USB Modem: third party 3G phone-tethering software
Many moons ago, when some folks were still on dial-up, I used a an application to tether my 3G Windows Mobile phone to a laptop for modem use. That app was PdaNet from JuneFabrics and it still exists at $34 a license. If you want a cheaper alternative, take a look at USB Modem. They have a Palm version for Treos and Centros at $24.95, as well as a Windows Mobile solution for $19.95.
For this type of software, I highly recommend downloading and using the trial edition first because anytime you've got different carriers involved, you might find what works for one doesn't work for another. Of course, the carriers would like you to pay for a tethering option if they offer it, and you're always running the risk that they figure out what you're doing with a third-party app, so keep that in mind. In other words: you're on your own if you're violating the TOS with your carrier. Regardless of its name, USB Modem will let you tether wirelessly over Bluetooth as well as with a USB cable.
(via Business Hacks)
It's good to have other sources, but I can testify, after years using PDANet on a variety of Palm devices, it's works great. My wife has used it up in a little mountain cabin with no telephone to connect with her office. When all else failed, we had internet on the Sprint system using PDANet.
Posted by: Al | February 12, 2008 at 09:18 AM
This is also the only solution available to USB tether to Mac OSX from a Windows Mobile device. Unfortunately it is not compatible with Leopard.
Is there another solution available that I am not aware of?
Posted by: FrankN | February 12, 2008 at 10:06 AM
FrankN, I'll see if I can find software that lets you USB tether a WinMo device to a Mac. Meanwhile, have you tried to Bluetooth tether one? See: http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2007/06/bluetooth-tethe.html
Posted by: Kevin C. Tofel | February 12, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Why is this necessary? If you've already got Bluetooth on your laptop and phone why not just use the modem profile? Sorry if I'm missing something obvious.
Posted by: Jake | February 12, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Jake, not every device supports the required Bluetooth profiles needed as many carriers "cripple" the devices to stop you from tethering. Instead, they usually offer their own tethering option for a monthly fee. As a result, there's a market for 3rd party options like the one's mentioned here.
Posted by: Kevin C. Tofel | February 12, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Oh I see. Thank goodness that sort of thing doesn't happen here in the UK. Thanks Kevin. Sorry to bother you like that :)
Posted by: Jake | February 12, 2008 at 12:48 PM
No bother Jake! It's good for folks to know of the device and carrier differences between countries. :)
Posted by: Kevin C. Tofel | February 12, 2008 at 01:46 PM
The reason I perfer USB tether over Bluetooth, is because I have the PPC6700. The PPC6700 is Bluetooth 1.0 . It cannot keep up with EVDO speeds.
Posted by: FrankN | February 14, 2008 at 10:36 AM