Can I Tether Free-of-Charge on a SERO Plan?

[maluskeeter]

I have a SERO plan (unlimited power vision) can I use my a920 as a modem to run my laptop without any charges???

I read thru most of the threads but dont understand the situation if i have a SERO plan...I just dont want to get charged for anything...

[BrettW]

sero does not exemplify you from tethering charges you still need a PAM plan

[maluskeeter]

will I still get charged even if I disable the NAI??

[BrettW]

if you disable the nai and sprint doesnt detect the jump in your usage then yes you can get away without any extra charges as long as you have a PV plan, regardless you get a warning before anything happens, at least thats what happened to me i got a text message pretty much telling me to cease and desist my pam usage or buy a pam plan, so i bought a 6700 instead now they are none the wiser

[maluskeeter]

awesome info and thanks brettw...

few more ?s...exactly how much usage will get me noticed?? and if I just check my gmail and espn for 3-4 hours a day will that add up to too much??

how much were you using??

[BrettW]

when i got caught i believe i was running some downloads at about 200k a second i was getting software for my palm T|X which is what i was tethered to

but prior to that i was using it for web browsing and e-mail checking and such, which generally amounted to less data then a general days use (sprint tv, radio etc, i mean cmon i had just gotten EVDO i was amazed at what my a920 could do)


if your worried i would just go a normal days use on your phone, do your normal routine but in the morning note your data usage (i believe its in ##786#) and at the end of the day check the same and see how much you used, and just follow similar usage when tethering and there shouldnt be an issue

[ungar]

if you disable the nai and sprint doesnt detect the jump in your usage then yes you can get away without any extra charges as long as you have a PV plan, regardless you get a warning before anything happens, at least thats what happened to me i got a text message pretty much telling me to cease and desist my pam usage or buy a pam plan, so i bought a 6700 instead now they are none the wiser


Is there a good thread that gives a list of phones that can be modified to tether without sprint knowing about it?

I know the treo 700 P can do it, and the Samsung 900. What about others, such as the blackberries or the fusic or the katana?

there should be one thread that has the whole list.

thanks a lot!

[maluskeeter]

if your worried i would just go a normal days use on your phone, do your normal routine but in the morning note your data usage (i believe its in ##786#) and at the end of the day check the same and see how much you used, and just follow similar usage when tethering and there shouldnt be an issue

by morning routine do you mean using my phone and getting on the internet?? and then checking ....and then tether and check...

i dont want it to be noticed... if my nai is turned off how can they figure me out?

[autoprime]

most samsungs can do it. motos and sanyos cant. older sanyos didnt even have a modem nai option.. which is why some of them bypass the tethering restriction.

the samsung ip-830w can not tether for free :(

[petern43]

Hey, I really need help and you can probably tell that I'm a noobert. I really want to use my phone to connect my laptop to the internet but I don't know how to do for free. I don't know what PAM or NAI means so any explanation would be great appreciated. Also, what's a PV plan? If I use the Samsung 900, would I be able to do that or is there another phone that is more fit for this?

I'm truly thankful for any information you can give me.

[maluskeeter]

i went to the ##007... code you gave me but it only lists life data...should i clear then track it??

also is there any other way i can track how much ive been usin?

[cool_2_smooth]

i think this would be a great thread to develop a list of phones that have that nai option

[BrettW]

just look at the life data (write it down if needed) use your data for the day and then look it at the end of the day and do the math

[maluskeeter]

so if i look at espn on my phone and then espn thru my computer do they take the same amount of kb to load??

[BrettW]

technically yes

[NValhalla]

From the phones currently available on Sprints website, I know the Samsung A900 and A940 (clearance) can tether, along with the PPC-6700 (The A920 can also, but the last I saw they have discontinued it online). Now, all phones can tether, it's just that those ones can do it without Sprint knowing about it. A normal Vision or Power Vision plan will allow for unlimited data on a laptop or desktop with those phones. While I have heard that people have had their service cancelled from abuse, I have not encountered this. I used as much as 200 MB a DAY and never heard a peep from Sprint on the matter. I was using an older Samsung A840 with regular slow Vision until a few weeks ago when I upgraded to a new PPC-6700. The older phones that don't use EVDO should mostly allow for tether as they don't contain the new Modem NAI that can tell when a phone is tethered and stops it from using data. Of course those phones are harder to get and use the slower data. The A900, A920 and A940 are EVDO and apparently do have the NAI, but it can be disabled without disabling the data. I know my PPC-6700 uses the EVDO and tethers right out of the box, I'm using it to type this now. It even came with the necessary cable and drivers in the box! I hope this helps, it's something I looked at for a long time till I decided on my phone. Tethered data is the only internet I have. I recommend the A900, A920, A940 or especially the PPC-6700 if you are needing tethered data. EVDO rocks!

By the way, this is my first post, so hello everyone. Love this sight, used it in my phone and plan buying decision. Hope I have been some help. PM if you have any questions, I'll try and answer em if I can.

[NValhalla]

Update:
I just checked Sprint's website and the A940 is gone. :( It was such a cool design too...
I hadn't been on there in a few weeks since I had decided on my phone. I don't know about the M1 or or Treos, they may be able to tether without charges but I doubt it. I know the RAZR, KRZR, Katana and Fusic can not tether for free.

[Dan]

Update:
I just checked Sprint's website and the A940 is gone. :( It was such a cool design too...
I hadn't been on there in a few weeks since I had decided on my phone. I don't know about the M1 or or Treos, they may be able to tether without charges but I doubt it. I know the RAZR, KRZR, Katana and Fusic can not tether for free.


If you really want that phone, you may have luck calling and seeing if they still have some available. Generally things go off the site and back on randomly based on inventory. Basically Im saying that it not being online doesnt mean they are totally sold out.

[gum7777]

Have had no charges or on Samsung a900 with vision plan and nai turned off

[joed]

can I use my phone as modem (sanyo M1) to dial a 1800 # to connect to internet or is it limited to evdo network. Will I be charged to use my phone to connect to a 1800 # to access the internet? the pam plan seems so expensive and I wont use it a lot. I cant justify paying 40 bucks a month to use my phone as modem. Appreciate any help

[NValhalla]

I'm not sure that that would work. I've never seen anyone use a cell for dial-up. Well, maybe in the movies, when they hook up a mic and speaker hijack a satellite...

I think the problem you would have is that the data jack may not be able to route analog phone transmissions. The best bet would be to connect the data cable, use the modem drivers and dialer and try it out. Worst case it won't do anything, and if it works then you have "free" internet. You also don't need to limit yourself to 800 numbers, any numbers your ISP gives to will be fine, nationwide long distance and all that. Just make sure you're calling after 7/9 PM!!

[sheureka]

If you manage to get analog data it's going to use your minutes plus cost 39 cents a minute! Sprint used to sell unlimited "wireless web" at 14.4 kbps for $5 a month, but that's been many, many years ago. - sheureka

[joed]

I will let you know if it works but I think your right-- you would almost need a phone jack to data jack which they dont make. Can you use PAM on a per use charge? or do you have to purchase the 40 buck a month deal. I dont mind buying the plan if I dont have to pay for the PV plan but I like sprint tv and I dont think you can get it without paying for it i also like unlimited photo mail. the PV plan has all that in one

[sheureka]

I got a Sanyo 7500 for my PAM phone because it can be used with the Kyocera KR1 router. Then I added PicMail ($5/month) and 500 SMS (free) to that line. I'm not interested in the music or tv streaming because I have a PPC6700 and a Slingbox, and I can also stream XM on that phone. I have a family plan with two other lines and have been with Sprint a long, long time so YMMV. I don't know yet whether my discounts (about 30%) will be taken off the PAM charge because I haven't gotten my first bill, but I know I wouldn't get that break with the data card. Next month I'm going to try to get them to drop the PicMail charge. - sheureka

[joed]

go a quick question-- if I buy Pam -- does it only operate on the POWER Vision network or will it operate on both the PV and vision network or am i wrong all together-- i travel a lot and the PV network isnt in all the places I need but the Sprint PCS regular vision is everywhere. any help is greatly appreciated

[sheureka]

It works on both 1x and EVDO, and if you have a phone that supports it also works with data roaming. In some areas you'll be able to roam on Alltel's EVDO signal if Sprint only has 1x. - sheureka

[joed]

i just signed up for PAM and am using it now but the guy said that it doesnt include any internet or PV on the phone at all it is just an add-on - he said I would be charged 3 cents per KB if I use my phone for internet-- but another guy i talked to said the PAM plan included the PV ultimate pack and sprint tv but he couldnt sign me up without getting rid of my existing voice plan. sounds like they dont know whats going on. I am afraid to use my phone for internet in fear that I will get charged - is there any way to tell if I will be charged? sorry to bother you but you seem to know the most. thanks again

[sheureka]

It's pretty astonishing, isn't it? When I first tried to get it they kept insisting there was no such thing - that I had to be a data card plan and then I'd be charged 20 cents a minute for phone calls from my phone. They did end up messing it up when they set it up - I never got charged for data on the phone but I was getting charged for phone calls! Anyway, that all got fixed. I would keep calling back until you get someone who seems to know what they're doing, and ask them to check to make sure the plan is right. I'd use the data on the phone for a little bit, and then call. If you find the right person they'll be able to tell if there are any charges to your account. If there are have them go through and check the provisioning again. - sheureka

[joed]

thanks -- i will keep you up to date- appreciate everthing

[ink718]

why not just get a SERO plan? I use my PPC6700 as a modem about everyday during nite when i am laying on my couch in my living room watching tv, hehe! Why pay for a PAM plan when u can get it for free with a SERO plan?

[joed]

I have been using the phone for internet and computer on the pam plan -- i downloaded music, used the on demand PVon the phone and sprint tv on the phone which gives you a couple of free channels that I been watching, I called today and they said no charges (data or internet) have been charged to my account -- so it sounds like no extra charges for the phone use-- i have even used the media player and NFL application ---- I will call again in a week to see if any charges are posted

[joed]

funny thing= I was able to connect via PAM and phone when I put my phone in roam mode (my sprint signal is too weak) and now I cannot access Pam or internet on phone when i manually go to roam where as I could for the last couple of days- maybe they caught on. but now - my sprint signal is about zero but if i let the phone go to roam on its own (automatic setting) then I can use Pam and phone internet-- weird huh. Sounds like sprint has some bugs to work out. I use to have the MM8300 non pV and whenever I roamed i could not access the phone internet, but with this new M1 phone it doesnt seem to matter if I am roaming or on sprint i still can access both PAM and phone internet except from what was stated above. and when I am using PAM via computer I thought for sure I wouldnt get any calls on my phone but the phone does ring with caller ID it didnt go to voicemail like it states in the manual. this happened in roam mode. I will try sprint mode tonight and try calling myself to see if the phone rings

[ngarrett]

My friend can get me the SERO plan...

If i get PPC 6700, and plan includes Power Vision (but not PAM of course), I can still use this phone as modem, so loong as my downloads arent ridiculous, right?

[joed]

what is the SERO Plan?? --- I dont know too much about the PPC but you will have to download the connection manager software for phone as modem on the sprint site--- but maybe not with the pocket pc it may have the software already in it. I bought the PAM Plan for my M1 Sanyo which includes both internet as modem and on phone plus some sprint tv channels and on demand PV on phone. works great but the pam plan is 40 bucks a month and the power vision plan for phone only is 20 bucks.

[weaselphd]

if you disable the nai and sprint doesnt detect the jump in your usage then yes you can get away without any extra charges as long as you have a PV plan, regardless you get a warning before anything happens, at least thats what happened to me i got a text message pretty much telling me to cease and desist my pam usage or buy a pam plan, so i bought a 6700 instead now they are none the wiser


What is the deal if you buy a 6700? i hear several rumors, so if i buy a 6700 do you get the internet free or something? im confused.

thanks
Michael

[Nauticaboy503]

what is the SERO Plan?? --- I dont know too much about the PPC but you will have to download the connection manager software for phone as modem on the sprint site--- but maybe not with the pocket pc it may have the software already in it. I bought the PAM Plan for my M1 Sanyo which includes both internet as modem and on phone plus some sprint tv channels and on demand PV on phone. works great but the pam plan is 40 bucks a month and the power vision plan for phone only is 20 bucks.

Do search, SERO = Sprint Employee Referral Offer

You don't need to download the connection manager, in fact if you use that without a pam plan, you are more likely to get caught, rather then just doing a dial up connection.

The ppc should have drivers built in.

[Dan]

What is the deal if you buy a 6700? i hear several rumors, so if i buy a 6700 do you get the internet free or something? im confused.

thanks
Michael


The 6700 doesnt have a second "NAM" like most other powervision phones have. Because of this, if you connect from your computer through the 6700, its harder for sprint to detect that your using it as a "modem" as opposed to on your device.

It is however quite easy for sprint to detect if its being used as internal data or external based on IP addresses, etc. It's not "acceptable" to teather on a SERO plan without buying a PAM option. You may not get caught this month, or next month... but sprint can catch you.

Best idea is to get the PAM plan and not get a nasty text / letter. If you cant afford the PAM plan, maybe its best not to use it. Wouldn't want you to get billed one month by sprint for 3 cents a KB for all the data used while connected to an external device.


:wavey:

[mas90guru]

why not just get a SERO plan? I use my PPC6700 as a modem about everyday during nite when i am laying on my couch in my living room watching tv, hehe! Why pay for a PAM plan when u can get it for free with a SERO plan?


As far as I can see, the benefit of PAM (beyond allowing access to the Internet via tether) is there isn't an additional contract.

With the SERO, you lay out $250+ for a new phone plus $30/month.

Spread over 2 years of the contract - that's $40.41/month

So the cost is a push

The deciding factor is whether you want to lug another phone and if you can use the extra 500 minutes on that additional phone.

My experience doing the above is I'm generally sorry when I'm carrying another 2 year contract on a phone I rarely use by ymmv.

[mas90guru]

PS - Obviously the above reply is directed toward someone who already has a phone and is contemplating PAM vs another line.

[thinch]

Welcome! You gave me some good info!

[anskY]

some great info found here

[grablife]

I have SERO with Power Vision and called customer service today to ask specifically if there is an additional charge for using the phone as a modem. The first rep confirmed that there would be no additional charge and I asked her to document it on my account. I called back 5 minutes later to confirm she wrote it down but she only wrote that I asked about it. I asked the 2nd rep the same question and the answer was the same, that there would not be a charge. This time, I asked her to write it down and read it back to me. If they hit me with a charge, I can always refer back to this note.

[yungwunn911]

I have SERO with Power Vision and called customer service today to ask specifically if there is an additional charge for using the phone as a modem. The first rep confirmed that there would be no additional charge and I asked her to document it on my account. I called back 5 minutes later to confirm she wrote it down but she only wrote that I asked about it. I asked the 2nd rep the same question and the answer was the same, that there would not be a charge. This time, I asked her to write it down and read it back to me. If they hit me with a charge, I can always refer back to this note.

hi, just curious to know if you've been charged at all?

-mike

[Kihorun]

I have used my Muziq on the sero plan as a modem several times in the past two months and haven't heard anything from Sprint. I download big files, play online games, browse the internet on it whenever our home network is down.

As far as the PPC-6700 is concerned, I would not worry about using too much of it. Sprint isn't completely stupid. I just read a training document stating that 'Some power vision phones such as the Samsung MM-940 and the PPC-6700 can use Phone-as-modem without having a PAM plan, because the system cannot tell the difference between PAM and Vision usage on it.'

Has anyone ever been bothered by sprint for using the 6700?

[nowires]

I have used my Muziq on the sero plan as a modem several times in the past two months and haven't heard anything from Sprint. I download big files, play online games, browse the internet on it whenever our home network is down.

As far as the PPC-6700 is concerned, I would not worry about using too much of it. Sprint isn't completely stupid. I just read a training document stating that 'Some power vision phones such as the Samsung MM-940 and the PPC-6700 can use Phone-as-modem without having a PAM plan, because the system cannot tell the difference between PAM and Vision usage on it.'

Has anyone ever been bothered by sprint for using the 6700?

I thought you had Sprint add the code PAM_BASIC_SERVICE to your account?

Did you exceed 40 MB of data within one billing cycle?

Picture Mail and Texting still unlimited after you made the change to your account using the PAM_BASIC_SERVICE code?

[grablife]

hi, just curious to know if you've been charged at all?

-mike

I use it quite a it. Sometimes for 3-4 hours until my battery dies. Mostly surfing the web with a fair amount of data transfers. I don't do any file downloads. I have never been charged. I'll be using it even more once I get the cable that charges the phone via USB. I ordered one from Amazon but it does not work so I might go with the ebay one instead.

It's a real handy option. I once used in to get online on the freeway on a road trip from Reno to San Francisco.

[sde780]

wait i thought the pam free service code only allowed you to access it, you still had to pay for it tho. so you guys are saying that if i got the pam free service thing added to my sero plan, i would be able to tether with my m1?

[jaminmc]

The Samsung M610 works with the NAI disabled juse like a A900. Plus it can do it while roaming too. It also has a microSD chip for music and photos. It is an awesome phone, and works great with my mac. You will need your MSL to turn off NAI. Just write down the number they give you when you activate your phone. (The ##number# they have you type). It is also good to turn the "DDTM" off, that way you can recieve calls while using the internet (In EVDO mode).

[jaminmc]

can I use my phone as modem (sanyo M1) to dial a 1800 # to connect to internet or is it limited to evdo network. Will I be charged to use my phone to connect to a 1800 # to access the internet? the pam plan seems so expensive and I wont use it a lot. I cant justify paying 40 bucks a month to use my phone as modem. Appreciate any help
With the m1, you might as well just get a broadband modem, and go that route.... Or if you have some phone hacking tools, and can get access to the phones file system, and download the file with the Data configuration (The one with the vision username and stuff), and edit in a hexeditor for it to have the same info for the PAM area as the phone. I haven't done that, but it is possible... Then again, you could fry your phone trying.

[Kihorun]

Somehow I'm doing it through a humble Muziq completely free of charge. With confirmation from e-care.

Name: ***** *******
Form: Ask A Question Learn OR Feedback and Suggestions - Learn
Topic: Products and Services
Contact Number: ***-***-****
================================================== ======================
Question: Hello!
I've called in a few times regarding this matter, but I would just like to take the time to confirm what I was told. I am a fairly new customer with a SERO plan, and when I called in asking about adding the Phone-as-modem option, I was told it was included for free. Sure enough, i've been able to log on using my phone, and my WAP site displays 'Phone as modem $0.0'
Twice when I've called in, the agent has told me that the SERO plan includes unlimited PAM usage with this code. It should also be in my account notes that I will not be charged for any PAM usage. I couldn't imagine being misinformed by two separate agents, but all I would like is for you to confirm this for me, as I'm about to leave on a business trip and I plan on tethering quite a bit.
Thank you!
***** *******


And the reply.

Dear *****,

Thank you for contacting Sprint. I will be happy to assist you regarding the SERO plan and Phone as Modem option.

I apologize for the inconvenience caused as you were provided an incorrect information by our two agents regarding the SERO plan and phone as a modem option. Also, I assure you that I have forwarded your feedback regarding the service of our two agents to my supervisor. He has assured me that a certain action would be taken against these agents for providing the incorrect information.

I noticed on the account that you have a $30.00 SERO plan since August 28, 2007. Your $30.00 SERO plan includes unlimited Internet access (PAM option ). I assure you that the phone as a modem option (PAM) has been activated as of September 27, 2007. There will be no monthly recurring charges for this option. This means that you can access unlimited Internet on your PCS phone. There will be no additional charges for accessing the Internet.

Wishing you a happy business trip!

Thank you for contacting us. Have a great day.

Diana D
E-Care
Sprint
"Where our customers come first!"


Refer someone to Sprint and get $25.
Visit www.sprint.com/referralprogram for details.

[gcc5582]

Why does everyone wnat to cheat and break the rules?

[Kihorun]

Why does everyone wnat to cheat and break the rules?

Simple. When you, a one-in-a-million consumer drone manage to get a slightly better deal than the rest of your flock, it makes you feel just a bit better about yourself.

[monkeyboy]

Why does everyone wnat to cheat and break the rules?when the "rules" are illogical and make no sense... Suppose a car dealer offered you a 30% discount on a car but told you that it was because that car was designed only to use Mobil gasoline and it would be against the "rules" to buy any other gas. Or suppose your landline phone company said that your monthly rate was only for one extension phone and you needed to pay $20/mo extra if you added a second phone to your house wiring.

Sprint data customers just have a hard time understanding why an "unlimited" data plan for a phone, which may include many gigabytes/month of streaming media usage would be somehow hurt if you also did email reading and light websurfing on a laptop tethered to that phone. And why it would be okay to, say, d/l a 1MB image file into your phone and then transfer it to your laptop versus d/l that exact same 1MB image file "directly" into the tethered laptop. The data paths are all the same. The bandwidth used is exactly the same. The problem is that the current rate structure doesn't make sense.

[gcc5582]

Guys...Rules are rules....Whether they make sense or not....WHy is the Speed limit on the Interstate Highways 65 and 66????Rules are rules(no matter how stupid you and I think they might be) and part of being a responsible adult in our great free society is obeying them!!!

[monkeyboy]

Guys...Rules are rules...I'll try to make this short as I don't think this is the right forum for this discussion... No, rules are not rules... Would you follow a "rule" if I made one up for you and it seemed senseless ? There is a big difference as to *who* is making up the rule -- big difference between a state or federal government and a company trying to sell you something (also a big difference between a "rule" and a law). And moreover, when a rule or law seems wrong, the process for *changing* the rule or law is very different between one handed down by a government and one imposed by a company.

[gcc5582]

Trying to circumvent said command is not the proper way to change....when we sign with a company of any sort..we agree to abide by their terms and conditions.....with something we call a contract which is recognized by the Government(state or federal) as a binding legal agreement between two independent agreeing parties....you cast your displeasure by leaving or boycotting said service ...not by flagrantly disobeying/ignoring and turning your nose up at them....if you don't like it do one of two things:1) Leave or 2)try obeying for the greater good

[Kihorun]

cmon guise you all know all rules are awesome and must be revered in all circumstances... sheesh

[gcc5582]

This man is in touch with reality!!!!

[Sprint_David]

Guys, philosophical stuff aside, it looks from Kihorun's post of 11-13-2007 that free Phone-As-Modem may now be included in the $30 SERO plan. If that change is real, it is a big deal for people who want to tether their phone to a computer. Can anyone else confirm that PAM is now part of SERO-30?

----

Somehow I'm doing it through a humble Muziq completely free of charge. With confirmation from e-care.


And the reply.

[BrucePDA]

PAM is not a part of SERO. But depending on the phone you may be able to use it without being billed.

[Kihorun]

I can swap any power vision phone and still use PAM. The way the SERO plan is set up allows unlimited data of any sort. You need to be in ensemble. Call them and have them add the 39.99 option them call back later and remove it. The PAM provisioning code will remain and bam, free PAM.

[petern43]

I can swap any power vision phone and still use PAM. The way the SERO plan is set up allows unlimited data of any sort. You need to be in ensemble. Call them and have them add the 39.99 option them call back later and remove it. The PAM provisioning code will remain and bam, free PAM.

Do you have to have any sort of special software to use PAM? I'm currently using my Muziq and Touch and I don't have to install anything extra.

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