Macbook Pro OSX 10.5.x Sprint Blackberry 8830 Data Tethering
I thought because Sprint did not provide software to tether my blackberry to my mac, I would not be able to use it as a modem. Well, it's not exactly real easy like most things on the mac, but not terribly difficult either. What follows is instructions on how to make this happen w/ a Sprint Blackberry 8830.
[Update: These steps work for Leopard and Snow Leopard]
[Before you begin, make sure you're Sprint account is enabled for data tethering, there is usually an extra charge for this service]
What follows are some instructions to get this to work in Leopard (OSX 10.5.x):
[Before you begin, make sure you're Sprint account is enabled for data tethering, there is usually an extra charge for this service]
What follows are some instructions to get this to work in Leopard (OSX 10.5.x):
- Click the Apple icon and select preferences.
- Next, click the bluetooth icon.
- Now click the plus (+) button.
- A setup wizard should start. Follow the wizard's instructions to pair your phone. Make sure your blackberry is in discovery mode so the mac can see it when it searches for it
- Once you've paired your blackberry, you should see it in your bluetooth preferences like picture below. Highlight your blackberry then click the gear button icon and select "Edit Serial Ports..."
- You should now see a window like pictured below. Check the boxes that say: "Require pairing for security" and "Show in Network Preferences" then click "Apply"
- Finally, to connect with your sprint blackberry 8830 you need to finish up with the following. Go back into System Preferences and select "Network" this time. When you select network you should see the below screen. On the left pane, you should see your blackberry listed as a modem. Select it so that it is highlighted, enter "#777" in the telephone number field, then click connect. Username and Password can be left blank.
- Next click the "Advanced" button. You should be presented w/ the below screen. Select your modem vendor as "Sprint" and the model as "PCS Vision". Click OK.
- Once you've completed these steps, you should be able to successfully utilize your blackberry's data service to surf the net on your mac.
This write up was inspired by this forum entry:http://www.blackberryforums.com/mac-users-corner/86122-how-tether-your-mac-blackberry-8830-a.html
- [UPDATE: You can use this trick w/ any macbook. Also settings for different providers can be found on the above link. (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon)]
[UPDATE2: Added 1 step detailing modem vendor selection and PreReq's at top.]
Comments
Anyone know any way to figure out which settings are preventing connection?
Thanks much
A
Chris.
I was thinking I could bring my 8330 right to the Mac store and try these instructions.
But just to confirm: We expect this to work?
Thanks,
SYSTEM PREFERENCES> Bluetooth > "highlight" Blackberry 8830 > "click *" preferences drop down button (next to minus '-' button) >
Protocol = modem; service = dialup networking; Require pairing for security CHECKED; Show in Network Preferences CHECKED. (but i see as I'm looking at it already connected, pairing for security is UNCHECKED....so experiment with this setting)
SYSTEM PREFERENCES > Network > "highlight Blackberry......[bluetooth device]" Make sure phone number says #777. leave acct name and password blank. > Advanced.... > Vendor = Sprint; Model = PCS Vision; Enable error correction CHECKED; Dial Mode = IGNORE dial tone when dialing; Dial Mode = Tone; Sound = On
If done correctly, it will say status: Connected!!!. You'll see a sent/received bar. It will show total time connected and an IP address. Not sure if this is static or dynamic, but who cares. Also, your blackberry will say Modem Mode Enabled towards the top of the screen below the battery meter (8830)
macbook running 10.5.0. And YES, I have the sprint simply everything plan. bb 8830. It is slow as hell, though. I'm wondering what kinds of speeds are you all getting?
I posted this message on that connection. I wasn't in the fastest area, but it works. Will continue to test it in a few different areas and report the speeds. Connected for over 40 minutes solid now.
Now if only we can tether with the USB. That will be the day. I'll still keep the tetherberry. As I think once their mac software comes along, it will be worth it. Their windows version works great.
Don't hesitate to change settings one-by-one and see if you can still get a connection or even a faster connection.
Many thanks!
Michael
Thank you so much for posting this!!!!! I can't believe that the Sprint FAQ says you need an Apple Modem Script to access the internet via the Curve 8330. By the way, I've read that there's no extra charge to use BlackBerries as modems all over the internet and couldn't find an option to add some kind of modem service to my plan (a normal one + the mandatory $30 BlackBerry Personal Pack not the Simply Everything Plan). I guess I'll see if this results in any new charges on my next bill.
Judge
I've tried the battery pull, to no avail.
When I try to connect, I see a message on the Blackberry "modem mode enabled", but then that message goes away in a second or 2.
Any thoughts?
Like the last few post I have not been able to connect recently after the device has worked fine for 10 months. The message "modem enabled" pops up for a second or two than is goes away. Any ideas? It's too weird that a few of us are having identical issues
I just chatted online with a Sprint representative. They told me that my "Casual EVDO" included in the Everything Data plan does not include tethering. And as of 2/24/2010, "Phone as Modem" is no longer being offered to anyone that doesn't already have it. (I should have saved the transcript. They claimed it was a quality issue.)
They did offer a "free" data card -- with a $59.99/month, 2-year service agreement.