Metropcs Freeform Internet Connection

My metropcs phone Samsung Freeform can be use as a modem to connect to the Internet. This is by no mean nothing else that a failsafe connection, since currently Metropcs speed is 1x (about 114-230 kbps).  This Internet access is simple and yet efficient for trips where first, metropcs has coverage and there is no free wifi to get attach to. Well with that said, lets see how this work in my to different operating systems(Windows and Linux).

Basic Phone Setup:

1. Change phone settings: menu->Settings->Phone Settings->PC Connection->No Connection.
2. Change the DUN (Dial-Up Networking) Settings in the Phone to Enable
3. Connect the Phone to the computer via Usb (There are indications that a Bluetooth can also be used, however, I do not carry those earing things, sorry)

First lets start with Windows:

In windows to make Freeform work as a modem:

1. Install Samsung New Pc Studio. This will bring all the drivers for your phone, so it is recommended.
2. Follow the intruction on the New Hardware Found Wizard, and hopefully a Samsung  CDMA modem will be abilitated.
3. Create an Internet Connection from Network Connections or From Internet Explorer.
   1. Phone to Dial: “#777”
   2. Username: <10 digit phone number>@mymetropcs.net
   3. Password: mymetropcs
4. Change Proxy setting for this connection in Internet Explorer:
   1. Server: wap.metropcs.net Port:3128
5. Restart your browser and begin surfing.

In linux (Fedora, Slax, and probably others):

1. Open a Terminal:
2. Issue command “LSUB” in lowecaps

$ lsusb

Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub

Bus 002 Device 002: ID 04e9:7740 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Usb Modem Enumerator

Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub

Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub

$ modprobe -r usbserial

$ modprobe usbserial vendor=0x04e9 product=0x7740

Install wvdial and to check for modem location issuing this command: wvdialconf /etc/wvdial.conf hopefully the output is /dev/ttyACM0 or simmilar as your modem location.

Close the terminal.

3.   Close the Terminal

4. Go to System->Preferences->Network Connections

5. Clic Mobile Broadband->Add->Forward->country->Provider->Apply

6. Number is already chosen.

7.  Username : <10 digita number>@mymetropcs.com

8. Password: mymetropcs

9. Open a browser: I used Opera browser

10. Clic Menu->Settings->Preferences->Advanced->Network->Proxy Servers

11. Inside Proxy Servers choose HTTP, HTTPS and FTP and fill with ‘wap.metropcs.net’ for server and ‘3128’ for port clic ok and restart browser to start surfing the web.

Finally, Metropcs internet service is just fine for email and instant message and some soft web surfing. With that in mind remember sites offering streaming or flash would be a painful experience. In the end for the price and the funtionability this phone is more than I expected from my regional carrier.