BlackBerry - Linux tethering on Vodacom SA

I have been fortunate enough to upgrade to a Blackberry Bold 9700 smart phone since my post on how to use your cell phone as a modem on a Linux EeePC.

The following chat script enables BlackBerry - Linux tethering through bluetooth (Vodacom South Africa).

noauth
crtscts
modem
lock
nopcomp
nomagic
noccp
#novj
novjccomp
updetach
noipdefault
defaultroute replacedefaultroute connect "/usr/sbin/chat -e -f /etc/chatscripts/blackberry -v" disconnect "/usr/sbin/chat -e -f /etc/chatscripts/disconnect -v"
/dev/rfcomm0
usepeerdns
receive-all nobsdcomp nodeflate

Save the above code to /etc/ppp/peers/blackberry and type:

• sudo pppd call blackberry

to initiate the connection*

To end the connection:

• sudo poff blackberry

*There are a few preliminary steps required to get this working correctly (bluetooth pairing etc) but I have already covered these in my previous post on how to use your phone as a linux bluetooth modem, so be sure to click through if you need some extra help. (substitute the sudo nano /etc/ppp/peers/provider step with the above).

I have only tested this chat script on Vodacom in South Africa but found it to work great! I made a successful skype call and saw download speeds of 30 Kb/s with a 3G connection. Do remember that you will be charged for your data useage though as tethering is not covered by BIS.