How to browse internet on Blackberry phone using Wi-Fi without data plan with AT & T

This article serves as a conclusive and verified method of browsing Internet using Wi-Fi on Blackberry phones (Especially Blackberry 8820 used in this demonstration) when the user has not subscribed to AT&T service's Data Plan. There are no additional charges involved when using only Wi-Fi. It is absolutely Free. This will also solve many confusions prevailing among Blackberry users presently.

After reading through various Forum posts about using Wi-fi without Data plan on Blackberry phone, I wanted to make sure that I will not be charged for Data by AT & T. I confirmed this by calling AT & T customer service twice and I was told that I will not be charged for Data downloading if I am using Wi-Fi.

This article serves as a Step by Step instructions to avoid any possibility of accidentally using Media Net and also configuring Wi-Fi on Blackberry 8820 phone.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wi-Fi Enabled Blackberry Phone
• Wireless Internet service Wi-Fi at Home or Office
• Basic knowledge of navigating through Blackberry phone

1. 
    

   DISABLE TCP
   
   From the phone's home screen, Go to Options >> Advanced Options >> TCP
   In the TCP function You will see the following:
   APN: WAP.CINGULAR
   Username for APN: [e-mail]
   Password for APN: *********
   
   Delete all the above content so that the fields for TCP settings are Blank.
   Your TCP settings should look like this:
   APN:
   Username for APN:
   Password for APN:
   
   Save settings and exit to home screen of the phone.

2. 
    

   SELECT DEFAULT BROWSER
   
   From the phone's home screen, Go to Options >> Advanced Options >> Browser
   Make sure you select Wi-Fi Browser as your default Browser. Save settings and exit.

3. 
    

   CHANGE BROWSER SETTINGS
   
   From the phone's home screen, Go to Browser. Then press the "Menu" button on the phone (located to the left of the circular navigation button). Select Options >> Browser Configuration.
   Here select the browser as "Wi-Fi Browser". This step ensures that you are always using the browser to work with Wi-Fi only mode.

4. 
    

   MANAGE CONNECTIONS
   
   From the phone's home screen , Go to Manage Connections >> Set Up Wi-Fi Network >> Scan for Networks.
   Once the network is added successfully, Go to Manage Connections and Turn ON Wi-Fi connection.

5. 
    

   You are ready to browse internet and explore the world while not being charged for any data services. You will only pay your regular phone charges and nothing extra to the service provider!

Tips & Warnings

• Make Sure You have "Data Services" option "ON". You will find this in Connections >> Mobile Network Options.
• Also Check out the article on "How to Transfer Address Book to Blackberry Phone" at http://www.ehow.com/how_4543575_transfer-address-book-blackberry-phone.html
• Check to confirm that you have disabled Media Net settings from the TCP options before browsing internet. If Wi-Fi signal is low, the phone tries to switch to Media Net / Data which costs a lot of money base on per kb of data.

[braiton19]

on 11/7/2009 there is no option for Wi-Fi Browser option i am using the AT&T Blackberry Curve 8310. PLEASE HELP!

[genomu69]

on 10/28/2009 I am using BB 8320 with T-Mobile. Followed instructions. Phone can see the wifi signal, but when I go to connect, I'm told I need a WEP Key. Any suggestions

[ssybesma]

on 10/14/2009 Talk about a sheer contradiction:

http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?t=solutionTab&ft=searchTab&ps=solutionPanels&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8&solutionId=KB94636&isSrch=Yes

I have a BlackBerry Curve 8900.

AT&T Support and the first question on the subject in this document seem to say you can't connect to the internet without a data plan.

But, you can and I did.

Even later in their document, it implies that you can because it says if you do, you won't be charged for it.

Bottom line is you can, not to worry. All else from AT&T is worrying about losing profits. It must be.

I'm surfing the internet with Wi-Fi right now on my BB Curve 8900, and tested this by simply unplugging my wireless router, right after which I was not able to surf at all. Which simply means, I'm going through my wireless network and not through AT&T's.

I must say I had some issues and end e...

[scuba1234]

on 9/8/2009 Thank you very much my crackberry BOLD's WYFI works great without the AT&T data service @ $30 plus a mo.

[residentalien]

on 9/5/2009 I tried this approach (including deleting the TCP settings) and I'm still stuck!!! it's not working for me and I'm getting frustrated!!! (pulls hair out). I got a BB 8320 3 days ago via AT&T. I have a 2WIRE modem/router at home for wireless services on my laptops. I followed the steps noted above and still when I go to "Manage Connections" and turn on my WiFi, it says I'm connected (says "sucess"), but my Wi-Fi On signal is a yellow dash (kinda like a traffic light with a bar) which tells me something is wrong. I go to my main laptop where my ATT DSL wireless is set and I can see that my laptops are active, but my blackberry is inactive. Is anyone here able to connect with an ATT 2WIRE modem (I have the old 1000HW modem/router)but I can't imagine this is the problem. Pls help!!