BlackBerry enables remote Internet

Photo By Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon | Marines can tether certain government-issued BlackBerrys to receive Internet access on their computer. Tethering can be a solution to connectivity issues in remote areas and during deployment.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.01.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Marines with certain government-issued BlackBerry smart phones on Okinawa now have the ability to use their device as a wireless modem to connect their government laptop computers to the Internet.

Though this capability, commonly referred to as tethering, has been available since February 2011, it is now becoming more prevalent.

Tethering is when a cell phone or other Internet-enabled mobile device is used as an access point to the Internet for another device.
The tethering capability allows users to connect their government notebook computer to the Internet and access the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet when a wired local area network connection is not available, according to Gregory R. Graham, a telephone control officer for the Marine Corps Base Wireless Telecommunications and Official Billing office, G-6, MCB Camp Butler.

“Having the capability to use a BlackBerry to access the Internet in remote locations is more than phenomenal in regards to mission accomplishment – it is a necessity,” said Col. Douglas J. Wadsworth, the assistant wing commander for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Prior to the use of tethering, the only NMCI-approved wireless adapter for internet use via cellular networks, often referred to as air cards, were provided by continental U.S.-based carriers.

“There are several wireless network data card options currently approved for use with NMCI,” said Graham. “However, the continental U.S.-based solutions are very expensive when used overseas. Continental U.S.-based service is billed with roaming data charges, which are approximately $20 a megabyte.”

Transferring a typical portable document format or pdf file, a two megabyte photograph or spreadsheet would cost approximately $40 using a continental U.S.-based service overseas. With tethering, users can send and receive unlimited data in Japan costing their unit a set rate of approximately $100 per month.
Users must be mindful of international data roaming charges when on deployment or temporary additional duty outside of Japan.

“Any wireless service, especially used outside Japan, has a significant potential for very high costs,” said Graham. “Viewing or downloading an e-mail attachment could incur a roaming data cost.”
When tethering outside Japan, users must manually select an approved partner carrier to receive a set daily data fee and avoid roaming charges, added Graham.

However, even with this discount plan, using the tethering service can cost units a great deal of money, he added.

In order to set up a government-issued BlackBerry smart phone for tethering to the NMCI network, users should visit their unit telecommunications control officer.

Additionally, the unit information systems coordinator will need to procure the tethering configuration service from NMCI and provide the technical support for the configuration.

To set up a device for tethering or for more information on the tethering capability, contact your unit telecommunications control office or the Marine Corps Base Wireless Telecommunications and Official Billing office at 645-0306.

• Date Taken: 03.01.2012
• Date Posted: 03.01.2012 18:48
• Story ID: 84598
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP