[snbd889]

Hi All, I have a Pearl 8120 and have managed to get it to work as a laptop modem and was wondering, as i have been for some time now, if they can even tell how i am using the data, and if they can charge me for it if they catch it (aka is it illegal to do?). I know they offer a tethering plan for some crazy $80 a month, but would i be able to use my phone as a modem for basic e-mail and web browsing without troubles?

I have looked for the answer to this problem for quite some time now. I am willing to post how i did it when i get a little feedback as to what can happen so that others can see the potential dangers, or see that it is worthwhile.

Thanks all

-SnBd

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8700g)

It has been reported here (ezrunner) that AT&T does some sort of spot checking and will charge you if you are caught tethering and not paying for it.

[snbd889]

yes that is what i was under the impression of. Does anyone have any more concrete information about this?

[phuz]

OP, sent you a PM.

Originally Posted by aiharkness

Wirelessly posted (8700g)

It has been reported here (ezrunner) that AT&T does some sort of spot checking and will charge you if you are caught tethering and not paying for it.

But how can they verify this?

To them, it should appear as a regular phone call.

PLUS....why should it matter? It's going against your plan minutes, so they are still getting their money.

[snbd889]

No. I used it and it connects as if you are using your data plan, essentially you are extending your blackberry data plan onto your laptop, which gives you real webpage support, etc...

[phuz]

Oh, what you are doing is 100% legal. The blackberry is allowed to be tethered to a laptop as a modem.

That is (in my opinion) what the plan is worth. I would never spend that kind of money if I could get the net access on my laptop.

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8700g)

How does a carrier know? I don't have a clue. I only say that it is reported that this particular carrier does spot checks.

Why should it matter? If the carrier charges for tethering, isn't the answer obvious?

100% legal? . . . My advice to the OP is get himself clear on the terms of sale of his service by reading his contract and talking to his carrier.

[Sith_Apprentice]

Originally Posted by phuz

OP, sent you a PM.



But how can they verify this?

To them, it should appear as a regular phone call.

PLUS....why should it matter? It's going against your plan minutes, so they are still getting their money.

it doesnt get charged to minutes, it gets charged as data.

[phuz]

Originally Posted by Sith_Apprentice

it doesnt get charged to minutes, it gets charged as data.

If you are using the carrier's internet service, you are correct.

If you are able to dial into your own ISP, then NO, it goes against minutes.