Smartphones with 3G connectivity can do most of the things that computers with broadband can do, with certain limitations. The bandwidth isn’t quite as good as full broadband, but 3G is certainly good enough for many situations. Carriers realize that 3G-enabled smartphones can be used as modems to provide connect-anytime capability for any notebook computer, and many of them now offer the ability to tether the smartphone to the laptop for a monthly fee.
Windows Mobile smartphone users have long been able to tether their phone to the notebook with third party apps like PDAnet. These apps allow the phone to be used as a data modem when the program is running and the phone is connected to a laptop via USB or Bluetooth. RIM’s BlackBerry owners on Verizon have not been able to tether their ‘Berrys without a carrier fee until today. TetherBerry is a new application that is designed to turn the BlackBerry into a notebook modem via USB.
TetherBerry has been in beta for a while, and thousands of testers are pretty happy with the application and the connectivity it provides. All you have to do is buy the program, download/install it to a PC (Macs not supported), download the OTA app for the BlackBerry and then run them both. In short order, your Windows-based notebook is hitting the web using the BlackBerry’s 3G for the connection. No muss, no fuss.
The Good
- One-time payment
- No tethering plan from carrier required
- Connect using your BlackBerry’s data plan
The Bad
- Introductory price is high – $39.99. Regular price is a whopping $59.99
- Windows only – no Mac version. The TetherBerry folks (and beta testers) claim it works under Parallels on the Mac. I have not gotten this to work.
- Likely violates the Terms of Service (TOS) for your carrier:
Verizon TOS (as one example):
PDA/smartphone and BlackBerry® Plans: These VZEmail plans 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 BroadbandAccess 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 BroadbandAccess Connect.
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