This guide will work with the following Blackberry Models:
* BlackBerry 7100/7130 series
* BlackBerry 7250 series
* BlackBerry 7290 series
* BlackBerry 8700/8707 series

Other prerequisites:
* BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 and later
* Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP
* Laptop computer with an Intel 486 or higher processor

Important: Contact your service provider to determine if additional charges are incorporated for Internet traffic when using the BlackBerry wireless device as a tethered modem.

Lets get started:
A BlackBerry wireless device (with tethered modem capability) can be used as an external modem to connect a laptop computer to the Internet. To set up your tethered Blackberry as a modem we will...

1. Install BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 (one time only)
2. Setup the Internet Access Point Name (APN) (one time only)
3. Set up dial-up networking (one time only)
4. Connect the BlackBerry device to BlackBerry Desktop Manager
5. Connect to the Internet using dial-up networking

Note: During the following guide, do not operate the BlackBerry Browser or any third-party applications on the BlackBerry device.


Step 1 - Install BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 on the computer.
When you install 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 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 BlackBerry Desktop Software 4.1 and choose the Repair option to re-install these components.


Step 2 - Set up Internet APN.

1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel.
2. Double-click Phone and Modem Options.
3. From the Modems tab, select Standard Modem, and click Properties.
4. In the Advanced Tab, type the following into the Extra initialization commands field: at+cgdcont=1,"IP","<internetAPN>"

Note: You can determine and enable your Internet APN by contacting your service provider.


Step 3 - Set up dial-up networking

Note: During the set up procedure, enter a user name or password if necessary. Contact your service provider to determine what the user name or password should be. Most GPRS connections do not use a username or password.

Windows XP Operating Systems

1. Go to Start > Settings > Network Connections.
2. Double-click New Connection Wizard. The New Connection Wizard opens.
3. Click Next.
4. Complete one of the following steps:
1. Select the Connect to the Internet option. Click Next.
2. Select Setup my connection manually. Click Next.
3. Select Connect using a dial-up modem. Click Next.
4. In the ISP Name field, type a name for your connection. Click Next.
5. In the Phone number field, type #777. Click Next.
6. Select those users who have access to the connection.
7. Enter the User name and Password provided by your service provider and click Next.
8. Click Finish.

OR
1. Select the Connect to the network at my workplace option. Click Next.
2. Select the Dial-up Connection option. Click Next.
3. In the Company Name field, type a name for your connection. Click Next.
4. In the Phone number field, type #777 and click Next.
5. Select those users who have access to the connection.
6. Click Next, then Finish.

Windows 2000 Operating Systems

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. Verify that only the Standard Modem check box is selected. This is the modem that was created during the desktop software installation.
7. In the Phone number field, type *99# and click Next.
8. Select those users who have access to the connection. Click Next.
9. Name the connection (for example, BlackBerry 7290). Click Finish.


Step 4 - Connect the BlackBerry device to BlackBerry Desktop ManagerConnect the BlackBerry device to the computer and verify that Desktop Manager displays Connected. The device must be identified by Desktop Manager in order for the modem to establish a connection.

Important: The Desktop Manager must be running for the tethered modem to function


Step 5 - Connect using dial-up networking
Important: For this task, contact your service provider for the required user name and password to configure the dial-up networking.

1. Connect the device to the laptop computer.
2. Open Desktop Manager.
3. Click Start > Settings > Network Connections > <name of your new connection>.
4. If you are prompted to enter your Windows user name and password, leave the fields blank and click OK.
5. Click Dial.

When a modem call is active, Modem Mode Enabled appears on the device.

Note: If you encounter a problem while administering this guide you may use our forums for help. However, make sure you BACKUP your device incase of any issues!


Last updated: May 30th 2006