I was unable to tether my 7250. I installed the 4.1 and vzwaccess but during the setup when I select USB it says to order to use the wwan funtionality you must purchase a mobile office kit or BB access pc card.
Any ideas?

Here's what Joe with Verizon just told me, thought I'd get it out to you guys before I forget the details. Apparently, at least in my area, I would have to pay $15 per month for the account change. That includes the tethering ability. At this point I cannot upgrade the device to EVDO cpapbility without the tethering option and subsequent $15 fee. Since I'm not in an EVDO area I'm staying put for now. However, in Q1 2006 OS V4.1 will be out and it includes a provision for the EVDO capability on the device without the tethering option and at the same price as my current plan.

He disagreed with the other rep who said I could upgrade the OS without the account change.

He also made a good point about the tethering being no charge. Currently their air cards are $69 for broadband access; why would they allow a blackberry to be a tethered modem for the same price you are paying now for the unlimited data plan? In other words he didn't see how Verizon would allow tethering of the Blackberry without some upcharge.

Hope this helps. This forum has been a real help to me.

The only difference was the Verizon rep told me that she needed to use a code of Broadband unlimited and not the 7XXX. No additional charge but I have yet to get the tethering to work using either solution

Once installed you have to register it, tools -->Host Routing Table--> click on the wheel and choose register.

I got the alternative modem installation to work after uninstalling 4.0 desktop and doing a clean install on 4.1. I still cant get past the VZ access manager wanting to have me purchase a mobile office kit.
Is one connection faster than the other?

"Regardless, remind to Verizon that their website contradicts what they are saying and then give them the official verizon web address that says BroadbandAccess is now publicly available for BlackBerry. Politely tell them that the VERIZON WEBSITE says it is available - give them this link: http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/vzw402 where it says BroadbandAccess is now available for BlackBerry 7250 today."

The 3rd person I escallated to said "anything with smithmicro in the site name isn't verizon."
Yet, if you go to verizonwireless.com and link to their 4.0 software, that's smithmicro :\
Anyhow - no luck...yet. I gave him the site and they said they'd call back and excallate further.
Can anyone trace links from verizonwireless.com to this smithmicro site with the new software? If not - it's not supported I guess.
I *THINK* what happened is someone was getting the page ready and leaked it - because you cannot get to that link from verizonwireless.com from what I can tell - you have to manually type in the vzw402 part. Truth is - if it's not released it's not supported, so they may be right.
I'll keep in touch with my findings.

Long time reader, first time poster. Thanks to you all for enabling me to get this service today. Had to download and install the latest desktop version as well as the new firmware, and it did take a good long time (2 hours plus), but I finally have the coveted 1XEV in italics showing (in Seattle). The Verizon C.S. rep had no idea what I was talking about when I first called; put me on hold to find out about it; came back and allowed how he had not read his email that morning; and then stayed on the phone with me through the whole thing (though he did not know about *22899).

does anyone get a triangle next to their 1X from time to time? I believe thats the verizon signal for roaming, but I know I'm within their home network.. I hope I won't get charged roaming for this..

Triangle = roaming

http://dts.vzw.guided.atomz.com/exec...0refused%22%3F

Anyone have an idea why the download section is not working now? it tells me that my phone number is not a valid verizon number

I upgraded my 7250 today. It went flawlessly, even though it took about 30 minutes. (Lots of data on my Berry and several OTA applications.

This afternoon, I used the VZAccess software to use the Berry as a modem. I already have one of their EVDO cards, so when I installed the software, it saw the previous version of VZAccess and grabbed that number. I decided to let it go to see what happened. Ta Da... I am typing this on the connection!! Speeds are the same as with the card. I do not live in an EVDO area, so I can't wait to get somewhere to give it a try.

I believe I will uninstall the software and try it with my Berry # to see if it will still connect. I haven't gotten an answer from my Rep yet about how much Broadband Access is to add to the plan.

Anyone try connecting with Bluetooth in the VZAccess software yet? I think you could fake it out by chosing the serial connection option. I can't try it yet, I believe our BES has the additional BT connectivity turned off. That will be the first thing I check in the AM.

I un-installed all VZW software from my laptop (to get rid of references to my PC Card) and re-installed the software VZAccess software from today's download.

I was able to connect and am again posting via the connection. I did not have any changes made to my account with VZW.

It's not known which is faster.

It should be simply a virtual COM port that can go at full USB speeds. Try setting the virtual com port to the highest possible speed (460800bps or 921600bps for example). However, even setting a USB virtual com port to 115200bps may actually not be capped to 115200bps, I am not 100% sure. Do give it a try.

Yes, lets give our City, and state for each successful feature code.
Fort Worth, Texas (tarrant county) 817 Area code Feature Code 71746

Hello All,

I just finished setting up EVDO on my 7250... working great!

Here's how it went:

followed Mark's guide... called the vzw number, told the tech that I wanted to add broadband access to my account... he gave me the http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/vzw402 link and had me download the v4.1 desktop software and then the v4.0.2.41 handheld software. Installed them in that order as well. At this point the 1X changed to 1X. I then dialed *22899 and setup was completed which gave me the 1XEV.

Browser speeds are up up up. The tech also tried to set up my BB as a modem for my laptop but was unable to get my laptop to recognize the BB as a modem. The tech escalated up... the next guy did some research and said that the tethering aspect will be a future release...coming soon.

Side note: I never needed to provide a feature code to my tech to add broadband access... neither was I charged. I'm in Cambridge, MA.

Side note 2: I asked if VZAccess was necessary for using the BB as a modem and the tech said no. He tried to set up a dial-up connection in Network Connections (I'm using Windows XP Pro) for my BB as a modem but no dice. I'll just have to wait for that Dec 1st release I guess.

Side note 3: I never did the Re-Register part (HRT). Everything works fine though.

Anyway... just wanted to share my experience. EVDO is GREAT! It's so nice to have it again (had it on my e815).

Hanwei

Below is an e-mail thread with my rep:

Verizon:
Here is what you must do. Call back to customer service, 866-294-1329
and tell them to add the following:

Step 1- Tell them to add feature code, EVDSB onto the account.

Step 2- Anyone there that is doing voice and data on a Blackberry 7250
will need MNAI3 added to their line. This is the promotional price of
$15 per month that will only be available for a limited time.

Step 3- Anyone there that may just have a Blackberry 7250 with Data only
will need to use MNAI1 added to their line. This is the rate for lines
that are Data only for $30 per month.

Once these codes are added, go to:

http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/vzw402

This will upgrade you to the latest version of the software that will
allow you to tether.

The 71764 you mentioned in the below email pertains to another market
and is irrelevant in your case. The above path will get you all set up.
This is not a free service so I'm not sure where you heard that from?
Remember the $15 price for Blackberries that have Voice and Data on it
is promotional so make sure you take advantage of it before it goes up.

Me:
I got my information from here:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/rim-software/19599-verizon-7250-evdo-finally-modem-laptop-some-people-now.html

Some say you have to pay some don't it depends on which location your
billing is. If I just want to have evdo support can I just add feature
code EVDSB or does that require MNAI3? Nowhere on the forums are they
talking about a promotional price. If I get MNAI3 added within the
promo window will it be $15 forever or will it go up later?

Verizon:
The price will be $15 for as long as you want the service.

The service isn't free in any market. The feature is a profit center for Verizon so whoever is bragging that they have it for free in the forum is lying.

I haven't been able to download the firmware from the site. I'm getting an message stating my phone number is not a valid verizon number.... is the site still working?

Working for me at 9am EST

so just for my understanding (and maybe others)
1. EVDO is much faster than EDGE and only VZ and Cingular have high-speed service technically out now for BB

2. EVDO is free for b2b customers (and possibly regular customers)

I'm in NJ and MNAI3 works. See my post here in the other thread for more details.

Anyone else notice this? This morning, when I got up (my phone was on and charging all night), my signal said 1X. I went to a web site or two and still said 1X. About 9 am (est) suddenly 1XEV popped up.

I just checked it and it is working at 10:55. Let me ask an obvious question, are you a true Verizon customer? Did you port the number from another carrier?

"Anyone else notice this? This morning, when I got up (my phone was on and charging all night), my signal said 1X. I went to a web site or two and still said 1X. About 9 am (est) suddenly 1XEV popped up."

In and out of range perhaps?

I did my upgrade Monday night late in the evening, and as I have stated before the rep did not know what I was talking about, the whole issue had to be escalated two levels of support to get it working, I did not have to give them a code they did what they had to do at their end and it worked, I asked and was told that there is no charge for this additional service. And by the way i did try using both installations to convert to modem use (Marks, and the VZaccess) and both worked for me, so as to not get things confused I did Marks from my desktop, and VZaccess from my laptop and both worked fine).

I just upgraded the firmware last night... and the same is happening to me... woke up this morning to 1X... then walked into the kitchen and suddenly 1XEV. Drove to my parents house about an hour ago... looked at my phone and it was 1x (notice the little x). Then I turned off the wireless radio...turned it back on.... and it then went straight to 1XEV. Weird. I'm now sitting at my parents house typing this and it's still 1XEV... I drove from Boston to Lexington... Always had EVDO with my Moto e815 around here...I'm in a pretty EVDO-saturated area. Oh well. We'll see how it holds up over a couple of weeks.

Both techs I talked to last night while upgrading my firmware said the broadband access is free. NO CHARGE. I also did not have to tell them any of the codes... they did what they had to do on their end and it works.

I really really hope my techs weren't wrong.. because it'll be upsetting to see a $15 charge on my next bill.

Has anyone been able to get the bluetooth sync to work after the upgrade? Everytime I pair my laptop with the BB, under services it's blank.

BT Sync only works with Desktop 4.1 with OS 4.1. Only the 7100i, 8700, and maybe 7105 support it currently.

Can anyone please give me more insight on the tethering with the upgraded VZAccess? My laptop won't find the phone and it doesn't come up as a modem. I am online with the highest tech support short of the manufacturer right now. He gave me the b2b line and I pleaded for help...

Any help is appreciated....

So, in order to use ev-do, do i need to have an unlimited plan? For example say I have the 20 MEG plan, which I do, is there anyway for myself to add EV-DO? According to Samir the Indian guy at verizon, there is not. I have to get the unlimited Setup.

I think you are correct, BUT I also think it depends on the market. In my market, 1XEVDO is 0.00 monthly (confirmed via phone rep and my account access on verizon.com) with unlimited blackberry. A coworker of mine, had to upgrade to the normal unlimited blackberry (from the cheaper unlimited core plan he had) to get the "free" 1XEVDO.

Different Markets, Different Rates.. I've had the same issues with my cable bill!

EDIT: should also add that I am a consumer.

Are there other benefits to the new firmware? Not that EVDO and tethering aren't enough.

I called back tonight and the 1st guy I spoke to understood and set me up.
There was a $15 charge for tethering.

Mark:

By the by, the link in step 9 no longer works. The link with the Desktop Manager and BlackBerryOS has the VZaccess software as well. http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/vzw402

I live in SE PA. As described a few pages earlier, I experienced the pain the has been detailed many times getting my upgrade to work along with the unlimited Broadband Access feature that I was assured replaced my unlimited data access feature at no extra charge. The good news is that the VZAccess software installed very quickly and immediately connected. I have my VPN running on top and things are great. Not quite sure what the deal is with the $15 tether charge as I never asked for it, nor was offered same. Yet I am writing this entry in tethered mode. Guess I will have to check my billing carefully to see what happened. Regardless, I am a very happy camper.

1st impressions... browsing seems no faster, tethered speed is acceptable

the browser isnt faster because of the rendering by the device, not the network speeds. the only reason i want this god damn evdo is so my phone calls still go though when im instant messaging or web.god damn rates and plans and cell phone company bullshiters

I just want to reiterate what you guys need to be asking for when calling tech support.

*** If you simply want to activate EVDO, tell them to add feature code EVDSB to your account. This is free EVDO allowance on the Express Network.

*** If you want tethered EVDO access this is feature code MNAI3 and costs $15 a month.

None of these features replace your BB Unlimited Data Plan. Your current data plan and pricing structure stay the same.

Hopefully Mark updates his guide with this.

OK, I have to let you all know what I went through to get this done. First THANK YOU to blackberryforums.com for posting the info on the 7250, EVDO and 4.0.2. I followed all the instructions, but my BB would always fail on the *22899. So I call VZ, and after 3 calls, 5 people and 4 hours, they put in a trouble ticket and told me it would be fixed by today (this afternoon). It still did not work, and when I called, I got soemone who said, "not our problem, go to your store, ticket is closed!!!!" I was infuriated!!!! I went to the Store in Woodland Hills, CA, and spoke with the Tech Manager, they first told me they do NOT fix BB, and then I explained the issue, and they got involved. They called and got 2nd level tech support, well to make a VERY LONG story shorter, after about 1 hour in the store, my phone now says "1XEV" (YEAH!!!!!) Wow, does this phone surf fast now! I have the EVDO PC Card for my notebook, but was told that there is NO CHARGE to use the Phone teathered, but you are using your allocated miniutes. So I am happy now, and all seems well.

Again, thank you to this site for all of the help and assistance with this upgrade!!!

Confirmed.
This is what appears under my data portion:
Data
Unlimited Data Usage $44.99
NATIONALACCESS ROAM $0.00

And this is what appears under my Express:
EVDO ALLOWANCE $0.00
NATIONALACCESS ROAM $0.00

And on this matter:

sbagdan vbmenu_register("postmenu_129419", true);
Knows Where the Search Button Is

Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 69



. . .They called and got 2nd level tech support, well to make a VERY LONG story shorter, after about 1 hour in the store, my phone now says "1XEV" (YEAH!!!!!)

I have said from my fiirst post on this matter, you have to escalate the issue the lower echelons of tech support were not prepared when this hit the streets. I still believe that it was either leaked or released by mistake, but thanks to our sleuths we got wind of it before they were ready. The upper level support staff had apparently been at least given a bit of info on the matter and were able to help once you reached them. The other thing that happened I believe is that this all sort of developed in the evening, and I think that there aless techs available and the few that are are probably the newer ones getting the worst shifts making the whole scenario what it has been. If You are not going to use the BB for tethering to a laptop and do not want to pay the extra $15 per month I suggest you go to your own Verizon site and double check that you indeed have The express Network with no additional charge showing. Short of that you will be charged the $15.00.