Ubuntu Blackberry Tethering

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Tethering my modem on ubuntu was one thing I was postponing to do for quite a while. One of the reasons for not attempting it was that on windows too, it did not happen quite easily. And I was n't going to kid myself to believe that it will be breeze on Ubuntu. The ease of tethering on the same laptop with iphone took me by surprise today - more about that later. So, today is the day to try it on my blackberry...

First some versions etc. so that you know if this is a good match to your situation...

  • Ubuntu Lucid Dev (kernel - 2.6.32-15-generic)
  • pppd (version 2.4.5)
  • berry4all (latest from berry4all.com)
  • Blackberry Curve 8320
  • T-mobile unlimited data plan (Enterprise)

Installation:
  • No brainer.. just follow http://www.berry4all.com/install. 
  • sudo apt-get install python libusb-dev ppp python-usb python-wxgtk2.8 
Last one is for GUI and I dont think thats an optional package even if you are using a netbook. You want to make life easier - Don't you?

Using it:
  • tar -zxvf bbtether.tgz
  • cd bbtether
  • gedit vi conf/tmobile
  • uncomment replacedetaultroute. This did not seem to work for me. Fiddling with this option might be helpful.
  • sudo ./berry4all.sh
  • Add device password in the preferences window
  • Connect the blackberry using the USB cable
  • Fire Connect from the menu option
You should see connected at the end of the output message.
You can also verify if you can connected by typing "ifconfig" on command line and see if there is a ppp0 interface in the output
ping google.com

Troubleshooting:
  • Disconnect your wireless or ethernet and try again if you are connected by not able to browse any sites.
  • Unplug your battery, let it drain and retry. This helps on Windows also.
I also tried...
  • Barry from http://www.netdirect.ca/software/packages/barry. This did not quite work for me.
To Do:
  • Tether using bluetooth. Will retry this sometime later.
  • Create a desktop launcher to fire the GUI.
Summary:
  • Tethering blackberry using berry4all was very simple
  • GUI is simple and optimal

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