Note: This is akin to the usual backdoor ways of tethering feature phones without adding the mobile connect feature... standard disclaimers apply, and I'll let the rest of you work on that discussion...
I saw the ##778 tip on another thread for the Eris, and figured it would work...
Steps:
1) Dial ##778, SEND
2) EPST dialog comes up. Select 'Edit Mode'. Enter SPC (000000), hit OK.
3) Scroll to down to 'Security', select it. Change 'S.IP DUN User name' to yourvzwnumber@vzw3g.com (from yourvzwnumber@dun.vzw3g.com)
4) Hit back arrow to go back and go/select 'M.IP Default Profile'. Change 'DUN NAI' to yourvzwnumber@vzw3g.com (from yourvzwnumber@dun.vzw3g.com)
5) Hit menu button, and 'Commit Modifications', phone will save changes and reboot.
Modem drivers can be found on VZAccess Manager for Windows XP/Vista/7 -- the VZAccess executable will install the drivers when it first runs before launching its installshield runtime. No need to continue and install the actual software. *nix people can use their built in PPP dialers once they set up the right USB connection parameters to detect the phone as a modem.
Not sure about MAC OS users, perhaps someone else can comment.
This uses the 'Mobile broadband connect' option of USB connection. Simply make a DUN connection using the HTC USB Modem and dial #777. No need for username/password... can leave those blank.
Enjoy!
Last edited by vacaloca; May 6th, 2010 at 03:59 PM.
Reason: link for ubuntu/linux support in OP
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I'm not looking to start an ethical debate but - just so folks aren't caught unaware...
The "standard disclaimer" is that you are using a for-fee VZW service without paying for it if you set this up. This is different than using something like EasyTether or PDANet in that those services are not offered by, but have not been prohibited by, VZW.
Whether that bothers you or changes what you do with the information is entirley up to you.
I'm an eager beaver very much willing to try, however I need to sort out my linux issue so I can boot back into windows 7. Anyone know if this (or any other tethering service for that matter) is compatible with Ubuntu?
I'm an eager beaver very much willing to try, however I need to sort out my linux issue so I can boot back into windows 7. Anyone know if this (or any other tethering service for that matter) is compatible with Ubuntu?
OP here.
It should, yes.. as long as you can talk to the modem through usb its just a matter of dialing and youre good to go. I made it work when i had a feature phone.. maybe the lg dare or other similar one. If you search on ubuntuforums you'll probably find a howto to set it up correctly.
Also for the poster that mentioned bluetooth.. nope.. unless someone writes an app that creates a bluetooth dun profile that redirects the data accordingly.. if you want bt tethering stick with pdanet
The other point.. why is this useful over pdanet and easytether? It doesbt require installing anything else on the phone and computer. And yes.. it works. Wouldn't have posted otherwise... carry on...
Last edited by vacaloca; May 6th, 2010 at 12:44 PM.
Reason: add link for ubuntu tether howto
Interesting. Personally, I wouldn't do this because you're actually "hacking" VZW. I would use one of the other apps (PDANet/EasyTether) because all those do is give me access to something I'm already paying for (unlimited data). But to use a backdoor to change account settings in the VZW system is a line I would never cross. But to each thier own I guess.
By doing this youre changing the way your data connection contacts Verizon. There is a good possibility that Verizon can track this. Just so you know if you get caught you will be charged around $.25/kb, cant remember the exact cost it may be more though, for all data and Verizon doesnt back off of it. If you rack up thousands of dollars in charges all lines on your account will be suspended until it is paid and if its not paid they will send you to collections.
Tethering apps that provide free or one time cost tethering like PDAnet ARE PROHIBITED by Verizon, its in the contract under the part about data connections, and you can be charged the same $.25/kb as the other method. I was told by a contact at Verizon they are able to tell if youre tethering for free by tracing your ip somehow. I was told your account has to be flagged for them to check it but if youre using massive amounts of data every month you will be flagged.
Not trying to scare anyone just want you to know what the consequences are if you are caught.
Steps:
1) Dial ##778, SEND
2) EPST dialog comes up. Select 'Edit Mode'. Enter SPC (000000), hit OK.
3) Scroll to down to 'Security', select it. Change 'S.IP DUN User name' to yourvzwnumber@vzw3g.com (from yourvzwnumber@dun.vzw3g.com)
4) Hit back arrow to go back and go/select 'M.IP Default Profile'. Change 'DUN NAI' to yourvzwnumber@vzw3g.com (from yourvzwnumber@dun.vzw3g.com)
5) Hit menu button, and 'Commit Modifications', phone will save changes and reboot.
These codes are vaguely reminiscent of the hacks used to get free internet on old Verizon dumbphones. We've come full circle.
Interesting. Personally, I wouldn't do this because you're actually "hacking" VZW. I would use one of the other apps (PDANet/EasyTether) because all those do is give me access to something I'm already paying for (unlimited data). But to use a backdoor to change account settings in the VZW system is a line I would never cross. But to each thier own I guess.
Does that mean you wouldn't root or install custom roms either, or is the above tip 'crossing a different line' than rooting?
Does that mean you wouldn't root or install custom roms either, or is the above tip 'crossing a different line' than rooting?
OP again.
Technically, as others have mentioned I'm pretty sure that VZW does not condone any method of tethering other than their paid service. That aside, if you rack up a lot of data, whether it'd be using pdanet, easytether, or this method, they could notice and enforce their TOS if they can somehow prove you're tethering. Other than that, the nice thing about this method is it doesn't require any extra software and can work with Linux and Windows. Mac people might have to stick with pdanet over bluetooth or this:
Does that mean you wouldn't root or install custom roms either, or is the above tip 'crossing a different line' than rooting?
Wow. Talk about a strawman.
One has absolutely nothing to do with the other. By rooting or installing a custom ROM, the only thing that would happen is that I would void the warranty on a product that I own. By hacking into VZW's system through a backdoor to modify account settings that they own is A) theft of service and B) a federal offense. Different line? I would definitely say "Yes."
By hacking into VZW's system through a backdoor to modify account settings that they own is A) theft of service and B) a federal offense. Different line? I would definitely say "Yes."
Clarification needed here... This method does not hack into any VZW system. It simply changes some provisioning settings locally on the phone. Basically, it makes it appear as if the data used is originating from native apps or services on the phone that happen to use network access. It is another way of circumventing the pay tethering model... same as pdanet, easytether, or any open source tunneling solution.
Last edited by vacaloca; May 6th, 2010 at 02:32 PM.
OK, maybe I'm overstating the "hack" from lack of understanding. That doesn't change the fact that you are using backdoors in VZW's system to obtain fee-based services for free though. Both are "unethical" (so is VZW charging $30/month to use service I'm already paying for IMO), but one uses proprietary systems to facilitate the end result where the other does not. Both are against the contract/user agreement, but there is an additional line being crossed, right?
Since this has turned into a debate, here's the TOS (looks like my earlier asertion that VZW doesn't care about 3rd party tethers was wrong, at least on paper):
Unlimited Smartphone and BlackBerry Plans and Features
These Wireless Email plans and features cannot be used: (1) for access to the Internet, intranets or other data networks except as the device’s native applications and capabilities permit, unless you subscribe to Mobile Broadband Connect; or (2) for any applications that tether your device to laptops or personal computers other than for use of the Wireless Sync or the BlackBerry solution, unless you subscribe to Mobile Broadband Connect.
Violating a company's TOS is not the same as breaking the law (though it could get your account closed). The question then becomes... Is "hacking" VZW's mobile broadband product illegal? I'm not certain, but I'm guessing VZW's response if they caught you would be about the same as it would be if you used a product like PDANet. If it made them angry, they'd close your account.
At any rate, debate aside, this method should work for anyone that uses Linux to be able to tether over USB cable, and does work for windows users as well without having to install other apps.
this only worked partially for me... after the changes I was able to dialin and connect to network. However on opening a browser I was brought to VZW page asking me to subscribe to the mobile plan...
Which is the same result as if I was using just normal "mobile broadband" connection.
Which makes me wonder if I installed wrong drivers somehow, or its because drivers came from htcsync...
dont know...
this only worked partially for me... after the changes I was able to dialin and connect to network. However on opening a browser I was brought to VZW page asking me to subscribe to the mobile plan...
Which is the same result as if I was using just normal "mobile broadband" connection.
Which makes me wonder if I installed wrong drivers somehow, or its because drivers came from htcsync...
dont know...
The changes probably did not commit. I kept hitting the back arrow after doing the changes thinking that the changes were saved automagically and got the same thing. Once I hit the menu button and commited the changes/rebooted the phone that vzw page did not appear anymore.
The changes probably did not commit. I kept hitting the back arrow after doing the changes thinking that the changes were saved automagically and got the same thing. Once I hit the menu button and commited the changes/rebooted the phone that vzw page did not appear anymore.
you, you are right - I missed step 4 and committed only 3...
And there was plenty of debate back then on if this was "legal" or not, if you could get caught or not, etc. there was a LONG thread debating this on Hofo back in the day, including posts by a hand full (or less) of members who did get caught.
When it comes to tethering on VZW, short version has always been... If you read VZW's T&C's on paper (or their web site -> Terms & Conditions ) to "legally" tether with VZW phones (after EVDO phones came out) is to subscribe to their Mobile BroadBand or BroadBand Access plans. Do it any other way, including apps like PDAnet, Tether.com, etc, violates Verizon's Terms of Service (at least on paper) so can result in termination of service and/or additional fees/high bills!! In other words, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
Last edited by Mark_Venture; May 7th, 2010 at 06:10 AM.
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I don't believe so. If I remember correctly the Motorola Droid does not have a native USB modem, but perhaps someone else can confirm this is the case, as I sold my Droid.
I used this function on my LG Voyager, and my wife's LG Dare for years without any issues. Definately did not think it would work with my DINC, but it works perfectly!
And to add to the debate about whether or not it's "ethical" to use this to bypass Verizon's mousetrap access fees.....We are all being charged more for their "new" plans for the exact same features that we already had. In addition, we are using the data that we already pay for in these overpriced plans.
What is unethical is that Verizon (now THE most expensive plans of all carriers) is charging us an additional fee to use the services we already pay for, for which they also just jacked up the price for in anticipation of everyone jumping on the first decent phones they've ever provided, thus forcing us into these new higher rate plans.
I say, as long as you aren't using it to download torrents or as your primary internet connection everyday, then it's fine and none of you will have any problems. I use it lightly for internet use when traveling where there is no connection, or when I don't want to pay a fee for a connection and it has been a huge help. Tmobile advocates for their customers to use tethering features for free on their devices....Verizon needs to let go of these garbage access fees, and just impose a fee for usage over 1GB or something.
That's just my 2 cents though.....
Last edited by BamaTide; May 7th, 2010 at 03:52 PM.
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People throw the terms legal and illegal around quite a bit. There are no laws against tethering. It is considered breach of contract and is a civil matter.
I'll keep an eye on this thread to see if anyone gets flagged. Please keep us up to date.
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I pay $25 for 5GB monthly access Mobile Broadband Connect. I'll stick with that rather than risk getting caught and having service terminated or racking up outrageous charges.
And to add to the debate about whether or not it's "ethical" to use this to bypass Verizon's mousetrap access fees.....We are all being charged more for their "new" plans for the exact same features that we already had. In addition, we are using the data that we already pay for in these overpriced plans.
What is unethical is that Verizon (now THE most expensive plans of all carriers) is charging us an additional fee to use the services we already pay for, for which they also just jacked up the price for in anticipation of everyone jumping on the first decent phones they've ever provided, thus forcing us into these new higher rate plans.
I don't think the debate is about "ethics"...
Its been about does doing this violate the terms of service or not, and how likely are you to get caught doing this.
In the past, I've even seen discussions centered around this could be stretched into being considered Theft Of Service, since you're making use of a "PAY FOR" service without paying.
And I think VZW's charging higher prices, and nickel and dimeing things are more about CORPORATE GREED, profits and revenues than Ethics.
The fees we currently pay for is to make use of the Data features of the PHONE or SmartPhone, not sharing the data services on a PC or other device. (at least as far as the Terms and Conditions/Terms of Service have been worded since the first EVDO phones came out)
So if we really want to talk ethics, is it ethical for someone to knowingly violate Terms and Conditions of an agreement? (we all signed an agreement when started our service with the wireless company, or renewed to get a discount on the latest device). My answer would be no. Its unethical.
As far as the higher prices, think about it this way... 5 years ago, the phones had limited data capabilities, extremely SLOW speeds and a typical user might make use of 10's of mbytes or less per month so the wireless network was sized accordingly. Now you have Droids and other Smartphones and PDA's which can surf full HTML pages with pictures, download files, stream music and video, etc and use 100's of MB and even gigabytes of data each month... While these smart phones can use a lot more data, they still can't use as much data as a PC can/will. The wireless carriers need funding to make sure their network can adequately supply these new data demands (in the forms of towers, back end, etc). That funding has to come from somewhere. So instead of eating those costs (and having less profits), they pass it on to the consumer in the form of higher prices.
But we can all agree, as a consumer and customer, we don't want to have to pay more. We don't want our bills to go up. We all can agree we're paying more than we'd like to, or think is justified.
After all, technology should be making things "smaller, cheaper, faster, better" not more expensive, right?
Last edited by Mark_Venture; May 13th, 2010 at 09:07 AM.
Not that it's right or wrong to do so but the $29.99/mo for data costs VZW about $3 in actual expenses for the usage. I read somewhere on the costs. You can also search for dissections of phones and what the cost of the components are for the phone. Most are about 50% of the retail cost. Ipad is that way too. The rest are indirect costs of advertising, development, overhead, profit, licensing etc.
All the chatter about ethics is nice, but relatively useless regarding how to tether natively. Maybe there should be a separated topic called "Should you tether natively" for those that wish to banter over lawyerspeak. I hope I'm not being obtuse, but it seems to me that if you're on a hacker forum, it's because you're interested in technical knowledge and features that go beyond what's readily available in the canned version on the phone.
That's my two cents... 'nuff said on that... onward...
Has anyone tried this on an Incredible or successfully made Android tethering work with a linux box?
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This is nothing new people. These settings have been used in the Windows forums for years. Those that use PDANet and think you are not violating your user agreement are sadly mistaken. VZW charges an extra $15.00 for tethering which you are avoiding by using PDANet. When you pay the tethering charge you are using the same network that people use when they hack their phone settings. Both PDANet and hacking your phone settings are violating your user agreements. My take on it is i'm already paying ridiculous amounts of money to have unlimited data on my phone so why does it matter what machine i'm using to surf the net with. Wifirouter does the same thing on a winmo phone that hacking the settings or using PDANet does. A lot of people on this forum are not familiar with the ##778 settings so they think it is illegal versus using a third party app. I had a Sprint Touch Pro I used the same setting to hack the phone to put it on VZW when VZW use to put out gimped phones and sell them for the same price as others. You are paying for a service. It's not like you are using internet without an internet plan. Your just sharing it with a device that's easier to use for internet. Now if you were sharing that connection with your neighbor then that would be illegal. My two cents.
Last edited by Tech Addiction; May 13th, 2010 at 07:14 PM.
Reason: Clarifying
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All the chatter about ethics is nice, but relatively useless regarding how to tether natively.
Its relavent in that if you do this, you need to know that there are possible consequences so that people can decide if they want to take that chance or not.
I'll repeat what I've said many times back in the day on Hofo... I'm not going to say you can or can't do this, I'm not going to say you should or shouldn't.. I'm not going to say if VZW *WILL* or *WILL NOT* catch you. But I DO think people should have the facts so they can fully understand the decision they are making.
Quote:
Originally Posted by linuxophile
Maybe there should be a separated topic called "Should you tether natively" for those that wish to banter over lawyerspeak.
That is certainly a good idea, but I would recommend if that happens, any discussion of "how to" contain a link to the "should you..." thread...
Quote:
Originally Posted by linuxophile
I hope I'm not being obtuse, but it seems to me that if you're on a hacker forum, it's because you're interested in technical knowledge and features that go beyond what's readily available in the canned version on the phone.
I'm sure there are a lot of people new to android who searched and found Android Forums as a way to learn about their phone, its features, etc. Not necessarily how to HACK their phone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by linuxophile
Has anyone tried this on an Incredible or successfully made Android tethering work with a linux box?
I haven't tried on linux, but I can say it works for Windows making a plain dial-up connection icon. So I would think you could do the same in Linux.
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Just so you all know, i won my incredible(which when I plug into my cpu gives me an option to tether that work perfectly) i gave my wife my eris and called to add a data plan, the new 29.99 plan is unlimited, teathering included, or thats what the young lady on the line told me.
And, just for the ethics topic. Ive been using winmo phones for a long long time now, like since the xv6800 first came out. Then I got the eris, and now the Incredible. And Ive been tethering and not paying for a long long time. Point is, with all the data that ive used in that method, torrents, videos, i mean everything, for 3-4 years, VZ knows whats up, they have to. Illegal or not, they havent done anything to anyone for it. This always comes up, the "is it right or wrong" and everybody gets their panties in a bunch and mad at each other and all that. But whatever, VZ has figured it out and the new 29 plan includes tethering, hit em up and find out for yourself.
This is an age old conversation, but so you all know, all the forums ive been in, NO ONE has ever said they got in trouble for tethering without paying the extra 15 bucks.
Last edited by chatch; May 14th, 2010 at 09:06 AM.
Ok, i just read and read and read about this. VZ is charging 10 a month now to tether, you gotta use vz access manager. I dunno why mine worked the other day, but now it dont, i been in the hospital this week and on some pretty good meds, hell i probably had a wifi connection. But, Like i said though, doing this method above, while it might be a lil un ethical, has never gotten anybody in trouble that i have heard of. take all that as you want to, but thats the deal. If your worried about it that much, then pay the 10 bucks and move on. Godspeed Spiderman
If you select mobile broadband connect, it installs something called MOTOconnect on your computer, then it connects. Pretty damn simple.
OP again... MOTOconnect? This is an HTC phone... if that happens to do a dialup connection then it would work.. but that is not an HTC program, nor does it get installed automatically.
When I plugged my phone on my PC it just detected the HTC USB Modem, and if you have downloaded the drivers, it installed that. Even though the phone says it has the feature enabled you will not get any sort of internet access unless you follow the instructions in the OP to dial #777 and get an IP through the PPP connection.
Even though I have not tried this on Linux yet, when I had another feature phone configured in the same way using usbserial driver, it worked fine under Ubuntu to tether as described in the OP.
Last edited by vacaloca; May 14th, 2010 at 02:05 PM.
this guide does not work for ubuntu karmic/lucid. i've tried everything.
the phone shows up as usb-storage even in MBC mode.
usb-modeswitch can't change it.
karmic/lucid detects usb devices differently then older distros so half the steps in method #2 on your guide don't even exist/are incompatible for these builds.
Alright, if I disable USB debugging ubuntu can detect my my HTC on /dev/ttyUSB1. But I get the errors, "unable to obtain serial information" and "bad init string" when I try to dial out on ppp gnome or wvdial. Funny, because Windows needs the usb debugging to connect...what am i doing wrong?
need help with this. I made the changes and connected the phone using mobile broadband however i cannot get the modem to work. I installed the vzaccess for incredible but it doesnt recognize my phone
By doing this youre changing the way your data connection contacts Verizon. There is a good possibility that Verizon can track this. Just so you know if you get caught you will be charged around $.25/kb, cant remember the exact cost it may be more though, for all data and Verizon doesnt back off of it. If you rack up thousands of dollars in charges all lines on your account will be suspended until it is paid and if its not paid they will send you to collections.
Tethering apps that provide free or one time cost tethering like PDAnet ARE PROHIBITED by Verizon, its in the contract under the part about data connections, and you can be charged the same $.25/kb as the other method. I was told by a contact at Verizon they are able to tell if youre tethering for free by tracing your ip somehow. I was told your account has to be flagged for them to check it but if youre using massive amounts of data every month you will be flagged.
Not trying to scare anyone just want you to know what the consequences are if you are caught.
HAHAHAH i tell the exact same BS to customers to get them to add the $30 extra mobile broadband charge. THATS BULL SHIT. I have personally tethered over 7 gbs a month for 4 months and i have never gotten caught and i still tether about 4 a month and am fine. If you stay under 5 gb you will be fine.
Alright, if I disable USB debugging ubuntu can detect my my HTC on /dev/ttyUSB1. But I get the errors, "unable to obtain serial information" and "bad init string" when I try to dial out on ppp gnome or wvdial. Funny, because Windows needs the usb debugging to connect...what am i doing wrong?
hm, do the first steps (w/o usbserial) work? I'll give it a try on Ubuntu when I have the time; plan to install 10.04 soon. Try posting on Ubuntuforums, you might have better luck there.
Q: Do I break anylaw by doing this?
A: If you don't pay your Verizon bill, do the feds come knocking at your door? No. Your use of your handset, as long as it does not cause harm to people or property (the FCC is responsible for overseeing that part), is a matter between you and the service provider, in this case Verizon.
Q: Will Verizon close my account if I do this?
A: As long as you do not use tethering as a primary internet connection from which you download/upload tens of gigabytes of data, then no. You won't even be a blip on Verizon's tether-police radar (just kidding, the don't have actual tether police :~)).
Q: Will Verizon know that I'm doing this?
A: Absolutely not. The data transferred by your computer looks identical to that transferred by your phone. yourphonenumber@vzw3g.com is the same connection used by your handset for internal data connections, and so since you already have 'Unlimited Data' on the handset which is a mandatory feature for smartphones, the Terms of Service are strictly Verizon's legal 'out' for the top 0.0001% of abusers.
Q: Is it ethical?
A: If you're the type to always obey the speed limit, and you put on the breaks when driving downhill, then no; to you this would be cheating. To every other normal person, the answer is a resounding "Yes."
Q: Is there any reason I should not do this?
A: If you can not follow the directions and do not do it properly, you may be charged. However all it takes is a quick phonecall to get the friendly folks at VZW to hand you a courtesy credit on a silver platter. They're not monsters, and neither are you.
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Tether police: Excuse me sir, do you know why we discontinued your service?
customer: No officer, why?
TP: You were doing over 5GB in a 5GB cap zone.
C: Uh... well.... I ..... poo....
All joking aside, I have tethered with every phone I've ever owned since I've had my service with VZW and never gotten any sort of notification, but then again, I've kept it sensible and not downloaded huge amounts of data. Just when I've needed internet on a computer for whatever reason, like when I moved last year and didn't have any internet service yet at our new location.
[HOWTO] Tether natively
I tried the second method of usbserial when I originally did it.
Talk about a strawman.
