the phone connected to the PC and how do you get it working?

2. How well does it work? Is it as good as an air card for speeds and latency? Does the connection stay connected? How about when moving like in a car?

Make sure you have a USB cable and drivers (easiest way to get drivers is by downloading the appropriate package at www.vzam.net). Install the VZAM software, make sure phone is in modem mode. Fire up VZAM and let it create your connection

Works about as well as an aircard - the network is the same after all. (Expection - bluetooth tethering bottlenecks the connection)

Posted by: Mysteryman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 6

Thread cleaned up.

Please keep the discussion on topic avoiding discussions that can become of personal nature.

I believe a number of posts pruned were mine. My apologies.

For the benefit of the thread I'd just like to confirm what C dm, fl 1134, and other have said that x1 tethering works on AC II plans for NON-Evdo phones.

I successfully activated a Moto v710 on my AC II plan and x1 tethering worked immediately (this was bluetooth paired). If this post is inappropriate please delete it. Thank you to all who assisted.

Posted by: luigi1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

1x is the only legal, official way. If you're comfortable with EVDO without a dataplan, go ahead.

I'm just trying to provide the best answer to people who ask. People can make their own decision after given the facts.

1. Sorry, I was attempting to use sarcasm to support my point.

2. Yes, I think that's what we're all trying to do.

Posted by: huskies90

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianargent

Thanks!! This might be a crazy question but will this only work with a connection directly to a PC or is there a way to connect this to a wireless router to create wifi for two laptops?

Posted by: ianargent

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskies90

Thanks!! This might be a crazy question but will this only work with a connection directly to a PC or is there a way to connect this to a wireless router to create wifi for two laptops?

Since you need to load drivers; no.

Posted by: mojavekroc

you can hook up many EVDO phones to wireless routers such as ones sold by Cradlepoint.. www.cradlepoint.com or http://www.wirelessnwifi.com/index....main_page=index

With this setup you can use one handset (or aircard) to connect multible laptops or other PCs..

Posted by: wirelesscall

I know this is probably a stupid question since I should know the answer but since I don't here goes:

I have AC II plan and LG VX 8300 phone---can anyone tell me if this is a non EVDO phone please? I'd like to tether and I understand from this thread I'm legal if my phone is non EVDO. How can I find out?

Thank you.

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by wirelesscall

I know this is probably a stupid question since I should know the answer but since I don't here goes:

I have AC II plan and LG VX 8300 phone---can anyone tell me if this is a non EVDO phone please? I'd like to tether and I understand from this thread I'm legal if my phone is non EVDO. How can I find out?

Thank you.

It's EVDO. You need to force 1x to stay legal. Search or ask in the LG subforum.

Didn't you already ask this?

http://www.howardforums.com/showpos...740&postcount=7

Posted by: C DM

Not to debate anything, but something to at least keep in mind is that it's not exactly a given (there's no real consensus) that simply forcing an EVDO phone to 1X, even with an older plan, would keep things within VZW's TOS, so YMMV.

Posted by: Moderator HF 9

I'm only going to say this once. Tethering without having the tethering feature is against VZW's TOS. Please keep discussion within this topic or I will have to close this thread. I challenge anyone to find me a copy of VZW's TOS new or old stating otherwise.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

I'm only going to say this once. Tethering without having the tethering feature is against VZW's TOS. Please keep discussion within this topic or I will have to close this thread. I challenge anyone to find me a copy of VZW's TOS new or old stating otherwise.

It seems that there was at least some consensus that for at least those on older plans (with MOU for data) 1X-only tethering was allowed without any additional features if a 1X-only phone was being used. Now, I'm not sure if anyone had the actual wording from VZW on that beyond what some representatives have said (and I believe some have mentioned being told that specifically), but it was something that was more or less accepted. So I wonder if at least that is still something that exists and/or allowed at least in those particular cases, or if it's just down to specifically having the actual tethering feature, no matter what plan and/or phone is in question (which for the most part applies to most anyway).

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

Stating otherwise:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=154306

Express Network, NationalAccess MOU, EN-MOU is valid for 1x on any phone that does not require a change in plan. All phones outside of Dare, Voyager, PDA's/smartphones can use this. An ESN swap does not invalidate how data is billed on your account.

Posted by: Moderator HF 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

That still does not prove anything other than a few representatives said it was ok 5 years ago. Try calling any number at VZW now and getting that answer or finding a copy of a TOS stating so. If you get caught tethering without a plan now whether its 1X or EVDO i guarantee VZW would charge you for it regardless of what a handful of people said so long ago. I remember back then there was no official policy at the time so many VZW employees said it was OK but there was never anything in writing stating so.

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

Nothing has changed to how data is billed on America's Choice plans in 5 years. Swapping ESN's doesn't invalidate your plan unless specified like changing to PDA's and nationwide only phones.

Posted by: Moderator HF 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

Nothing has changed to how data is billed on America's Choice plans in 5 years. Swapping ESN's doesn't invalidate your plan unless specified like changing to PDA's and nationwide only phones.

You still don't get what I'm saying. VZW does not allow tethering without the tethering feature. Yes data is still billed MOU with the older ACII plan but that is only data used on the handset and not meant for tethering. Unless you can find something official from VZW stating otherwise, this should be the end of the discussion. I know you will not be able to find it since there never was anything official. Again it was some people a long time ago saying it was OK before VZW had an official policy on tethering.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

Well, in that case, it sounds like there's really not much of a discussion to it, and threads like this one aren't even really needed (beyond essentially a simple posts that says that doing so without a tethering feature, no matter what plan or phone you have, is against the TOS and discussion of that is against the forum rules).

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

Official? This goes back to 2002 which explicitly states that it is okay.

Quote:

NationalAccess Megabyte Plans:

Megabyte allowance and charges for kilobytes over the monthly allowance apply to NationalAccess data usage; all other usage charged in accordance with calling plan. NationalAccess data usage is rounded to next full kilobyte at end of each billing cycle. Only total of kilobytes transmitted above allowance each billing cycle may appear on bill. You are responsible for all charges, including all data sent and received and "overhead" whether or not you or your recipients actually receive the data. Overhead is all data that is in addition to user-transmitted data, such as control, operational and routing instructions, error-checking characters as well as retransmissions of user-data messages that are received in error. Any unused portion of the megabyte allowance is lost. NationalAccess data-capable tri-mode equipment with updated software is required. Customers must dial *228 to activate on or migrate to the NationalAccess Megabyte Calling Plans and to update their PRL to receive proper notification. Equipment will not indicate kilobyte usage.

NationalAccess Calling Plans:

Unused airtime minutes are lost. Airtime minutes are not transferable. You will see 777-000-0001 in dialed digits column of bill for NationalAccess data sessions. NationalAccess data session automatically terminates after 5 minutes of inactivity. During data session, if you travel outside NationalAccess area, or connection is otherwise unavailable, but you continue with session after returning within five minutes, you will be billed for entire length of data session.

http://web.archive.org/web/20050315...portantInfo.jsp

Quote:

Take care of business virtually anytime, anywhere

With NationalAccess, Verizon Wireless' national wireless Internet service, you're never out of the loop, even when you're out of the office. NationalAccess enables users to access the Internet, corporate email, attachments, and business applications with a laptop at typical speeds of 60-80 kbps and bursts up to 144 kbps.* NationalAccess is available in thousands of cities and towns across America.
View Demo

View picture of VZAccess SoftwareNationalAccess service requires PC Card or NationalAccess data-capable phone using a Mobile office kit, sold separately. Plus, manage the business and Internet applications you need with VZAccess Manager, a single easy-to-use control panel.

Quote:

Special Introductory Offer! Unlimited use through March 15, 2002!

Express Network service is available for just $30 per month on most digital voice calling plans.* Express Network data usage is taken from your airtime allowance just like your voice calls, so there's no need to keep track of a separate airtime allowance.

From now until March 15, 2002, when you sign up for Express Network, you get unlimited Express Network data session minutes! All you pay is the additional monthly $30 Express Network access fee - your Express Network usage will not be deducted from your airtime allowance.

*You must subscribe to the Express Network at $30 per month and a digital voice calling plan of $35 or more per month. Beginning on March 16, 2002, all Express Network data session airtime charges will apply towards your calling plan's monthly home airtime allowance, and any Express Network data session airtime in excess of the monthly airtime allowance will be charged at the rate set forth in your calling plan. Not available on Family SharePlan or prepay.

http://web.archive.org/web/20020206...express_network
/exp_terms.html

Pay $30 it doesn't use up your airtime otherwise you are billed @ out of minute rates when you run out of monthly minutes. Mobile Office kit is sold and there is a download link for VZ Access software (dialer). States specifically that you can tether with a laptop.

Posted by: Moderator HF 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

Official? This goes back to 2002 which explicitly states that it is okay.

http://web.archive.org/web/20050315...portantInfo.jsp

http://web.archive.org/web/20020206...express_network
/exp_terms.html

Pay $30 it doesn't use up your airtime otherwise you are billed @ out of minute rates when you run out of monthly minutes. Mobile Office kit is sold and there is a download link for VZ Access software (dialer). States specifically that you can tether with a laptop.

These were not ACII plans these were specific "Express Network Plans & National Access Calling Plans". Still no go here. http://web.archive.org/web/20021002.../exp_terms.html
ACII plans required an add on tethering feature.

Posted by: FL1134

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

People still have ACI too.

Quote:

Beginning on March 16, 2002, all Express Network data session airtime charges will apply towards your calling plan's monthly home airtime allowance, and any Express Network data session airtime in excess of the monthly airtime allowance will be charged at the rate set forth in your calling plan. Not available on Family SharePlan or prepay.

I'm talking about the "Express Network Calling Plans"

These are in addition to your calling plan (ACI and ACII). ACI and ACII both use Express Network/National Access (1x only). You buy a bucket of minutes in addition to your calling plan that is clearly stated.

Quote:

There's no need to keep track of separate allowances for your voice and data use. No need to subscribe to a separate Internet Service Provider. What could be simpler?

You can use minutes for anything.

I don't see why there is such a ruckus about this. I have proved that MOU existed, tethering via a phone was allowed, and ACI and ACII allowed both allowed access via NationalAccess/Express network to this very day.

If what I have described is illegal currently, then so is "free WAP" and every single thread about it should be locked. You're stealing service regardless of MOU. Humpa MMS server, proxies, bitpim/software, seem editing, flashing, firmware, should all be banned because the directly or indirectly activating features or bypassing VZW service and are against VZW ToS.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

People still have ACI too.

I'm talking about the "Express Network Calling Plans"

These are in addition to your calling plan (ACI and ACII). ACI and ACII both use Express Network/National Access (1x only). You buy a bucket of minutes in addition to your calling plan that is clearly stated.

You can use minutes for anything.

I don't see why there is such a ruckus about this. I have proved that MOU existed, tethering via a phone was allowed, and ACI and ACII allowed both allowed access via NationalAccess/Express network to this very day.

If what I have described is illegal currently, then so is "free WAP" and every single thread about it should be locked. You're stealing service regardless of MOU. Humpa MMS server, proxies, bitpim/software, seem editing, flashing, firmware, should all be banned because the directly or indirectly activating features or bypassing VZW service and are against VZW ToS.

I don't think we need to drag other unrelated things into this really--most of which have been known and shown to not be against any ToS or anything like that. For example, for WAP, you are charged for accessing VZW's WAP proxy server, that's it, so if you decide not to access it and access a different one (which isn't against ToS) then you aren't charged for access to VZW's WAP proxy server because you are not accessing it. It's pretty straightforward, fairly non-controversial, and isn't really related to tethering or this historical discussion of tethering.

Posted by: orangespot

I've been procrastinating on getting a new phone because of this issue: data vs. cost.
I used to tether years ago using MOU but not that it's gone (I was switched to NWplan), I've been considering switching to AT&T. Isn't it cheaper to get add a data plan for $15 on ATT and tether with no issues? Am I missing something?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangespot

I've been procrastinating on getting a new phone because of this issue: data vs. cost.
I used to tether years ago using MOU but not that it's gone (I was switched to NWplan), I've been considering switching to AT&T. Isn't it cheaper to get add a data plan for $15 on ATT and tether with no issues? Am I missing something?

I guess in that case you are just missing the VZW network.

Posted by: luigi1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

Exactly. It did exist for 1x phones like any LG below 7000. I even remember they used to sell MOK's for phones that advertised being able to use one's phone for tethering w/o any additional features. My dad bought one when we were on ACII (I think, might have been ACI) and used it with his VX6000.

Again, I don't think there was ever any discussion about forcing EV phones to 1x.

Luigi

Posted by: Grlong

I am also a Newbee and have talked to Verizon about using the "Tethered Braodband. My understanding is that it cost $59/month and requires no contract...You can activate it for only a short period of time and be billed on a prorata basis. If truly prorated it would be about $2/day but somehow I can't imagine VZ charging only $2 for this service. Apparently when you call for activation you can specify when you want the service deactivated so that you don't have to call again. When I talked to the VZ rep he offered me a 30 day free trial and verified that I could activate and deactivate at will. Cannot be done online however...requires a call to them.

I use a blue tooth connection simply pairing my phone to the laptop then setting up dialup networking to access the network. User Name QNC Password QNC Dial #777. I was connected to the VZ server with information on howto activate the plan. I understand that using a usb connection is faster. You may want to download the VZAccess manager software that supposedly sets this all up automatically.

It is not super fast but faster than on the old AC Plan 1X network on which I only paid for minutes used. If you learn anything else that would be of interest I would appreciate at response. Thanks

Posted by: luigi1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grlong

I am also a Newbee and have talked to Verizon about using the "Tethered Braodband. My understanding is that it cost $59/month and requires no contract...You can activate it for only a short period of time and be billed on a prorata basis. If truly prorated it would be about $2/day but somehow I can't imagine VZ charging only $2 for this service. Apparently when you call for activation you can specify when you want the service deactivated so that you don't have to call again. When I talked to the VZ rep he offered me a 30 day free trial and verified that I could activate and deactivate at will. Cannot be done online however...requires a call to them.

I use a blue tooth connection simply pairing my phone to the laptop then setting up dialup networking to access the network. User Name QNC Password QNC Dial #777. I was connected to the VZ server with information on howto activate the plan. I understand that using a usb connection is faster. You may want to download the VZAccess manager software that supposedly sets this all up automatically.

It is not super fast but faster than on the old AC Plan 1X network on which I only paid for minutes used. If you learn anything else that would be of interest I would appreciate at response. Thanks

The information in the the first paragraph is all correct, based on extensive discussion here.

As for the rest of your post, it's a bit murkier. What phone are you using? Did you activate the plan before surfing? The username/password is not necessary and in fact is not used with newer phones: instead, the phone has a password coded into it that is used. Besides, QNC is an ancient outdated connection method that only allows bandwidth of 14.4 kbps.

Thanks

Posted by: Grlong

Luigi1111, Thanks for the reply. I am using a Moto W755 phone. Until I activated the play I could only access the VZ site, which gave me instruction and pricing info for the plan. It was some time ago but I think they instructed me to use QNC as the User ID. Is there a better way? And have you had any experience with the prorata billing. My 30 day trial is over and I don't want to activate even for a few days unless I am sure of the charges. Thanks for your help

Posted by: Armchair

Broadband Connect = http://b2b.vzw.com/productsservices...essconnect.html

I use the Motorola E815 with bluetooth tethering occasionally on vacations ; it does what it says ; prorate = you pay the full amount at the beginning of the billing cycle and get credited back the unsubscribed feature days of the month that you did not use it onto your next months bill.

Posted by: Grlong

Armchair, Thanks for sharing your experience. It astounds me as to how many different answers to the same question I receive from the VZ reps. Most are unsure and cannot offer a definative answer.

Posted by: luigi1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grlong

Luigi1111, Thanks for the reply. I am using a Moto W755 phone. Until I activated the play I could only access the VZ site, which gave me instruction and pricing info for the plan. It was some time ago but I think they instructed me to use QNC as the User ID. Is there a better way? And have you had any experience with the prorata billing. My 30 day trial is over and I don't want to activate even for a few days unless I am sure of the charges. Thanks for your help

Yes, what the OP said about prorating is correct. As for the QNC, the username/password is actually retrieved from the phone's file system and thus it does not matter what you enter into the PC. You may just leave it blank.

Posted by: RVNut

I am really new here, but read the forums often, great information. I need some help. I no longer need the blackberry services and would like to replace my Blackberry with an LG Dare. My current plan is Nationwide Basic, Blackberry w/broadband ($24.99), and Mobil brodband connect ($15.00). I would like to continue to use mobil broadband service and drop blackberry service. I am getting mixed answers from various Verizon sources as to what plan changes would be required if I moved to the Dare. Phone calls and internet connection for Laptop are key uses of phone.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Posted by: Grlong

I am using NATIONWIDE BASIC FAMILY SHARE PRIMARY 700 $60 with a second phone...monthly cost with taxes about $85/mo. I can connect to my laptop using a tether or bluetooth and have broadband service. That costs $59/month and requires that you have a voice plan underlaying. However there is not a requirement for a two year committment and you can go month to month. Furthermore you can active the Broadband Access feature by calling 888-581-1070 and have it activated for short periods of time. I was told that I could request it be active for several days...a week..whatever you wish and they would prorate the fee based on how many days it is active. I think they charge your account the full $59 dollars when you activate and then credit your account the next billing cycle for the time the feature is not active. I need bb access only occasionally and only for few days at a time so this is a good solution for me. When I called they offered me a 30 day free trial which was a nice way to give it a whirl. I haven't actually used the service since my trial period expired to test the prorata billing senario but that is what they told me. You might want to confirm how they do the accounting. Let me know what you find out. Thanks

Posted by: Grlong

Another thought is that you need to be sure the LG phone you are considering is capable of being used for tethered access. I was told some do not support this feature.

Posted by: Armchair

You need a phone plan (Nationwide Basic) AND Broadband Access Connect for when you want to have internet access on your computer ($59.99 / month OR $2.00/Day); You only need to call the customer service phone number to disconnect it; you can ATTEMPT to get on the internet BUT will be directed to a Verizon Broadband Connect Subscription page (much faster than waiting for Customer Service)

List of compatible phones and information about Broadband Connect here: http://b2b.vzw.com/productsservices...essconnect.html

Broadband Access Connect FAQ: http://support.vzw.com/faqs/VZAcces...%20Connect.html

More Explanation here: http://blog.rv.net/tag/broadband-access-connect/

Posted by: RVNut

Thanks for the information. Guess I will stay with my Pearl for a while since I do not think the LG Dare is worth an extra $20 per month for less functions. Oh well, really liked the phone. Guess I will look at the smart phones with touch screens, storm. etc.

Thanks again.

Posted by: jmsilver99

Ok, I still have my old VX9900 but I have not attempted to tether in awhile. Last time I tried tethering on vacation I thought I was after 9pm (1 hour time diff from my home area) and I went over my mou enought to add an extra $40 to my bill.

Is the old method still possible with say a blackberry plan and unlimited data (not broadband) ? I know its outside TOS but is it still possible?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmsilver99

Ok, I still have my old VX9900 but I have not attempted to tether in awhile. Last time I tried tethering on vacation I thought I was after 9pm (1 hour time diff from my home area) and I went over my mou enought to add an extra $40 to my bill.

Is the old method still possible with say a blackberry plan and unlimited data (not broadband) ? I know its outside TOS but is it still possible?

To tether you need the appropriate tethering feature from VZW, trying to do it via other means would generally not only be against the TOS, but discussion of that would also essentially be against the forum rules (http://www.howardforums.com/showpos...154&postcount=8).

Posted by: alanh

Has anyone tried the self-provisioning? If you attempt to tether and don't have BBA, you're redirected to https://dunsp.vzw.com . When connecting to this page via tethering, there's a "subscribe" button.

Posted by: James_In_Utah

Well, this seems like the place to discuss tethering my new Dare to my laptop. I'm going on my first trip with the new phone tomorrow, and will probably have a good chance to try this out. First question, with the new VZAccess Manager, it makes a couple of connections for me right out of the box. NationalAccess Broadband Access, and Xpress Network (1XRTT). They both seem to dial #777. Is there a difference between these? As far as I can tell, either one will point me to a screen where I have an option of subsrbing for $59 per month, or $2 per day. Duh, that stupid. Why would anyone pay the $59 per month, if you are only going to use this a couple of times, every few weeks. Is there any real advantage paying the $59?

I also need to use my phone as a modem to dial back into a server at my office. I've tried this, and it seems to work. It connects at about 14.4Kbs or so. When I've checked my minutes, these are only being charged as Outbound Data calls and are charged minutes, and not showing up on the Megabytes tab. Is this somehow in violation of some policy?

Posted by: Moderator HF 9

Yes this breaks VZWs TOS.

These Wireless Email plans and features cannot be used: (1) for access to the Internet, intranets or other data networks except as the device’s native applications and capabilities permit, unless you subscribe to Mobile Broadband Connect; or (2) for any applications that tether your device to laptops or personal computers other than for use of the Wireless Sync or the BlackBerry solution, unless you subscribe to Mobile Broadband Connect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_In_Utah

Well, this seems like the place to discuss tethering my new Dare to my laptop. I'm going on my first trip with the new phone tomorrow, and will probably have a good chance to try this out. First question, with the new VZAccess Manager, it makes a couple of connections for me right out of the box. NationalAccess Broadband Access, and Xpress Network (1XRTT). They both seem to dial #777. Is there a difference between these? As far as I can tell, either one will point me to a screen where I have an option of subsrbing for $59 per month, or $2 per day. Duh, that stupid. Why would anyone pay the $59 per month, if you are only going to use this a couple of times, every few weeks. Is there any real advantage paying the $59?

I also need to use my phone as a modem to dial back into a server at my office. I've tried this, and it seems to work. It connects at about 14.4Kbs or so. When I've checked my minutes, these are only being charged as Outbound Data calls and are charged minutes, and not showing up on the Megabytes tab. Is this somehow in violation of some policy?

Posted by: James_In_Utah

So, if I pay the $1.99 for 1 days worth, does that mean I'm covered?

Posted by: suprbst

I've searched (as much as I have time to) the forums for insight on connecting my netbook to my LG VX8100 (which I can and have done via bluetooth & USB), but have found nothing specific on possibly allowing my netbook to take advantage of my mobile web service. Is there a way to basically use the phone to connect my netbook to the web without using DUN, or is that simply how it has to be done? Is the only reasonable alternative to just get the VZW USB dongle & pay the $60/month for service? Please point me in the right direction, especially if this has already been covered in a prior post.

Thanks!

Posted by: XFF

Yes, you need to get the proper tethering feature if you want to use the device that way.

Anything else is not to be discussed here.

Posted by: Moderator HF 9

The only legal way is to pay the $60.00 per month for tethering. Threads Merged

Posted by: bassballboy

What is verizon currently charging for tethering with a regular ev-do phone, say a razr?

Can you get a deal if you get vcast or anything?

Posted by: drFUNK

I don't think Verizon officially allows tethering on any non-smartphone.

Posted by: Frank S

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassballboy

What is verizon currently charging for tethering with a regular ev-do phone, say a razr?

Can you get a deal if you get vcast or anything?

$60/mo. And it is fully supported for feature phones as well as smartphones.

-Frank

Posted by: bassballboy

$60? Holy ripoff Batman!

so there isn't any way to get it through say the vpack??

Posted by: dynasty82

no you cant teether with just having a vpack. It requires a teethering feature to be added to your account. Its the same price per month, as if you were to buy a separate broadband card from verizon. Only difference is that you wont have to sign an additional contract

Posted by: SCTelephoneMan

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassballboy

$60? Holy ripoff Batman!

so there isn't any way to get it through say the vpack??

Nope. 5GB of tethering on a Razr is $59.99 additional, same cost and service as an aircard. There are no breaks.

Nice thing is, you can add and remove it anytime and you're prorated, and you don't have to sign up for a new line of service to get it.

Posted by: rjack22

I sometimes tether with my Razr2. As mentioned, it is $60 per month. However what no one has mentioned is that you can add it or remove it whenever you want as it is an feature and not a plan. Verizon will prorate it according to the number of days you had it on your account.

So if you wanted to tether for one week while on vacation for example. You would just call us CS and add the Broadband Access Connect feature. Then at the end of your vacation call CS up again and have them remove the BBAC feature. You will be charged $2.00 per day for the days you had the BBAC feature on your account. So using it for one week would only cost you $14.00.

If you are an "occasional" tetherer, it is not bad. But if you want to use it everyday, then it would amount to $60 a month.

Posted by: hbkh

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjack22

I sometimes tether with my Razr2. As mentioned, it is $60 per month. However what no one has mentioned is that you can add it or remove it whenever you want as it is an feature and not a plan. Verizon will prorate it according to the number of days you had it on your account.

Look one post above yours, second line...

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjack22

So if you wanted to tether for one week while on vacation for example. You would just call us CS and add the Broadband Access Connect feature. Then at the end of your vacation call CS up again and have them remove the BBAC feature. You will be charged $2.00 per day for the days you had the BBAC feature on your account. So using it for one week would only cost you $14.00.

Just remember that your 5 GB is also prorated (which is approx. 170MB/per day).

Posted by: rfriel

i used BBA with VCAST activated for a few months, found paying $15 was to much since BBA was typically 500kb/s, very slow and this is supposed to be high speed?? not worth $15/month, definitely not worth $60, that's a joke. i dont know if verizon could give away their slow BBA. i used the hack for the ENV and got EVDO but it sucked. i wouldn't pay for it.

Posted by: joako

What is the "proper" plan to tether a smartphone to a computer? Is it the $44.95 plan? And for casual usage is there an issue to just use the $29.99 plan with something such as PDANet (even better... a registry hack?)

Sorry for what sounds like basic questions, I don't know much about Verizon but I just want to advise someone on what they need to get. The Verizon site is not clear. In one place (from a Google search) it says you need "BroadBand Access Connect" but if you go to build a plan it says there is "Unlimited Data" plan for $44.95 and then "Email and Web for Smartphone" plan for $29.99. The email and web states in the fine print you can not tether and the unlimited does not state that.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by joako

What is the "proper" plan to tether a smartphone to a computer? Is it the $44.95 plan? And for casual usage is there an issue to just use the $29.99 plan with something such as PDANet (even better... a registry hack?).

The "proper" way is to pay for the tethering option. For the $44.99 feature, it adds another $15 bringing the total to $59.99. For the $29.99 feature, it adds another $30 bringing the total to $59.99.

If you have neither email+web feature, tethering is a standalone $59.99.

If you don't want to use your phone, but instead use a dedicated air card, it is $59.99.

Get the pattern?

Posted by: ok4a56

If you have the $29.99 plan, then tethering is an extra $30.00
IF you have the $44.99 plan, then tethering is an extra $15.00

Posted by: alanh

And if you have a dumbphone, you can tether for... $59.99.

Posted by: Vatothe0

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfriel

i used BBA with VCAST activated for a few months, found paying $15 was to much since BBA was typically 500kb/s, very slow and this is supposed to be high speed?? not worth $15/month, definitely not worth $60, that's a joke. i dont know if verizon could give away their slow BBA. i used the hack for the ENV and got EVDO but it sucked. i wouldn't pay for it.

I would guess your speed was so slow because you weren't paying for (stealing) the service.

With my signal at -95dbm

and

I have had it even faster with better signal.

Posted by: rjack22

I have successfully tethered my laptop to my V9m phone last summer. This summer I have a new laptop and it runs Vista rather than XP that the old one had. That is the only difference.

I have Verizon's Broadband Access Connect plan.

I am using VZAccess Manger to connect. I can make the connection and Verizon tech help verified that I do have a connection. But when I open Internet Explorer (either 7 or 8) the page does not open. The message says the page cannot be displayed. Doesn't mattter what page I try to open.

After much time and help from Verizon tech help, we have determined that it must be something in Vista, such as a security setting or firewall, that is preventing IE from opening the page using VZAccess Manager. As I said, this didn't happen last summer when I was running XP. But I don't know what to look for or what to try doing to get IE to open the page. I think Vista must not recognize Verizon as a valid internet provider or something and prevents IE from opening any page.

I can open and use IE at home with my wireless home Internet provider. It just seems to have a problem with Verizon's service. It must be a settings issue.

So...does anyone know where I should start to correct this problem? There surely is a solution, I just don't know what it is. I have no clue where to even begin. HELP!

Posted by: veriztd

Have you tried an alternate nternet application such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome? It could be that Microsoft IE is the weakest link.

Posted by: Armchair

Maybe hung up on a static ip ? Maybe virus / registry problem, (CCleaner, Spybot, AVG)

Posted by: hometheaterman

With Alltel you could use your phone to tether to your computer so you could have high speed internet on your computer for the price of the tethering package. Can you do this with Verizon or will they not allow it? Do you have to get a data card or is there another option?

Posted by: WaltA

You can do it, but together, it ends up costing ya.

For example, the $30 email+web data plan + $30 tethering = $60.
The $45 business email+web data plan + $15 tether = $60.
Tethering alone = $60.

Posted by: ushneb

I thought tethering was just $15 more regardless the type data plan you had? Am I remembering wrong?

Posted by: taoman54

Quote:

Originally Posted by ushneb

I thought tethering was just $15 more regardless the type data plan you had? Am I remembering wrong?

Tethering is $60/month any way you slice it.

Posted by: rocketsilence

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8830/4.5.0.135 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Handset tethering has been reduced to $49 a month. The smartphone bolt on prices remain the same.

Posted by: Moderator HF 9

Threads Mergerd

Posted by: OCGuy

I have the $44.99 data plan for my Omnia and tethering works fine.

Posted by: taoman54

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketsilence

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8830/4.5.0.135 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Handset tethering has been reduced to $49 a month. The smartphone bolt on prices remain the same.

Wow, news to me but you sure are correct.

Quote:

Beginning Sunday, Verizon Wireless customers can add Mobile Broadband Connect for $49.99 with any qualifying voice plan.

Makes me wonder what a "qualifying voice plan" is. For instance, would that include old AC plans?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCGuy

I have the $44.99 data plan for my Omnia and tethering works fine.

Wether it can be made to work or not is somewhat different, but to actually use it on your headset you need the appropriate tethering feature from VZW, which in your case would be an additional $15/month (given that you have the $45 data feature). Now, perhaps at some point someone made a mistake and you actually have the $30/month data feature on your phone and then the $15/month (instead of the $30/month) tethering feature was added incorrectly, which would explain it.

Posted by: pamela80

Verizon would get many more customers if they ditched the 5GB cap.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pamela80

Verizon would get many more customers if they ditched the 5GB cap.

Although I agree, there's also the potential that some out there (on purpose or not) would totally overuse the service and suck up the bandwidth making things slower and spottier for others.

Posted by: db5360

I just signed up for the Mobile Broadband Connect 5GB tethering add on for my BlackBerry.

Is the 5GB limit for tethering separate from whatever data usage I have on my phone?

In other words, if I were to use 5GB of tethering data, would the application downloads and NON-tethered browsing on my phone be considered overage?

Not that I expect to ever get close to 5GB of usage. Just curious.

Posted by: ycartf

I am interested to see the answers to the questions asked by db5360, as I was wondering the same things. I understand you have to pay for the "tethering" plan ($50 now I saw...?) but is there any way for you to keep an eye on whether or not you are approaching the 5GB cap? Like with your monthly minutes dialing #646 and seeing if you're getting close on minutes?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ycartf

I am interested to see the answers to the questions asked by db5360, as I was wondering the same things. I understand you have to pay for the "tethering" plan ($50 now I saw...?) but is there any way for you to keep an eye on whether or not you are approaching the 5GB cap? Like with your monthly minutes dialing #646 and seeing if you're getting close on minutes?

You should be able to use #DATA or the counters on My Verizon (possibly in addition to those on the phone itself).

Posted by: db5360

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

You should be able to use #DATA or the counters on My Verizon (possibly in addition to those on the phone itself).

#DATA is showing "Mobile Broadband Usage" separate from "Data Usage". The "My Verizon" usage details screen is showing the tethered usage as "5GB$.05MB TETHER DATA PLN" and the other usage as "UNLIMITED BLACKBERRY" so I am assuming that the two types are tracked separately.

Interestingly, the usage summary that pops up when I connect in VZAM shows the total of both types of data, which is what prompted my question in the first place.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaltA

You can do it, but together, it ends up costing ya.

For example, the $30 email+web data plan + $30 tethering = $60.
The $45 business email+web data plan + $15 tether = $60.
Tethering alone = $60.

Has there been a change in relation to this all around at some point recently? We know that the tethering on feature phones dropped to $50 not too long ago (although it still doesn't included data for the phone itself, as far as I recall, so you still have to have something like V CAST VPak in addition to cover data used on the phone itself, if you want/need that).

Now, what about PDA and BB phones--are there still $30 and $15 add-ons that are used based on the price of the data feature you have, or has there been a switch to where it's just $15 all around or something like that? I can't say I've seen anything about that, but here and there people mention something like that, which kind of brings up the question.

Posted by: db5360

There appear to still be multiple levels. See http://b2b.vzw.com/productsservices...essconnect.html

I activated the tethering feature (Mobile Broadband Connect) through a pop-up the first time I made a tethered connection. The only option it gave me was $30. My BlackBerry plan is the $30 plan, so the total cost in my situation is $60.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db5360

There appear to still be multiple levels. See http://b2b.vzw.com/productsservices...essconnect.html

I activated the tethering feature (Mobile Broadband Connect) through a pop-up the first time I made a tethered connection. The only option it gave me was $30. My BlackBerry plan is the $30 plan, so the total cost in my situation is $60.

Yeah, it looks like nothing changed so far in relation to PDA/BB tethering. It's also confirmed at http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...319&postcount=8.