How to tether a Blackberry on Vodafone to your laptop.

[el_benno]

Use your Blackberry on Vodafone as a modem for your laptop.
Lets you connect to the internet for free if you have the unlimited Blackberry internet option on your tariff..

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A BlackBerry device (with tethered modem capability) can be used as an external modem to connect a computer or laptop computer to the Internet.
Summary of Tasks
To set up a tethered modem, complete the following tasks:
1. Install BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 or later (one time only).
2. Set up the Internet Access Point Name (APN) (one time only).
3. Configure dial-up networking (one time only).
4. Connect the BlackBerry device to BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
5. Connect to the Internet using dial-up networking.

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Task 1
Install BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 or later on the computer.
When you install BlackBerry Desktop Software, the drivers that enable the BlackBerry device to communicate through the USB port and virtual COM port are installed. The Standard Modem, which is used by dial-up networking, is also installed.
Note: If you are upgrading your BlackBerry Desktop Software from version 4.0 to 4.1, the required Virtual COM Port and Standard Modem might be removed during the upgrade process. If this is the case, re-install the BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 or later and choose the Repair option to re-install these components.

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Task 2
Set up Internet APN.
1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Phone and Modem Options.
3. In the Phone and Modem Options window, click the Modems tab.
4. Select Standard Modem and click Properties.
5. In the Standard Modem Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
6. In the Extra initialization commands field, type the following:
+cgdcont=1,"IP","internet"
Note: If you do not know your Internet APN, or if you do not have an Internet APN, contact your service provider.
7. Click OK.
8. In the Phone and Modem Options window, click OK.

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Task 3
To configure dial-up networking, complete the procedure that corresponds with the operating system you are using.
Windows XP Operating System
1. Go to Start > Settings > Network Connections.
2. Double-click New Connection Wizard. The New Connection Wizard opens.
3. Click Next.
4. Select the Connect to the Internet option. Click Next.
5. Select Set up my connection manually. Click Next.
6. Select Connect using a dial-up modem. Click Next.
7. If the Select a Device screen appears, select the Modem - Standard Modem check box. Click Next.
8. In the ISP Name field, type a name for your connection. Click Next.
9. In the Phone number field, type *99#. Click Next.
10. Type the user name and password provided by your service provider. Click Next.
11. Click Finish.
12. In the Connect window, click Properties.
13. In the Properties window, verify that Modem - Standard Modem appears beneath the Connect using heading, then click Configure.
14. In the Modem Configuration window, clear the Enable hardware flow control check box and make sure none of the other check boxes are selected. Click OK. In the Properties window, click OK.
Windows 2000 Operating System
1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Network and Dial-up Connections.
3. Double-click Make New Connection. The Network Connection Wizard opens.
4. Click Next.
5. Choose Dial-up to private network. Click Next.
6. In the Phone number field, type *99#. Click Next.
7. Indicate which users will have access to the connection. Click Next.
8. Type a name for your connection. Click Finish.
9. In the Connect window, click Properties.
10. In the Properties window, verify that Modem - Standard Modem is selected, then click Configure.
11. In the Modem Configuration window, clear the Enable hardware flow control check box and make sure none of the other check boxes are selected. Click OK.
12. In the Properties window, click OK.

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Task 4
Connect the BlackBerry device to the computer and verify that BlackBerry Desktop Manager displays Connected. The BlackBerry device must be identified by BlackBerry Desktop Manager in order for the modem to establish a connection.
Important: BlackBerry Desktop Manager must be running for the tethered modem to function.
Note: If Microsoft Outlook® is not operating in cache mode, you might receive a message indicating that BlackBerry Desktop Manager cannot contact the messaging server. If this message appears, click Cancel to proceed.

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Task 5
Connect to the Internet using dial-up networking.
Note: During this procedure, do not operate the BlackBerry Browser or any third-party applications on the BlackBerry device. An active data session may interfere with the modem connection. Also, make sure an ethernet connection is not active at the same time.
1. Connect the BlackBerry device to the computer.
2. Open BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
3. Click Start > Settings > Network Connections > <name of your new connection>.
4. Type the user name and password provided by your service provider.
5. Click Dial.


The APN is "internet" and the username and password is "web"

[Vodadrew]

Just to add some additional information to el benno's instructions about pricing on our consumer price plans:

You can tether the Blackberry to your laptop and have unlimited internet use (subject to a 500MB fair use policy) if you have Vodafone Mobile Internet either included in your price plan or as an added extra. If you are on one of our older price plans and only have unlimited Blackberry then you will be charged for your internet use on your laptop. You will be billed on a daily rate where you pay £1 for the first half megabyte then the rest of your data that day is free (subject to 15MB daily fair use policy).

You can buy our Mobile Internet pack to give you unlimited internet use (subject to the 500MB fair use policy) for either £7.50 or £5.00 a month. The difference between the two packs is you can add and remove the £7.50 one at any time, whereas if you add the £5.00 pack you have to keep this for your minimum contract term.

Also remember that any usage abroad is not included and is charged at £4.99 per megabyte.

To add the data pack or to check if you have Vodafone Mobile Internet included in your price plan call us on 08700 700 191. You can also get the £7.50 pack by texting WEBPACK to 97613.

Vodadrew
Vodafone UK

[el_benno]

So its not unlimited if you are subject to the 500mb fair usage policy then....

[m15hun]

It's a sketch that one, according to Skodafone they reckon 500mb is 'unlimited' in mobile internet terms, although even mobile specific pages are increasing in size these days.

[andrewtravel]

Why is internet providers are able to redefine words like this

[merlin7777777]

Thanks for this. I'm on back in hosp recovering from surgery. Hands are clumsy so anxious to tether my storm 2 to my laptop. Please could you give me directions for vista as I'm having trouble. E.g phone and modem options/standard modem /extra initialization commands already has +cdgcont=1,"IP".pp.Vodafone.co.UK" and its greyed out so I can't find a way to change it. Any help gratefuuly received. Apols for poor typing!