AT&T Tether / Data Plans / WAP/ISP?

[eras2r]

I come from the Verizon world, where you could not authenticate through tethering unless you paid the extra $15/month. (But PDANet did work just fine). I have seen posts (albeit older dates) that claim people were charged heavy data rates for tethering when they did not have a data plan that included it.

I am using a Tilt and have the $59.00 Tether data plan. I am able to tether using either APN: wap.cingular or isp.cingular.

My friend has a Tilt with the $49.00 data plan without tethering (but with SMS). I tested his phone and could only get it to connect using wap.cingular for tethering.

So my questions are:
1) Do I actually need the tethering plan or can I reduce my plan and use wap.cingular? (I know it works but it leads me to the next question)
2) If you use wap.cingular without the tethering plan will you get charged the outrageous data rates?
3) What is the actual difference between the two APN's?

Thanks for any info you can provide!
SC

[spokanedj]

#1 and #2. For tethering legally, yes, you must have laptop connect. With Internet Sharing on the newer phones, it makes it harder for AT&T to prevent you from doing this (without being charged), but they most likely will eventually get you.

For #2, see this thread, specfically the crumbfire post. He explains it excellently:

http://forums.wireless.att.com/cng/board/message?board.id=cingular&thread.id=47397&view=by_date_ascending&page=2

[cincy1020]

Hi:
I have searched and searched with no luck. I am on an ATT Tilt, and would like to use PdaNet to connect PC to internet through phone. I have yet to be able to get it to work properly. I get dial up error=721 (state=8193). I used PdaNet on my Treo 750 (which I had prior to the Tilt), and it worked perfectly, so I'm just not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Any ideas what the problem could be?

I am on an unlimited pda plan, but don't want to incur additional charges (such as the tethering plan), for very minimal, occasional tethering use, so ideally I would like to connect in a way that I won't be "caught", lol.

Any help would really be appreciated!

[ecltech]

I'm use Internet Sharing via Bluetooth or USB to connect my laptop via my phone for Internet access. This is without a tethering plan from AT&T. The plan I have is $39.99/month, however they have a cheaper plan - MediaNet w/unlimited Data and 200 TXT MSG. Others have been using this plan without any issues. I ma venture to try this soon.

cincy1020,
For your problem with dial-up, you're not adding a modem via your pc. Try it with the USB cable first -- go to Internet sharing on the phone and select USB and click Connect. Connect your USB cable to your laptop and it should detect a network card and get an IP address. No need for dialup. You will have to install Active Sync on your laptop (I find it easier).

I think you're trying to use a modem which will probably require a tethering plan and that's probably why you're having the dialup error.

[eras2r]

cincy1020

Well here's the deal for GPRS. You do not need PDANet. So give your license to someone who is still on CDMA somewhere. You first need to install the driver for the HTC Kaiser/Tilt as a USB Modem. A few forum searches will find the inf to install in windows. Then you simply set up a DUN connection using that USB modem. The number should be *99# and make sure to add this line as extra init options:

ATZ+CGDCONT=1,"IP","ISP.CINGULAR"

For Bluetooth, first you need to install the latest Toshiba Bluetooth Stack for Windows. Don't use the microsoft one. Then just set up a BT Dun connection with the same settings.

Hope that helps...

[brianlb]

i've seen a lot of posts about this subject and i'm clueless, now i read the thread form the link provided above and it helps a little, but were do look on my phone to find out what i have? also for at&t users, what's the difference between media max 200, the 19.99 plan and the data connect 39.99 plan, i know the text messaging etc and both are unlimited data, and you "can't" use media max w/a tilt even i've heard you can, but in terms of using the internet and surfing the web what's the difference. Thanks

[cincy1020]

cincy1020

Well here's the deal for GPRS. You do not need PDANet. So give your license to someone who is still on CDMA somewhere. You first need to install the driver for the HTC Kaiser/Tilt as a USB Modem. A few forum searches will find the inf to install in windows. Then you simply set up a DUN connection using that USB modem. The number should be *99# and make sure to add this line as extra init options:

ATZ+CGDCONT=1,"IP","ISP.CINGULAR"

For Bluetooth, first you need to install the latest Toshiba Bluetooth Stack for Windows. Don't use the microsoft one. Then just set up a BT Dun connection with the same settings.

Hope that helps...

Hi:
Thanks for the reply. I already have WModem installed by default. Is this the same thing?
Thanks!

[ecltech]

Just use internet sharing. No need to configure a dialup modem/etc.

brainlb,
There doesn't seem to be much difference between the two plans you mentioned. I spoke to AT&T about this and they told me since I have a PDA phone I need the PDA connect plans and according to their system the MediaMax 200 is not compatible with my phone. However, a few people in the forums said they are using the MediaMax 200 plan without any problems. I may try this one day but not sure as yet.

[brianlb]

so were on my phone do i look to find out whether i have .wap or .isp, or something else? Thanks

[Savage Life]

SORRY TO THREAD JACK BUT,

I JUST WANT LIVE UPDATES ON MY PHONE, MOSTLY WEATHER ON MY BACKGROUND. WOULD I NEED THIS?

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/serviceDetails.jsp?LOSGId=&skuId=sku950103&catId=cat1510009

OR COULD GET A SMALLER DATA PLAN AND UPDATE EVERYTHING WHEN I CONNECT. WHAT IS THE BEST PLAN WITHOUT TETHERING?

[PsyOpWarlord]

Technically its supposed to be a PDA plan for our phones, However, I added the following plan to my sons phone and its been fine .. He doesn't pull tons of data so it hasn't flagged anything. If you don't need text messaging included then I'd look at the following:
Smartphone Connect Unlimited $19.99
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/serviceDetails.jsp?LOSGId=&skuId=sku1040059&catId=cat1510009

I chose that over the MEdiaNet plan as I figured it would cause less suspicion with the data being used.

[Savage Life]

Technically its supposed to be a PDA plan for our phones, However, I added the following plan to my sons phone and its been fine .. He doesn't pull tons of data so it hasn't flagged anything. If you don't need text messaging included then I'd look at the following:
Smartphone Connect Unlimited $19.99
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/serviceDetails.jsp?LOSGId=&skuId=sku1040059&catId=cat1510009

I chose that over the MEdiaNet plan as I figured it would cause less suspicion with the data being used.


THAT PLAN SAYS YOU ARE CHARGED FOR THE DATA YOU SEND AND REVIEVE. WHAT IS MEANT BY DATA SENT AND REVIEVED?, DOES THAT MEAN DOWNLOAD, AS IN RINGTONES?

[Savage Life]

I JUST TALKED WITH A REP FROM AT&T. THEY TOLD ME THE SMARTPHONE CONNECT UNLIMITED ISN'T FOR THE TILT. ( <AS STATED BY WARLOARD, WHAT PHONE DOES YOU SON HAVE? )

CAN I GET THAT ON MY TILT ANYWAY, AND GET A FAMILY TEXTING PLAN
LIKE THIS, THEN I SHOULD HAVE UNLIMITED DATA AND MY WHOLE FAMILY HAS TEXTING.

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/serviceDetails.jsp?LOSGId=&skuId=sku980095&catId=cat1470003

[potpeye]

I have a Tilt and am on a unlimited data plan. Now there is a legal way to tether that Att doesn't tell you about. Current plans selling at the ATT stores have PDA MEdia Connect with messaging. Starting at 39.99 and goes up from there with some referring to tethering. if you do not have a tethering plan you cannot connect to isp.cingular or suppose to. I called up ATT about a issue I had with VOIP needing to access a full internet instead of a wap.cingular proxy internet cause I was on the PDA Media Conenct plan. That how I found out about another plan called PDA Connect Unlimited for 39.99 without messaging that allows wap.cingular and isp.cingular connections. The ATT rep stated as long as you are authorized to connect to isp.cingular you can tether.

[PsyOpWarlord]

I JUST TALKED WITH A REP FROM AT&T. THEY TOLD ME THE SMARTPHONE CONNECT UNLIMITED ISN'T FOR THE TILT. ( <AS STATED BY WARLOARD, WHAT PHONE DOES YOU SON HAVE? )

CAN I GET THAT ON MY TILT ANYWAY, AND GET A FAMILY TEXTING PLAN
LIKE THIS, THEN I SHOULD HAVE UNLIMITED DATA AND MY WHOLE FAMILY HAS TEXTING.

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/serviceDetails.jsp?LOSGId=&skuId=sku980095&catId=cat1470003

Correct most Reps will not add it as they know its not the proper plan. However you can add it yourself in most instances without going thru CS by logging into your ATT online account manager and going to Phone/Device and Add/Remove Features.

[PsyOpWarlord]

I have a Tilt and am on a unlimited data plan. Now there is a legal way to tether that Att doesn't tell you about. Current plans selling at the ATT stores have PDA MEdia Connect with messaging. Starting at 39.99 and goes up from there with some referring to tethering. if you do not have a tethering plan you cannot connect to isp.cingular or suppose to. I called up ATT about a issue I had with VOIP needing to access a full internet instead of a wap.cingular proxy internet cause I was on the PDA Media Conenct plan. That how I found out about another plan called PDA Connect Unlimited for 39.99 without messaging that allows wap.cingular and isp.cingular connections. The ATT rep stated as long as you are authorized to connect to isp.cingular you can tether.

The ATT Rep apparently doesn't seem to know what he was talking about which unfortunately happens a lot. They do need to train their CS reps better. Call 5 times and you'll get 4 answers.

First they wrongfully gave you help on VOIP as its against ATTs Wireless Data Services Terms and Conditions:
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/legal/plan-terms.jsp

PROHIBITED USES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, USING SERVICES: (I) WITH SERVER DEVICES OR WITH HOST COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WEB CAMERA POSTS OR BROADCASTS, CONTINUOUS JPEG FILE TRANSFERS, AUTOMATIC DATA FEEDS, TELEMETRY APPLICATIONS, PEER-TO-PEER (P2P) FILE SHARING, AUTOMATED FUNCTIONS OR ANY OTHER MACHINE-TO-MACHINE APPLICATIONS; (II) AS SUBSTITUTE OR BACKUP FOR PRIVATE LINES OR DEDICATED DATA CONNECTIONS; (III) FOR VOICE OVER IP; .....<rest snipped for brevity>....


And for tethering:

FURTHERMORE, PLANS (UNLESS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR TETHERING USAGE) CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY APPLICATIONS THAT TETHER THE DEVICE (THROUGH USE OF, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONNECTION KITS, OTHER PHONE/PDA-TO-COMPUTER ACCESSORIES, BLUETOOTH® OR ANY OTHER WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY) TO LAPTOPS, PCS, OR OTHER EQUIPMENT FOR ANY PURPOSE.


The CS Rep was correct that if you tether with a handset your supposed to use the isp.cingular APN (or else you'll incur additional data charges) but just because your provisioned to use that APN doesn't automatically mean your authorized to tether without being on a tethering plan. For instance I have the PDA Connect Unlimited plan which include the isp.cingular APN (unlike the PDA Max plans) and I can tell you tethering is not allowed. I've been thru 3 levels of data services support (business/premier support is a lot more trained) on this subject confirming the differences in plans doing research for the ATT forums under the username "Planet-Ed" helping others and working with the moderators their.

[brooksjat]

Just use internet sharing. No need to configure a dialup modem/etc.

brainlb,
There doesn't seem to be much difference between the two plans you mentioned. I spoke to AT&T about this and they told me since I have a PDA phone I need the PDA connect plans and according to their system the MediaMax 200 is not compatible with my phone. However, a few people in the forums said they are using the MediaMax 200 plan without any problems. I may try this one day but not sure as yet.

Looking at a few of the posts here, just wanted to throw in my 2 cents...don't know anything about the tethering, no need for it. As far as the different plans go, if you get an answer u don't like, just call 'em right back up. After I originally got the tilt back in Oct, the cheapest was the bbconnect, which the rep signed me up for, then couldnt tell me how to set it up and ended up taking it off.

you CAN sign up for a couple of the media max/smartphone connect plans on their website, but run the risk of getting charged down the line because those aren't technically data plans, can't remember the exact wording they gave, but not legal for the tilt or other devices which have full keyboards (PDA)...anyways, after about the 3rd call into the reps to get info, one of their geniuses signed me up for the media max unlimited plan w/ 200 messages for $20...he wasn't educated enough to know that it isn't supposed to be used w/ the tilt. The way I see it, they can't go back and overcharge me for being on the wrong plan if THEY signed me up for it...just work the system and use their stupidity for your benefit;)

[cincy1020]

I have a Tilt and am on a unlimited data plan. Now there is a legal way to tether that Att doesn't tell you about. Current plans selling at the ATT stores have PDA MEdia Connect with messaging. Starting at 39.99 and goes up from there with some referring to tethering. if you do not have a tethering plan you cannot connect to isp.cingular or suppose to. I called up ATT about a issue I had with VOIP needing to access a full internet instead of a wap.cingular proxy internet cause I was on the PDA Media Conenct plan. That how I found out about another plan called PDA Connect Unlimited for 39.99 without messaging that allows wap.cingular and isp.cingular connections. The ATT rep stated as long as you are authorized to connect to isp.cingular you can tether.

Hi:
I am on a PDA unlimited data plan. Can you please tell me what settings you used to setup isp.cingular?
Thanks!
PS: I have searched and searched for the settings, and although I'm sure they are on xda, my search results sure didn't lead me to them.

EDIT: Although I was unable to find the info on XDA. I did find it elsewhere, I haven't yet tried them to see if they work properly, but if not, I guess I will have to spend hours on the fount with tech support to get the correct ones, lol. I will post the settings here just in case anyone needs them:

Under settings/connections/connections:

Look for MY ISP and tap on "add a new modem connection"

Enter a Name for the connection: REAL ISP or something like that
Select a Modem: cellular line (GPRS) for 8125/ cellular line (GPRS 3G) for 8525

use the access point name isp.cingular

On the next page, enter either ISP.CINGULARGPRS.COM or ISP@CINGULARGPRS.COM (either will work) for username and CINGULAR1 for password (make sure they are all in caps)
Leave Domain name blank
Under advanced, make sure the only things selected are "Use server assigned IP address" and "Use IP header compression" - leave everything else unselected.
Click ok and then finish

[culture]

And for tethering:


The CS Rep was correct that if you tether with a handset your supposed to use the isp.cingular APN (or else you'll incur additional data charges) but just because your provisioned to use that APN doesn't automatically mean your authorized to tether without being on a tethering plan. For instance I have the PDA Connect Unlimited plan which include the isp.cingular APN (unlike the PDA Max plans) and I can tell you tethering is not allowed. I've been thru 3 levels of data services support (business/premier support is a lot more trained) on this subject confirming the differences in plans doing research for the ATT forums under the username "Planet-Ed" helping others and working with the moderators their.

So do you happen to know if there IS a plan where tethering is allowed? I also have the PDA Connect Unlimited, and can tether, but don't want to get dinged on my bill so I've been judicious with my use (i.e. emergency only)...

[culture]

Myabe a better way to ask my question is - how do you get Laptop Connect, do you have to call? It doesn't show up on the website, as I have a family plan - does it need to be a business plan? ugh...

[NuShrike]

However, I added the following plan to my sons phone and its been fine .. He doesn't pull tons of data so it hasn't flagged anything. If you don't need text messaging included then I'd look at the following:
Smartphone Connect Unlimited $19.99
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/services/serviceDetails.jsp?LOSGId=&skuId=sku1040059&catId=cat1510009

I chose that over the MEdiaNet plan as I figured it would cause less suspicion with the data being used.You won't get flagged if you're not sucking down gigs of data a month.

Quota yourself by rarely download pictures, and using web compressors such as Opera Mini, or Google webalizer. I read my rss feeds through Google Reader mobile, and extensive image caching with Opera/Firefox. So far, I've been able to stick to 120MB a month including occasional Google Maps/IE/Opera, and 2 hours of browsing on the web every work day of a month. The rest of course suck it down through WiFi.

Why not stick with media max since you're going to eventually try a couple texts anyways either yourself or from friends. Why let at&t jack you for those texts when you can get them for free anyways? And BONUS if it drops to $15 a month with the new at&t data pricing plans coming.

[icewhitenewyear]

Question? What if im using WMWifi router, would i get charged for tethering?

[PsyOpWarlord]

So do you happen to know if there IS a plan where tethering is allowed? I also have the PDA Connect Unlimited, and can tether, but don't want to get dinged on my bill so I've been judicious with my use (i.e. emergency only)...

The PDA plans that allow tethering state the word "tethering" in the plan name:
http://www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/popup/dataconnect-comp-table.jsp

PDA Enterprise - Tethering (for BlackBerry Connect, Good & Microsoft Direct Push)

PDA Personal Max - Tethering

PDA Personal Max Unlimited Messaging - Tethering

[culture]

The PDA plans that allow tethering state the word "tethering" in the plan name:
http://www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/popup/dataconnect-comp-table.jsp

PDA Enterprise - Tethering (for BlackBerry Connect, Good & Microsoft Direct Push)

PDA Personal Max - Tethering

PDA Personal Max Unlimited Messaging - Tethering

I'm with you - I'd be looking for the PDA Enterprise + Tethering ($60/mo), and best I can tell, I need to call them up, and shmooze the operator into giving me this on an existing non-business plan.

[motocrossmann]

Just an FYI for everyone, I was thru the comparison of WAP (Medianet) and ISP (PDA Connect) a few months back.

Basically WAP is slightly restricted from the standpoint of ports you can use. The biggest issue for me at the time was VPN usage was blocked with the WAP plan. (Because VPN is usually only needed for PDA business connections) which had been required for me to setup exchange email access back before WM5 AKU2. Now with direct push, I can skip the VPN and get my email without the use of a VPN.

ISP does give you more open access. I found it to be a scosch faster. I suspect ATT will be less likely to come at you with big bills if you are using ISP. BUT, I have yet to have an issue with WAP and my corporate direct push email is rather data hungry. That said, i rarely use my phone for video streaming and don't tether with it either.

Hope that helps! I suspect ATT will get wise to those of us using WAP with the Tilt, and shut it down eventually. But, until then, rock on!!!

[mbritten]

FYI, I just got a call from att the other day, the price for pda connect unlimited has dropped to 30 dollars instead of 40. gives you access to wap and ISP.

I've found that wap doesn't work well with direct push, because the connection times out. ISP I have no problems.

I use WiFiRouter to tether and have never had any issues using PDA connect unlimited

[cincy1020]

FYI, I just got a call from att the other day, the price for pda connect unlimited has dropped to 30 dollars instead of 40. gives you access to wap and ISP.

I've found that wap doesn't work well with direct push, because the connection times out. ISP I have no problems.

I use WiFiRouter to tether and have never had any issues using PDA connect unlimited

Thanks for the info. Does the new price include any text messages?
My current plan is $40 unlimited, but it also includes 1500 texts.

Thanks!

[ericc191]

I've used the MEDia Net Max plan for about 2 years now. It comes with unlimited media net and 200 text messages. I used to tether like crazy. With my 8125 using Modem Link and then with my 8525 using internet sharing. It worked fine for a couple months but on the third month i received a bill for 4,500 dollars. I called them up and they tried to tell me that I was using a PDA phone. So what did I do? I gave them the IMIE of my old motorola v551 and told them that I used MEDia Net a lot but couldn't figure out why it was downloading so much data. They took the charge off and haven't bothered me since. All in all I'd say I've used well over 500gb's of data on the 19.99 plan.

[1magine]

hey guys, i need help.
how do i use my Rogers data plan with my unlocked AT&T Tilt?

[nyciz]

Hi:
I am on a PDA unlimited data plan. Can you please tell me what settings you used to setup isp.cingular?
Thanks!
PS: I have searched and searched for the settings, and although I'm sure they are on xda, my search results sure didn't lead me to them.

EDIT: Although I was unable to find the info on XDA. I did find it elsewhere, I haven't yet tried them to see if they work properly, but if not, I guess I will have to spend hours on the fount with tech support to get the correct ones, lol. I will post the settings here just in case anyone needs them:

Under settings/connections/connections:

Look for MY ISP and tap on "add a new modem connection"

Enter a Name for the connection: REAL ISP or something like that
Select a Modem: cellular line (GPRS) for 8125/ cellular line (GPRS 3G) for 8525

use the access point name isp.cingular

On the next page, enter either ISP.CINGULARGPRS.COM or ISP@CINGULARGPRS.COM (either will work) for username and CINGULAR1 for password (make sure they are all in caps)
Leave Domain name blank
Under advanced, make sure the only things selected are "Use server assigned IP address" and "Use IP header compression" - leave everything else unselected.
Click ok and then finish

Hi All, I'm new to the site but a old hack ...so to speak. If you are trying to sync and it fails and get the dreded Error 80072efd, it most likely that you are pointed to <b>isp.cingular</b> and AT&T has dropped your account from having access to the isp.cingular.

(I wasnt pointed to isp I was pointed to wap but when I flashed my ROM to Sleuth's 3.0 WM6.1 and killa radio, I was pointed to ISP....duh'oh so what do.... read on)

So I call AT&T and the CSR says sorry for your problem, put me on hold and is calling tech support....after about 45 mins I finally got her to put me thru to Tier 2 tech support.

I told them that I need ISP.cingular and not wap due to connecting to a VPN for work (wap is a proxy and has alot of ports shut...hehe) So she check and sure enough my account had been dropped from the isp.cingular access list.

Well 2 mins later she added my account back and now able to access to isp.

What the diff??? well ISP.Cingular is a bit faster than WAP, plus if you use ICS to tether you can thru ISP.Cingular. I know you are not suppose to do it through WAP but I think ICS will do it....it just becomes easier for AT&T to catch you!!

Love this forum....Peace All.

[culture]

I'm with you - I'd be looking for the PDA Enterprise + Tethering ($60/mo), and best I can tell, I need to call them up, and shmooze the operator into giving me this on an existing non-business plan.

FYI - I stopped in the at&t store, and they put this plan on my account no problem. No issues with Business vs. Personal, etc. Peace of mind, especially since that $4500 posting above!! :eek:

[Toodeep]

I have had the $20 plan on my account since i had a SLVR 3 years ago. havent had any problems with my 8125 either. I was told eventually they would catch me and send me a bill or change my plan to the Pda connect. on there site still says i have a 8125. i use about 100mb a month on my bill.

[fone_fanatic]

I've had the medianet unlimitted plan ever since i switched to cingular (3+ years) and all my past devices have been pdas, and i do tether with them.

When i go into the store to fix something on my bill, they always ask what kind of phone i'm using because they can see my data usage when they log into my account. Once i did show them the pda and the guy tried to make me to upgrade to the 49.99 pda connect plan, and i just argued my way out of it (said something along the lines that its not my primary phone). So everytime i now go into the store to talk to them, i make sure to switch phones (usually to one thats not available in the us :D) like an n80 or n95 so whent hey ask why the high data usage, just show them it, they see its a "smartphone" and not a pda and they shut up.

One CS in the store (who honestly was a little mentally challenged) said "THEY WILL CATCH YOU AND YOU WILL GET CHARGED" i said ok buddy and walked out... that was like 10 months ago and still haven't been charged for high data use.

I just looked through my account online and noticed that in the past 8months, the lowest data usage i've had was 681,838kb, averaging about 1.5Gigabytes and highest is about 4.2GB! haven't been caught yet ;)

[sirooga]

been using this myself since upgrading from a sync whenever the tilt came out. Only tethered a couple times but i use orb for streaming and have alot of data usage. Never been charged except for my plan.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Has anyone else here had problems teathering over Media Net (Not AT&T ISP) since upgrading to the new ROM? I tried the other day when the internet was down at work and WM WiFi Router, BT PAN, and BT DUN didn't work, and they had all worked previously. If teathering over media Net has been disabled in the new ROM it looks as if I'll forego the faster file and menu access to get my teathering back.

-Jay

[brazenview]

I just did it using for the first time using internet sharing and medianet via usb cable. I tested my speed on speedtest.net 1st was 938 down and 192 up, 2nd was 1436 down and 289 up.....crazy huh?
I only need it for rare occasions though it would be nice to just tether all the time and lose another bill at home but just doesn't seem feasible.

ONE DAY!!!!!