First off,
I FRICKIN' LOVE THIS SOFTWARE! IT R0X0RZ MY B0X0RZ!
Secondly,
Is it possible for the carrier to detect if we are using this and charge based on that? I'm with Telus mobility and they charge $8/MB, and they don't offer a tethering plan for their phones; they force you to buy a $120 adapter and pay $75 a month for only 1GB of bandwidth.
As you can amagine, it would be DEADLY if this were charged!
Has there been any incidents where users of this software got charged by their carrier ?
I downloaded a free program from e-office (the program may go pay at some point) called Mobile Data Alerter and programmed it to track my data usage. I can now see how much data I am consuming. I customized by Firefox browser to be low data usage and use either Chrome or IE for everything else. I installed the free plug-ins for Firefox to block flash (you get an icon where the flash should be that you can click on if you want to play it) and to block adds.
I haven't stopped what I want to do, but I decided that these were things I could. Look at your own bandwith and ask yourself -- "If I were a customer service rep, would I believe this could have been done on a Blackberry?"
I recently got bill from Telus charging me about cad$600, cad$400 charged with description on mobile high speed internet. And cad$200 on US data roaming charge.
I use tethering since early July but not with tetherberry software instead with my own setup... that I learnt it from internet blog... (as instructed username I use my cell phone number, and password I use my phone's ECN as embossed inside the battery compartment). I have no problem in my July billing. So I continue to use it and thought it's ok as I have an unlimited data plan with telus on my BB cell phone.
I tried to appeal, they replied that the unlimited data plan is only allowed to use on my phone not on pc/laptop. So, be careful and don't think they don't know and won't charge.
However, I don't know if tetherberry software here can bypass Telus or Rogers, or Fido or other carriers' detection???
If anyone with Canadian Carriers are either with Telus, Rogers, or Fido and have been using tetherberry for a while and with no extra charge please let me know.
My many thanks
We're a Canadian company and have phones with all Canadian carriers. So far we have not seen any charges, with our unlimited data plans.
Currently with my blackberry, I'm downloading 2-3GB per month - that's without TetherBerry running. (I get a lot of audio & video podcasts).
I've been doing this for 6 months and haven't heard even the slightest peep from Telus. It's time to add TetherBerry to the mix and see what happens - but if my Telus details only show 'rim.telusmobility.com' in the data usage details section, I'll assume we're safe. (it shows '1x.telusmobility.com' when tethered directly).
I'll let you know what shows up on my next bill with telus - I've used shark modem and it doesn't show anything, so here's hoping :p
Hi, then how's your bill? Is it nothing happen on your bills?
thks
I have put 4GB through my BB last Month. I confirmed with the Verizon Store guy that sold me my Tour, Unlimited means UNLIMITED. Some carriers have a 5GB limit (even though they call it unlimted). It takes ALOT to get 4GB of traffic. I use it for work and am constantly on exchange servers and outlook and VPN. Not to mention Pandora eats it up good too. I am looking for some tweaks to speed it up a little bit. I can get 1300 down and about 500 up, sometimes it goes higher but for what it is... It is great. I have turned off Time Warner totally.
According to everything I have read this is not true. Unlimited up to 5GB is all over my contract with Verizon. This includes my Blackberry data plan. Please put a link from the Verizon website stating that unlimited is unlimited and not capped at 5GB. I will gladly admit I am wrong if you can show me this info in writing. The last thing I would want to do is give people false information and have somebody get a $500 data usage bill because I said Unlimited means unlimited regardless of what the contracts say.
I am sure if this was true and common knowledge this same question wouldn't be posted all over this board.
Drivesector
Check this from VZW emp. http://www.tetherberry.com/vzw-questions-put-bed
I put 11 GB through my phone as a test last month. Even called VZ and asked to confirm. Go with verizon and you will have no probs.
anybody have any issues with Sprint??
No probs with sprint so far, everything working fine on this end
I should not say this, but I have been using Sprint for many years and just about every configuration. For the past couple of years I have been working internationally. At first, I did things completely above board and purchased the PAM (Phone As Modem) package with Worldwide Data - Unlimited. This did not work correctly as it turns out due to the local carrier blocking the transfers. No problem with the BlackBerry or Sprint side. Regardless it failed.
I even went so far as upgrading to the Tour as I was assured by customer service it would resolve this issue. It did. The Tour absolutely will NOT work as a PAM device! Figures. During my arguments with Tech Support, they ADVISED me to cancel the PAM as it was a waste of my money and to purchase the third party application (Tetherberry at the time) and use it. This rep assured me this is absolutely NOT a violation of my terms of service and not illegal in any way but in fact uses the device as designed and is a permitted use by Sprint. Of course it is not advertised but it is allowed.
I was very skeptical, but having used more than 10 GB through this system, I can definitely state there is in fact NO limit and it works just fine wherever I am.
Speed is another issue. Many local carriers will limit to GPRS or other slow systems for any foreign device. This issue is unrelated.
Sprint truly has the BEST possible plans, most especially for worldwide applications. However at the same time, probably has the worst possible customer service. If one is willing to take the time to get it right, then Sprint truly is the best. If one has no patience to work through the "muck" then stick with Verizon. AT&T may be big, but they really do not have the best plans, do not have the best service and are definitely not the most cost effective from what I have seen.
From what I have learned from talking to many customers of other providers and also my own inquiries, Sprint is the only company to truly offer a worldwide unlimited data plan for a smart phone device. This changes constantly so one should inquire of their carrier first, then make an informed decision.
For domestic use, I strongly advise using the datacard and associated data plans. I know they all state there is a 5GB limit, but I have always had and can get anytime an UNLIMITED data plan on my datacard. The UNLIMITED plan does still exist at present and with 4G rollout, it will become standard again.
Hope this helps.
Good info and with that stated with McDonalds, Dunkin Doughnuts, Starbucks and etc. Tethter is a hell of an app. because any large down loads can be done there for free. creamdotcom
how about AT&T
So if I am reading what is being said about Verizon we do not have to pay extra for data?
If I am wrong please let me know.
I am ready with what I have seen today just playing around with the trial of this to go with this. I see no difference in speed and I can use it on as may computers as I want.
Jgsinc
You are correct. Tether is utilizing the data plan you have with your device.
Can anyone tell me if US Cellular will charge for tethering usage thru this app? I have tethering thru US Cellular now and the charge is $30 a month. I would like to drop them and just go with this app but at the same time do not want to end up with a large bill!
Tether uses the BlackBerry data plan to provide internet to your PC. Tether has many US Cellular customers with no issues. You do not require the US Cellular Tethering plan. Please read over your contract for further information.
I called my company directly (Sprint) to ask them about tethering. Since I have the unlimited data plan, that I would receive no additional charges. I did not want to be doing anything underhanded, so I asked them. Make sure you have an unlimited data plan.
Anyone have any experience with AT&T? I am a T-Mobile customer and I have an umlimited plan (though it is throttled until the end of the billing cycle if you go over 5 GB). I am worried that the AT&T acquistion of T-Mobile would change all of this.
i just got a new blackberry 9760...tether worked great with my old BB 8330. I was a little worried about getting a new phone but the tether software was very easy to put on my new phone. I have sprint with the unlimited data plan and have never had a problem with speed or being charged extra. I play online games all day long though the connection and even have the bluetooth set up now. I love this software.
I've been using this for a couple of years now. Rarely ever in the USA as I travel a lot. I have learned some very important lessons.
Sprint can be very difficult to work with. But they really have the best plans I have ever seen. Just wish they would bring up the training for their representatives. Having said that, once in Cyprus, I had problems connecting. The problem was not with Sprint or my phone or anything else, but rather the local carrier would not permit a connection. However, I was able to take the SIM out of my BB and put it in my Nokia and using Nokia's OKI suite to connect that way. Sprint allowed for this and reassured me my unlimited plan was, is and always will be exactly that.... UNLIMITED.
Lesson learned:
I received a phone call from Sprint Fraud Prevention due to "unusual" activity on my phone. The representative explained there was a very large amount of unbilled usage (unable to determine exactly what kind it was or anything else) and the amount would be near $40,000. I discussed it with the rep and was positive it was regarding data usage and it would "wash out" when the billing took place.
The next bill was completely normal.
I return home about two months later and make a call to be connected to the "collections/fraud" department to restore my phone (it was locked but not for data). I spoke with the exact same rep who remembered my case perfectly. He was not able to find anything about the issue that caused the flag. It did in fact "wash out" through the normal process without any special intervention.
What I learned in the long term is that BLACKBERRY INTERNET SERVICE (BIS) is a particular connection where the phone can also be connected through conventional means. These are NOT the same. It turned out that the way Sprint set up their accounts and plans, that they did not discriminate between conventional usage or BIS usage and it did wash out automatically.
Keep this among other things in mind.
Also, most carriers do not offer an actual UNLIMITED plan. It has a "fair usage" limit of something (usually 5 GB or 10 GB). In Dubai, there is a 10 GB limit but there is no limit in Qatar when using local carriers. I connect through my Sprint having the Worldwide Blackberry Internet Plan that is UNLIMITED and have never had any problems with it.
Unfortunately, really good deals get squashed as quick as possible and I understand that Sprint no longer offers the worldwide unlimited data plan. My research previously and recently has failed to turn up any company anywhere in the world who offers a similar plan. It seemed Sprint made a unique plan but discovered it and corrected it. If anyone has such a plan, think twice before you dump it.
I'm sure one day i will receive the notice that my unlimited plan will no longer be honored. But, on the other hand, I saw lots of posts on other sites when Sprint followed the crowd of all other companies and cancelled their unlimited datacard (dongle) plan across the board and created a new limit of 5GB. I never received that notice and every time I checked, I was clearly told that my plan was indeed UNLIMITED. So Sprint really isn't so bad.
Excellent tool with Tether. Seems most people do not have any problems with hit or with their accounts. But one really needs to be careful. I was actually told of this from a Sprint technician, over the phone (recorded) as direct advice. So it is perfectly (or at least was) legal and reasonable.
Best to all.
Jim
Regarding AT&T
All companies change their plans regularly as well as what and how each is offered. So it is very important to check directly with the company to be sure. Many times two different people with the "exact same plan" actually have different benefits.
A clear example years ago was offshore in the Gulf of Mexico there were two cellular providers on the drilling rigs. Petrocom came into existence with the direct help of Houston Cellular. The agreement was that all Houston Cellular customers would never be charged roaming (like $5.99 a minute at the time!). Eventually Houston Cellular was bought by Cingular (later AT&T). Two different people, same plans, one from New Orleans and one from Houston both make calls offshore. The one from Houston was never charged while the other one... well, it wasn't pretty.
Morale, regardless of whatever plan any person talks about here, it doesn't mean it will apply to YOU when you try to use it. So it is always best to investigate further. Get ideas here on what is available, but check before you leap!
AT&T had offered many different types of data plans. Very few were actually worldwide. I had a seaman who used his I-Phone regularly and was insistent that he had the right data plan but I tried to warn him that AT&T did not offer the same type plan I had and he really needed to speak with the INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT and not regular customer service. His bill was about $600 or more over his usual.
Back to the same mantra..... always verify and check first and be sure you are speaking to the right department. When it comes to high end data, usually it is the business department. If nothing else, be very explicit with the rep you first talk to exactly what you are calling about. For example, "I am calling about international data connection on my Blackberry." Then, if you hear ANYTHING that doesn't sound perfectly clean, be sure to follow up. I did this once and was argued with by the representative exactly how a plan would work. She was quoting from the wrong section, but thankfully I knew this because I took the time to research the options first.
Also remember, what I said first. Plans change constantly and very often plans exist that are not published or have expired but may still be available. Always ask. Do the research first to see what is "public" knowledge then follow up with an inquiry phone call. Just be careful.
Hope that helps.
Jim
Does anybody know of the app error 601 with Tether and the new Blackberry Bold 9930? If so is there a work around for that error?
Thanks
Do you receive the error when installing Tether on the BlackBerry or when you try to run Tether on the BlackBerry?
All the carrier can see is where your traffic is going. Can they think its tethering? Yes, but if you don't abuse it all that much they shouln't even look into it. I went on vacation for a week, and kept my usage under 1GB the whole week, my usual bandwidth is like 400MB before I bought this a month. Now its 1.5GB no more. Just keep the usage low and you will be all set.