vB Easy Archive - HOWTO: Use BlackBerry As Modem For Laptop

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HOWTO: Use BlackBerry As Modem For Laptop
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Posted by: Mark Rejhon

HOWTO: BlackBerry As Modem For Laptop

Original BlackBerryForums.com Post
(may be newer than this HowardForums post)

SUCCESS: 7100 model (T-Mobile success)
SUCCESS: 7290 model (AT&T success)

Introduction
Did you know that BlackBerry can now be used just like an external modem for a laptop computer, so that a laptop can have full Internet access? This is useful when you need to do certain things that a BlackBerry cannot yet do. Increasing numbers of success reports have caused me to post this message. (Note: Mark Rejhon has not himself yet successfully used a BlackBerry as a modem; I am aggregating information). Sometimes, it is still tricky to set up a BlackBerry as a modem for a laptop, but this feature is becoming more and more common in cellphones, and BlackBerry models are following suit.
Credits
Credit goes to Scoobydoo, bfrye, bollar, VitaminB, jmounts, webtoker, for their contributions.
Supported BlackBerry Models
You must have a BlackBerry model 7100 or a model 7290. At this time, no successes are yet possible on older BlackBerry models, and may not ever be. This may change with a release of BlackBerryOS 4.0, but there are no guarantees.
Supported Carriers
Currently, T-Mobile and AT&T are reported to work. No confirmations for other carriers yet.
Connect Your BlackBerry
Make sure your BlackBerry is connected by USB cable, and your BlackBerry Handheld Manager is running (just launch BlackBerry Desktop to run it.) This is necessary for using the BlackBerry as an external modem.
Modem Driver Install
If you installed a recent version of BlackBerry Desktop that came with a 7100t or 7290, it should include modem drivers and already be automatically installed. In the event you need to manually install them, the modem drivers should be located in this directory:
C:\program files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Modem Drivers

Verify The Modem Driver Is Functioning
Go to Control Panel -> Phone & Modem Options. In the Modems tab, you should see a new Standard Modem on a new port (such as COM6 or COM11). Click Properties -> Diagnostics -> Query Modem. You should see the following:

Quote:

ATQ0V1E0 - OK
AT+GMM - BlackBerry IPmodem
AT+FCLASS=? - OK
AT#CLS=? - OK
AT+GCI? - OK
AT+GCI=? - OK
ATI1 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI2 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI3 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI4 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI5 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI6 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem
ATI7 - Research In Motion / BlackBerry IPmodem

IMPORTANT SPECIAL CONFIGURATION STEP
Click Properties -> Advanced and add only ONE of the following Extra initialization commands with the appropriate carrier-specific APN Setting:

TMOBILE USA Users (tested)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","wap.voicestream.com","",0,0

AT&T Users (tested)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","proxy"

Rogers and Cingular Users (untested)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","blackberry.net"

Cingular Users (untested)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","wap.cingular"

Add A New Internet Connection
Close the Phone and Modem Options and the Control Panel. Create a new connection with Start -> Connect To -> Show all connections -> Create a new connection.

Quote:

1. Click Next
2. Select "Connect To The Internet" then Next
3. Select "Set up my connection manually" then Next
4. Select "Connect using a dial-up modem" then Next.
5. Check only the Standard Modem (if prompted).
6. Give the connection a name such as "BlackBerry Modem", then Next.
7. The phone number is star followed by two nines followed by pound: *99#
8. Click Next.
9. Leave the username and passwords blank.
10. Clear all checkboxes ("Use...when anyone..." and "Make this the default...")
11. Click Finish

Surf On The Laptop!
Connect to the Internet on the laptop by clicking the "BlackBerry Modem" icon via Start Menu->Network Connections. No username or password is needed.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Frequently Asked Questions:

Original BlackBerryForums.com Post
(may be newer than this HowardForums post)

Q: Can I Dial My ISP?
A: No, you cannot and you should not. You should use the existing Internet connection that is built into the BlackBerry, which is accessed by simply dialing *99# .... You can probably access your ISP email normally, regardless, though.

Q: What Data Charges Will I Incur?
A: You can stay connected 24/7 without any airtime charges. It's the amount of data you download that matters. The data charges will come out of your existing BlackBerry plan. If you are on an unlimited data plan, be very careful! For example, Rogers Unlimited has a hidden 25 megabyte softcap on the Unlimited plan. Some carriers are very generous with their unlimited plans; so you may never run into trouble. Other carriers will hit you with extra charges even on an unlimited plan. Surfing through the laptop will no doubt consume data more quickly. Instant message chats do not take much bandwidth, while heavy web surfing will gobble a lot of your data.

Q: Why Use A Laptop?
A: A laptop is still useful for occasional untethered use for things BlackBerry cannot easily do inexpensively for the average user, such as grabbing a forgotten PowerPoint presentation from your home desktop computer via remote control, or running a proprietary application. Chatting via instant messaging is a lot more fun on a regular laptop keyboard if you're parked at a Starbucks or sitting on a 3-hour train trip. You can also write your occasional 2-hour-long supersized email reply by laptop keyboard instead of BlackBerry thumb keyboard. You can easily send Microsoft Office attachments directly from your laptop. Even from hotel while travelling. Some web pages will not load on the BlackBerry itself. Online banking. Etc.

Q: I use ACMEMobility Inc. What Special Config String Do I need In Step 8?
A: In order to create a custom initialization string, you need to read this APN Settings link. For Step 8, replace the "XXX" in this string with the APN listed in the APN Settings document.

Quote:

+cgdcont=1,"IP","XXX","",0,0

If you need to add a username, add it between the two quotes in the empty quotes (last set of quotes).

Q: I use Cingular. It doesn't work!
A: Give your carrier some time. Some carriers are a bit slow at deploying TCP/IP on BlackBerries. Test some Internet applications on your BlackBerry first, such as Verichat. Your carrier needs to support TCP/IP without need for MDS. If other applications such as Verichat or WebMessenger do not yet work on your BlackBerry, you won't be able to use your BlackBerry as a modem for laptop.

Q: I use a BES. Can I use BlackBerryModem through my BES/MDS instead?
A: There is likely a special initialization string needed in order to do this. At this time, this special initialization string is unknown. Please feel free to experiment...

Q: Where Did This Information Come From
A: This is a listing of all known original posts:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2266
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1092
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=124

Posted by: d123456

Thankyou very much, one more reason to get the 7290, now cingular has to fix their side of the equation.

.

Posted by: crimp

I don't have the modem drivers. Anyone know where I could find them. I would like to try this with my 7280.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

This won't work with a 7280. I have a 7280 and can confirm that it does not work. You must have a 7290.

There may be chances that future upgrades to the 7280 may make it modem-capable. But I doubt RIM wants to do it.

Posted by: hillstrubl

I've tested it on my 7100t and it works great, thanks for the tip!

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Good news. There is possibly a modem for 7280 after all. Multiple sources have now confirmed that older RIM devices are modem-capable. It's 100% software.

Hopefully they will release this as part of BlackBerryOS 4.0 .... However, I am not holding my breath. I am crossing my fingers though.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

Mark,

I'm trying to connect my desktop to work through my 7100T. I went through all of the setup twice and had the same problem. There was an error message that when I dialed, it could not locate my modem. I noticed when I added a new internet connection (Standard Modem) and then verified the modem is functioning, it did not display query string as you posted above. Do I need to add them manually, or what? I have the most up to date desktop manager and version 128 on my 7100T.

Thanks

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Try deleting the modem and then getting the modem re-detected again.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

I've tried 3 times, I the modem is not recognized. Any suggestions

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Are you using the BlackBerry Desktop that came with your 7100t, or did you upgrade the BlackBerry Desktop to 4.0.0.30? Other people reported it stopped working when they did that.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark Rejhon
Are you using the BlackBerry Desktop that came with your 7100t, or did you upgrade the BlackBerry Desktop to 4.0.0.30? Other people reported it stopped working when they did that.

I'm using Desktop version 3.6.3.10. I think that the problem is that the Modem Drivers (query) is not properly programed. Would you know how to change the string?

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

Is there any problem using my desktop that already has a DSL line. I'm trying to have a backup if my DSL fails.

Posted by: xxhiyanxx

not sure if i missed this.. is there a way to tether using the bluetooth?

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

AgouraCAGuy,
Yes, you can use BlackBerryModem with a desktop. Be careful of data charges! It's not unlimited even if you have an unlimited plan.

xxhiyanxx,
No, there is no way to do so.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

Mark,

When I add a standard modem, there are no modem strings when I ask it to query. I don't know what I'm missing, but I can't set it up properly.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

I have made an updated BlackBerryModem FAQ:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=13689

This may answer your question, since I heard some people upgrading BlackBerryOS/Desktop can lose modem functionality (i.e. 4.0.0.23 Desktop supports modem, 4.0.0.30 does not, etc). There's also the need to make sure Blackberry Handheld Manager is running. And that some people who upgraded/downgraded between BlackBerryOS 3.8.0.112/3.8.0.128 managed to solve their problems.

I noticed from other people, that BlackBerry Modem seems very picky about which version of BlackBerryOS and what version of Desktop you are using.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

I'm aware of this post and consulted it. My problem is with #7. I don't get com 6 or 11. I also don't get anything when I query. I gone through your list exactly many times and can't figure out why its not working.

My best guess is that the computer is not seeing my BB, and therefore is not able use it.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

If you are using Desktop 4.0.0.30, try downgrading BlackBerry Desktop to 4.0.0.23 -- that usually fixes the problem for 4.0.0.30 users.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

I'm using 3.6.3.10 from T-Mobile. Where do you get the 4.0 version, and would it be a problem running it with T-Mobile and/or version 128?

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

To all you successful BlackBerryModem users, I am conducting a mini-survey:

Successful BlackBerry Modem Users: What Version R U Using?

Posted by: WetSpot

Has anyone tried this with Nextel's 7510?

Posted by: mnederlof

I followed the howto to the letter--got on first time, with 3.6.3.10 desktop software, out of the box from T-mobile. This rocks! Thanks to all who put this together. Now I've got a backup to hotspots in Europe (albeit it probably won't be cheap!!)

M

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Great to know! Can you answer this survey, so that I can collect info to improve the FAQ:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=15383

If you are trying or using BlackBerry as a Modem for Laptop, I would like to know the following details. I need to collect information because some people are finding success, and some people are having difficulties. To keep my information accurate and users less frustrated, I have found it necessary to conduct a mini-survey.

On your BlackBerry Handheld, go to Options -> About to get the BlackBerryOS version. In your BlackBerry Desktop, go to Help -> About for Blackberry Desktop Version.

Blackberry Model: ?
Carrier: ?
BlackBerryOS Version: ?
BlackBerry Desktop Version: ?
Successful: YES/NO

You can answer on this forum, if you prefer.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

7100T

windows 2000K

Mark,

I think the problem may be with Windows 2k. I failed with my try and I see that the other fail was also with win 2k

Posted by: mike_in_nyc2000

I got mine to work on AT&T. DOes anyone know if there are charges to use this under the unlimited blackberry plan?

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Yes, AT&T charges something like almost half a cent per kilobyte for modem data over AT&T. I am not sure of the exact mount, but it was somewhere under that.

If you want unlimited modem, you need an unlimited data plan on top of your BlackBerry unlimited plan. (This varies from carrier to carrier.)

Posted by: ajmaravilla

I was able to configure my 7100t to work as a modem with my laptop. The laptop is able to connect to the modem successfully, however I am unable to browse. Every time I try to open a web page, I receive a page not found error. I am able to browse on the phone without a problem. Is there some other setting I am missing on my phone or on my computer?

Thanks!

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

I added a new Step 10 to the BlackBerryForums.com version of the BlackBerryModem FAQ. (Disable "IP Header Compression") This might solve your problem.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

Mark,

Thank you for your help!!!! I think step 10 did the trick. I'm now able to connect using my BB as a modem. This will serve as my backup in case my DSL goes down.

Thanks again!!!!

Posted by: ajmaravilla

Hmm...unfortunately this did not work for me...I am still having trouble getting a web page.

Posted by: gregr1

I get conneted and rcv an IP addr. and a DNS server addr. but I cannot ping it nore access any other address via html or ping. I see the BB's sending arrow flashing on it's display but no rcv. arrow. I can hower browse fine from the from the BB itself.
I'm connected to Rogers.
My desktop Mgr is ver. 3.6.3.10
PPP gets connected.
APN is configured.
I removed the modem and re-added it.
Modem query responds correctly.

Any ideas what to try?

thanks!

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

I have the 19.95 bb data plan with T-Mobile. When I'm using my BB as an external modem, I don't have full access to all website functions. Is there a way to get full access, such as upgrading to the 29.99 plan?

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Fixes:

Disable IP Header Compression
Make sure TCP/IP Properties (Advanced) "Use IP Header Compression" checkbox is NOT checked. To verify this, do these steps:Quote:
1. Start Menu->Network Connections->"BlackBerry Modem"
2. Click Properties Button
3. Click Networking Tab
4. Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)"
5. Click Properties Button
6. Click Advanced... Button
7. Disable "Use IP header compression" checkbox
8. Click all OK buttons to close all dialogs

Your carrier may have APN disabled for your phone.
You may need to give them a phone call and ask them to add the "wap.voicestream.com" Access Point Name (APN) to your phone number for Internet access on your cellphone. Please look up the APN Settings and then call your carrier and tell them the APN you want added for Internet access on your cellphone. If they don't know what you are talking about, ask to be escalated to Level 2 or ask them to transfer to another customer service representative that knows what the three-letter acronym APN stands for.

Posted by: AgouraCAGuy

Mark,

That was the fix!!! Again, much thanks. Your help is invaluable.

Posted by: gregr1

Well I had the compression turned off already. I ended up needing to use a different APN than the one in the FAQ. I changed it to "internet.com" and now it works.

(typing this in over the connection)

Thanks for the help!

Posted by: gregr1

Well I had the compression turned off already. I ended up needing to use a different APN than the one in the FAQ. I changed it to "internet.com" and now it works.

(typing this in over the connection)

Thanks for the help!

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Thanks for the correction! I'll fix my BlackBerryModem FAQ.

Also, good news! BlackBerry Modem may work for a Cingular 7290! When connecting to the Internet, you need a username and password whenever you start the "BlackBerry Modem" connection:

Username: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
Password: CINGULAR1

The Internet login username and password are both in uppercase.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Moderators.... Updated instructions below... Please replace the original article with these updated instructions.

This HOWTO is popular on this forum. There has been SO MANY UPDATES AND ADDITIONS -- that I have decided to copy and paste more recent version of this howto.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

HOWTO: BlackBerry As Modem For Laptop

Original BlackBerryForums.com Post
(may be newer than this HowardForums post)

SUCCESSFUL CARRIERS: T-Mobile, AT&T, Vodafone, Rogers
SUCCESSFUL MODELS: 7100 and 7290
SHOULD BE SUCCESSFUL, BUT UNTESTED: Cingular 7290 (need custom username/password)
SHOULD BE SUCCESSFUL, BUT UNTESTED: Nextel 7520 (need to dial S=2 instead of *99#)

Introduction
Did you know that BlackBerry can now be used just like an external modem for a laptop computer, so that a laptop can have full Internet access? This is useful when you need to do certain things that a BlackBerry cannot yet do. Increasing numbers of success reports have caused me to post this message. (Note: Mark Rejhon has not himself yet successfully used a BlackBerry as a modem; I am aggregating information). Sometimes, it is still tricky to set up a BlackBerry as a modem for a laptop, but this feature is becoming more and more common in cellphones, and BlackBerry models are following suit.
Credits
Credit goes to Scoobydoo, bfrye, bollar, VitaminB, jmounts, webtoker, for their contributions.
Supported BlackBerry Models
You must have a BlackBerry model 7100 or a model 7290, or a Nextel 7520. At this time, no successes are yet possible on older BlackBerry models, and may not ever be. This may change with a release of BlackBerryOS 4.0, but there are no guarantees.
Supported Carriers
Currently, T-Mobile, Rogers, AT&T, and Vodafone UK are reported to work. No confirmations for other carriers yet.
Connect Your BlackBerry
Make sure your BlackBerry is connected by USB cable, and your BlackBerry Handheld Manager is running (just launch BlackBerry Desktop to run it.) This is necessary for using the BlackBerry as an external modem. You cannot use BlackBerry as a modem unless you have BlackBerry Handheld Manager running in the background!
Modem Driver Install
If you installed a recent version of BlackBerry Desktop that came with a 7100t or 7290, it should include modem drivers and already be automatically installed. In the event you need to manually install them, the modem drivers should be located in this directory:
C:\program files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Modem Drivers

Quote:

IMPORTANT SPECIAL CONFIGURATION STEP
Click Properties -> Advanced and add only ONE of the following Extra initialization commands with the appropriate carrier-specific APN Setting:

TMOBILE USA Users (Success!)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","wap.voicestream.com","",0,0

AT&T Users (Success!)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","proxy"

Rogers Users (Success!)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","internet.com"

Cingular Users (untested)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","wap.cingular"

UK Vodafone Users (Success!)
+cgdcont=1,"IP","internet"

Nextel/Telus iDEN Users (untested)
(blank - not needed)[/quote]

Add A New Internet Connection
Close the Phone and Modem Options and the Control Panel. Create a new connection with Start -> Connect To -> Show all connections -> Create a new connection.

Quote:

1. Click Next
2. Select "Connect To The Internet" then Next
3. Select "Set up my connection manually" then Next
4. Select "Connect using a dial-up modem" then Next.
5. Check only the Standard Modem (if prompted).
6. Give the connection a name such as "BlackBerry Modem", then Next.
7. The phone number is star followed by two nines followed by pound: *99# (except Nextel/iDEN*)
8. Click Next.
9. Both username and passwords are usually blank, except for Cingular**
10. Clear all checkboxes ("Use...when anyone..." and "Make this the default...")
11. Click Finish

*Step 7 Note: If you are on Nextel, use phone number string S=2 instead of *99#
**Step 9 Note: If you are on Cingular, you need username WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM and password CINGULAR1.

Disable IP Header Compression
Make sure TCP/IP Properties (Advanced) "Use IP Header Compression" checkbox is NOT checked. To verify this, do these steps:

Quote:

1. Start Menu->Network Connections->"BlackBerry Modem"
2. Click Properties Button
3. Click Networking Tab
4. Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)"
5. Click Properties Button
6. Click Advanced... Button
7. Disable "Use IP header compression" checkbox
8. Click all OK buttons to close all dialogs

BES Configuration
Skip this step if you are not on BES. You only need to follow this step if your company gave the BlackBerry to you. If you are at a company and you are on a BES 4.0, your Administrator must enable the "BlackBerry IPModem" setting on the BES. This is a new setting in the Version 4.0 of BES.
Surf On The Laptop!
Connect to the Internet on the laptop by clicking the "BlackBerry Modem" icon via Start Menu->Network Connections. No username or password is needed.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Frequently Asked Questions:

Original BlackBerryForums.com Post
(may be newer than this HowardForums post)

Q: Can I Dial My ISP?
A: No, you cannot and you should not. You should use the existing Internet connection that is built into the BlackBerry, which is accessed by simply dialing *99# .... You can probably access your ISP email normally, regardless, though.

Q: Will It Cost Money To Stay Connected?
A: You can stay connected 24/7 without any airtime charges. It's the amount of data you download that matters. BlackBerry is always-on and it costs nothing to simply idle in a connected manner, if you're not running any software. Make sure Windows Updates are disabled for dialup connections, as you don't want Windows to gobble up bandwidth.

Q: What Data Download Charges Will I Incur?
For some carriers such as Rogers, the data charges will come out of the same existing BlackBerry plan that is used for email and web browsing. If you are on an unlimited data plan, be very careful! For example, Rogers Unlimited has a hidden 25 megabyte softcap on the Unlimited plan. AT&T charges separately for data. Some carriers are very generous with their unlimited plans; so you may never run into trouble. T-Mobile charges $29.99 extra for truly unlimited data. Other carriers may charge more (up to $150 for unlimited data). Other carriers will hit you with extra charges even on an unlimited plan. Surfing through the laptop will no doubt consume data more quickly. Instant message chats do not take much bandwidth, while heavy web surfing will gobble a lot of your data.

Q: Why Use A Laptop?
A: A laptop is still useful for occasional untethered use for things BlackBerry cannot easily do inexpensively for the average user, such as grabbing a forgotten PowerPoint presentation from your home desktop computer via remote control, or running a proprietary application. Chatting via instant messaging is a lot more fun on a regular laptop keyboard if you're parked at a Starbucks or sitting on a 3-hour train trip. You can also write your occasional 2-hour-long supersized email reply by laptop keyboard instead of BlackBerry thumb keyboard. You can easily send Microsoft Office attachments directly from your laptop. Even from hotel while travelling. Some web pages will not load on the BlackBerry itself. Online banking. Etc.

Q: I use ACMEMobility Inc. What Special Config String Do I need In Step 8?
A: In order to create a custom initialization string, you need to read this APN Settings link. For Step 8, replace the "XXX" in this string with the APN listed in the APN Settings document.

Quote:

+cgdcont=1,"IP","XXX","",0,0

If an APN username or password is required, you can enter them when you start the "BlackBerry Modem" connection from Start Menu->Network Connections.

Q: I use Cingular. It doesn't work!
A: Rumors persist that it works if you enter the proper APN username and APN password as follows, in all uppercase, when you start the "BlackBerry Modem" connection when using Cingular:
Username: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
Password: CINGULAR1

Q: I tried that on Cingular. It still doesn't work!
Cingular usually blocks almost all ports on their access point. Some carriers are a bit slow at deploying TCP/IP on BlackBerries. Test some non-web Internet applications on your BlackBerry first, such as Verichat. Your carrier needs to support TCP/IP without need for MDS. If other applications such as Verichat or WebMessenger do not yet work on your BlackBerry, you likely won't be able to use your BlackBerry as a modem for laptop. Call cingular and insist that "wap.cingular" Internet Access Point name gets added to your BlackBerry on top of "blackberry.net"

Q: I use Vodafone, which is supposed to work. It doesn't!
A: Your carrier may have APN disabled for your phone. You may need to give them a phone call and ask them to add the Access Point Name (APN) to your phone number for Internet access on your cellphone. Please look up the APN Settings and then call your carrier and tell them the APN you want added for Internet access on your cellphone. If they don't know what you are talking about, ask to be escalated to Level 2 or ask them to transfer to another customer service representative that knows what the three-letter acronym APN stands for.

Q: Why is web browsing the only thing I can do? Nothing else works, not even MSN, ICQ, telnet, FTP.
A: This is carrier-dependant. Some people can use telnet and FTP over BlackBerryModem just fine. However, you cannot do so with certian carriers. For example, Cingular blocks all ports on their APN except for port 80, which prevents you from doing anything except web browsing.

Q: Does T-Mobile block any ports?
A: The answer appears to be no. Huge number of successful T-Mobile users have confirmed that all ports are working, including web, email, FTP, telnet, etc. It is also believed that Rogers and Vodafone do not block any ports either.

Q: What is the download performance of the BlackBerry modem?
A: For GPRS BlackBerries such as 7290, speeds go up to about 5 to 5.5 kilobytes per second in good coverage areas. Most of the time, downloads range between 1 and 4 kilobytes per second. The experience should be similiar to a 56k dial-up modem. Be noted, pings are fairly high at >500ms, so BlackBerry Modem is not usually suitable for fast-paced online videogames.

Q: I use a BES. Can I use BlackBerryModem through my BES/MDS instead?
A: There is likely a special initialization string needed in order to do this. At this time, this special initialization string is unknown. Please feel free to experiment...

Q: I use a BlackBerry 7510 or 7280. Can I use BlackBerryModem?
A: At this moment in time, no. Only the 7100 series and 7290 works with BlackBerryModem at this time. An upgrade is not yet available by RIM to permit older BlackBerries to allow them to be used as modems. This upgrade may or may not become possible in the future - there is no confirmation.

Q: Who Succeeded With BlackBerry Modem?
A: There is a list of success reports found in this thread, as well as another thread that lists successful system configurations:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2463

Q: BlackBerry Modem still doesn't work for me!
A: ....Older BlackBerries that were designed before October do not have any handheld-side modem drivers available at this time, are you sure you are using a 7100, 7290, 7520, or newer BlackBerry?
...If you are getting no modem initialization at all, remove your Windows-side modem drivers and let them be detected again.
...Use only the Desktop that came on the CDROM included with a BlackBerry 7100 or 7290. If not, try downloading BlackBerry Desktop 4.0 only if you did not get a disc.
...Also, disable IP header compression in the new Step 10 added to this post.
...Test other software such as Verichat on your BlackBerry to make sure they work, before trying BlackBerry Modem.
...Finally, if your company is using a BES (4.0 or later), make sure they have the "BlackBerry IPModem" setting turned on.
...Try telephoning your carrier to get the Access Point Name added (See this list of APN by carrier), even T-Mobile sometimes forgets to add "wap.voicestream.com" to your BlackBerry. A phone call may be necessary before BlackBerry Modem works!

Q: Where Did This Information Come From?
A: This is a listing of all known original posts:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2266
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1092
http://www.blackberryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=124

Posted by: Vigile

I'm still trying to get this to work on my 7100 with Tmobile.

I followed the steps, all the way through step 10, and I can connect via the BB7100 -- but the problems is I can't get anywhere.

When I attempt to PING a site, it resolves the DNS (gets the correct IP) but all the PINGs time out. Similarly, I can't get anywere in a browser, as it always times out and reports page not found.

I just got off the phone with Tmobile (yep, on Christmas) and the lady was fairly knowledgable. She told me i already had wap.voicestream.com on BB other wise I wouldn't be able to connect to any webpages on the BB itself. And, when I go into Settings -> Options -> Service Books, I do have the T-Mobile USA WAP Transport there with a check mark. It lists the gateway as wap.voicestream.com.

What she told was that to use the BB as a modem, I would have to add internet2.voicestream.com to my account, the same service that the AirCard's use for their Internet access, but that it probably wouldn't be compatible with the WAP and may keep from accessing internet on the BB itself. She also told me that port 80 wasn't open on the WAP.voicestream.com and that was probably why I couldn't get any webpages when connected through it.

THat is confusing, because of all the other people that have had success with using wap.voicestream.com. What could be the problem?

Posted by: mpedersen

Vigile,

It is simple, T-mobile has blocked wap.voicestream.com for BB users paying $20 because $5 Tzones users were exploiting the system. I bought T-mobile thinking I would be able to use MSN messenger through verichat and the REQ WebViewer, but my surprise was when it didn't work.

Call T-Mobile, ask them to escalate to a supervisor because you want to file a complaint. If the say it is not necessary, ask them to put a dissatisfaction note through to the complaint dept. I was able to do that after talking to Roger from the Advanced Data dept.

Also them them to include the following website on the note

marky.com/tmobile

You might want also to view thread
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...threadid=521790
for more info

Cheers,
MOP

Posted by: Vigile

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 7100t: BlackBerry7100/3.8.0)

Quote:

Originally posted by mpedersen
Vigile,

It is simple, T-mobile has blocked wap.voicestream.com for BB users paying $20 because $5 Tzones users were exploiting the system. I bought T-mobile thinking I would be able to use MSN messenger through verichat and the REQ WebViewer, but my surprise was when it didn't work.

Call T-Mobile, ask them to escalate to a supervisor because you want to file a complaint. If the say it is not necessary, ask them to put a dissatisfaction note through to the complaint dept. I was able to do that after talking to Roger from the Advanced Data dept.

Also them them to include the following website on the note

marky.com/tmobile

You might want also to view thread
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...threadid=521790
for more info

Cheers,
MOP

Thanks after you did that did they enable support for that on your phone?

Posted by: mpedersen

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry7100/3.8.0)

No!this will be a bigger fight than you think.we are hoping that our effort won't be in vain and that they change their policy.make sure to key them know about it

Posted by: Vigile

Well how come some people confirm it working if we can't?

Posted by: Vortec4800

I have the 7100t with TMobile and I get as far as "Registering your computer on the network..." and then it craps out. It gives me the error message "Error 734: The PPP link control protocol was terminated." After it sits at the registering dialog for a while.

Is this from TMobile blocking wap.voicestream.com or is this something else? I read elsewhere that they fixed the problem with the people who paid for it, so I'm hoping this is just another easy fix.

Posted by: mmarcuse

I get that on Tmobile when I use internet2.com as my APN in the modem properties. When I use wap.voicestream.com, it will connect fine but then I can't do anything with the connection. Although I may have those switched...

Quote:

Originally posted by Vortec4800
I have the 7100t with TMobile and I get as far as "Registering your computer on the network..." and then it craps out. It gives me the error message "Error 734: The PPP link control protocol was terminated." After it sits at the registering dialog for a while.

Is this from TMobile blocking wap.voicestream.com or is this something else? I read elsewhere that they fixed the problem with the people who paid for it, so I'm hoping this is just another easy fix.

Posted by: Vortec4800

Quote:

Originally posted by mmarcuse
I get that on Tmobile when I use internet2.com as my APN in the modem properties. When I use wap.voicestream.com, it will connect fine but then I can't do anything with the connection. Although I may have those switched...

Interesting, does anybody know what causes this message?

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

T-Mobile blocked ports:
http://www.marky.com/tmobile/

But they seem to be unblocking the ports again (so I heard)

Posted by: nrg

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark Rejhon
If you are using Desktop 4.0.0.30, try downgrading BlackBerry Desktop to 4.0.0.23 -- that usually fixes the problem for 4.0.0.30 users.

Do you know where i can still download 4.0.0.23? All the sites i've been at only have the newer 4.0.0.30 version.

Thanks

Posted by: xkon

anyone had any success getting this running on a mac? I need to find a way!

Posted by: nemesis519

Any one get a 7510 to work with Nextel?

I looked for the modem drivers, but none are in the RIM directory.

I called nextel and they said my BB doesn't support this feature.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Posted by: Gaunt911

Quote:

Originally posted by AgouraCAGuy
I'm using Desktop version 3.6.3.10. I think that the problem is that the Modem Drivers (query) is not properly programed. Would you know how to change the string?

just google search init string Windows XP (or whichever Win you use).

Posted by: trumainez

have anyone got it to work for Nextel 7520 yet?

Posted by: donald_s

The Blackberry models offerred by T-Mobile are the 6230, 7230 and 7730. I don't see any of those listed succesful or not in your list.

Donald

Posted by: hillstrubl

Quote:

Originally posted by donald_s
The Blackberry models offerred by T-Mobile are the 6230, 7230 and 7730. I don't see any of those listed succesful or not in your list.

Donald

the 6230 isnt offered anymore (although there is some old stock on our website still)

now we offer the 7230, 7730, 7100t and the 7290

Posted by: NJBlackBerry

Quote:

Originally posted by donald_s
The Blackberry models offerred by T-Mobile are the 6230, 7230 and 7730. I don't see any of those listed succesful or not in your list.

Donald

An exact copy from the FAQ:

At this moment in time, no. Only the 7100 series and 7290 works with BlackBerryModem at this time. An upgrade is not yet available by RIM to permit older BlackBerries to allow them to be used as modems. This upgrade may or may not become possible in the future - there is no confirmation. As of now, that statement has not changed.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

A newer version of this BlackBerry Modem FAQ is available here:
www.BerryFAQ.com

Posted by: Richard Stuart

I tested this with my 7100, and it worked fine for me.

Richard

Posted by: kgdg

I did notice that in my Options-> TCP section, there is nothing filled out.
SHould I call Tmobile to have them add the wap.voicestream.com added as per the faq...?

I have the exact same problem as mmarcuse posts below:

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Vortec4800
I have the 7100t with TMobile and I get as far as "Registering your computer on the network..." and then it craps out. It gives me the error message "Error 734: The PPP link control protocol was terminated." After it sits at the registering dialog for a while.

Is this from TMobile blocking wap.voicestream.com or is this something else? I read elsewhere that they fixed the problem with the people who paid for it, so I'm hoping this is just another easy fix.

Posted by: mvalpreda

I don't get a modem listed after I upgraded to 4.0.