November 7, 2007

Use Blackberry 8800 as USB Dial Up Modem

Category: Blackberry, Tech Help — Matt @ 6:49 am — Comments (23)

After wanting to do this for a long time, I finally was able to get my Blackberry 8800 to work as a USB modem for my laptop. This means you can get internet on your laptop/desktop wherever you get ATT/Cingular Service. I got it to work on Vista, but the instructions below are for XP. Vista basically has the exact same setup instructions though. It was confusing at first, but below I wrote out instructions that even a CHILD could follow.

You need the following before we begin:

  • Blackberry 8800 (Most likely will work with any ATT/Cingular phone)
  • AT&T Wireless Service with unlimited data plan (unless you like paying fees)
  • USB connector cable

Okay, you’re ready to begin:

  1. If you have not already, download and install the Blackberry Desktop Software.
  2. Go to the Windows Device manager. Quickest way: Start > Run > devmgmt.msc
  3. Click + button next to Modems, double click “Standard Modem”
  4. Click the Advanced tab
  5. Enter this into the empty box (no leading space): AT+CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”wap.cingular”
  6. Hit Okay, and close device manager.
  7. Go to network connections. Quickest way: Start > Run >
    Paste in the following line and hit enter:
    explorer.exe ::{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}
  8. Click Create a new connection on the left, and follow these steps:
    1. Welcome to … Wizard –> Next
    2. [Select] Connect to internet –> Next
    3. [Select] Set up my connection manually –> Next
    4. [Select] Connect using a dial-up modem
    5. Type in a connection name of your choice (example: ATT dialup) –> Next
    6. Enter this as the phone number: *99***1# –> Next
    7. Enter user name (ALL CAPS): ISP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
    8. Enter and confirm password (ALL CAPS): CINGULAR1 –> Next/Finish
  9. Open the desktop manager and plug in your Blackberry via the USB cable. Make sure it detects the Blackberry as connected.
  10. Go back to your network connections window (step 7), and double click the new ATT Dialup icon.
  11. Your password, username, and dialup number should already be saved. Just click “Dial”

This worked for me on the first try. It will not incur extra charges to your Blackberry plan on AT&T as long as you have the unlimited data plan.

What kind of speed will you get with this? According to my bandwidth test, not much. It’s still very useful to check e-mail and do light web surfing. The speed clocked in at around 78Kbps which is slightly faster than a 56k modem.. ick.

Updates:

  • Thanks to Ken Hanscom for further improving these instructions, and linking back to me. I will be making a revision to my instructions per his improvements after testing.
YouTube Down »

There are 23 comment(s) so far ;)

#1

56kbps by USB
112kbps by Bluetooth

wojtus wrote on October 30, 2008 - 12:47 pm
#2

Excellent tips. I have a t0mobile account and 8800, do you know how to set this up for tmobile. It would be appreciated. Thanks…

Angel wrote on November 25, 2008 - 6:30 pm
#3

The modem connection speed needs to be increased. The default is 115200, so you can’t go any faster than that, even with a 3G connection.

Clarence wrote on January 4, 2009 - 5:52 pm
#4

this works perfectly….thank you!!!!!

diaballo99 wrote on January 5, 2009 - 12:28 am
#5

This is not working on my phone, I’m getting an error 628. Any thoughts?

Andy wrote on January 9, 2009 - 12:57 pm
#6

An error 628 is usually generated by trying to dial out while not having the Desktop Manager software running in the background.

Justin wrote on February 5, 2009 - 1:41 am
#7

Try ncpa.cpl to open network connections quickly ;)

Christian wrote on February 12, 2009 - 11:24 am
#8

I have tried with the Blackberry web site instructions, no good. I tried with your instruction (very well written and easy to read) with no luck. I instantly get a ERROR 633. I am useing a BOLD with XP, Cingular (AT&T). Btw, each atempt would change my home screen image back to the blue AT&T ball.

Randy Wesley wrote on February 22, 2009 - 5:38 pm
#9

what about using a verizon blackberry storm with windows vista? I have checked all other forums and I feel like I am so close.. but not yet connected.. help?

Amanda wrote on May 25, 2009 - 8:44 pm
#10

SWEEEEETTT!!! Worked like a charm. I’ve been on the phone with AT&T several times for HOURS each time only to have it not work, took about 10 mins with these instructions. Speeds were REALLY good as well, 942Kb/s down & 345Kb/s up.

Mike wrote on June 15, 2009 - 5:08 pm
#11

Matt – I had 692 errors – then I found a different INIT string on the blackberry forum (omit the AT):

+cgdcont=1,”IP”,”wap.cingular”

And everything worked!
Thanks for the simple instructions.

TJ wrote on June 16, 2009 - 10:45 am
#12

I have an 68o error, does anyone know what can I do?

Fernando wrote on June 26, 2009 - 3:25 pm
#13

I got a blackberry bold and this will not work. I get error 680 no dial tone. any ideas???

Ferrell wrote on July 22, 2009 - 10:09 am
#14

I can connect using my 8900.
Can you tell me what’s the command for:
explorer.exe ::{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}
Is it to increase the speed?

Ilham wrote on July 23, 2009 - 4:03 am
#15

#14, the command is to open up Network Connections. It is just a shortcut to the window, doesn’t do anything with the speeds. Just like the command ncpa.cpl typed into the Run tab and you will end up at the same window.

b2redneck wrote on August 5, 2009 - 12:46 pm
#16

So I completed the directions above, and it worked but not completely. I would have internet access for about five minutes then everything would stop loading. I would have to disconnect my blackberry and dial the modem again. Now it doesn’t even dial anymore. All I get is the 734 PPP error. Has anyone had any experience with this?

stripedsolids wrote on August 24, 2009 - 11:16 am
#17

I can not get pass step #5 (Extra Initialization Command). The box is shaded out not allowing me to endter any characters or nothing. Why????

Vincent wrote on August 31, 2009 - 8:24 am
#18

OMG didn’t you know that Network connections shell folder has it’s own cpl you can run, quickest way my ar*se lol try remembering that GUID from memory, try this instead:

start->run (or winKey+r): ncpa.cpl [enter]

geo wrote on September 9, 2009 - 8:20 am
#19

All you need is unlimited data? so if I have a $30 personal plan with ATT am I allset? Do I need a tethering plan?

sal wrote on October 27, 2009 - 10:19 pm
#20

So all I need is a blackberry personal plan? No tethering plan?

I have ATT and I am on the $30 personal.. I should be fine right?

sal wrote on October 27, 2009 - 11:00 pm
#21

how do these instructions vary for a BB bold?
anybody know how to work it with windows 7?

Sir Francis wrote on December 2, 2009 - 10:38 pm
#22

How to tether on BlackBerry Bold and Windows 7:

1. Device Manager > Modems > Standard Modems > Advanced tab > type AT+CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”wap.cingular”

2. Network > Setup a new connection or network > Set up a dial-up connection > Phone number: *99***1#
User name: APN@CINGULARGPRS.COM
Password: CINGULAR1

3. Open Desktop Manager and connect BlackBerry Bold via USB

Thomas wrote on February 16, 2010 - 3:10 am
#23

Thomas, thank you for providing information on how to tether on BlackBerry Bold and Windows 7. I have followed your very simple instructions but seem to be experiencing difficulty in connecting. I keep receiving Error 692 which says there is a hardware failure in the modem (or other connecting device)

Any ideas?

Thanks

Carl wrote on February 17, 2010 - 4:12 am
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Write Your Comment

Comment Guidelines: Basic XHTML is allowed (a href, strong, em, code). All line breaks and paragraphs will be generated automatically.

You should have a name, right? 
Your email address, I promised I won't tell it to anyone. 
If you have a web site or blog, you can type the URL right here. 
This is where you type your comments. 
Remember my information for the next time I visit.