AT&T Mobility FAQ/Data Connect Configuration

This is a setup guide for AT&T Mobility Data Connect (as distinct from MEdia Net). Important Notes:

This information is provided as a public service without warranty of any kind. Use at your own risk.
Items not covered here should be left at default values unless you really know what you are doing.

Differences between Data Connect and MEdia Net

Data Connect uses AT&T Data Connect profiles (settings) to provide standard Internet connections with AT&T as the ISP (Internet Service Provider). Connections can be configured with or without Data Acceleration (which significantly boosts throughput by means of image compression [which reduces image quality], caching, and transport optimization). Data Connect is more expensive than MEdia (as of this writing).
MEdia Net uses the AT&T WAP profile (settings) to support most types of Internet access (e.g., HTTP [Web browsing], SMTP/POP3/IMAP Email, FTP, Telnet, SSH, SSL). However, not all protocols seem to be fully supported, so problems may be seen with such things as VPN, and Data Acceleration is not available. Note that MEdia will not work with AT&T Data Connect profiles. MEdia is less expensive than Data Connect (as of this writing).

Handset (Phone) Configuration

If WAP isn't already working on the handset, the handset and SIM must first be configured for AT&T WAP:

This is best accomplished by asking AT&T Support (dial 611) to "push" WAP settings to the handset (normally done automatically by SMS when a WAP package [e.g., MEdia] is added to the account).
Alternative: Cingular On-line Phone & Device Support
Select your Network, and handset Manufacturer and Model (or a similar device) to access Device Setup.
Another alternative (untested), for Sony Ericsson devices, is to use the Configurator on the Sony Ericsson website. Select Configurators, Phone model, WAP Read more, and then follow the prompts. (Email and MMS can also be configured this way.)

This configuration is sufficient for WAP and/or Web browsing with the handset alone. It's also sufficient for Email given an Email client in the handset that has been properly configured (including selection of the WAP profile for connections).

Using Windows XP Dial-Up Networking

Create a handset modem entry. If your handset connection (serial cable, USB cable, IrDA, Bluetooth) created a modem entry for your handset (e.g., Standard Modem over Bluetooth link), then you can skip to next major step (Create DUN connection); otherwise:
- Obtain the latest handset modem driver.
- Make sure your handset connection (serial cable, USB cable, IrDA, Bluetooth) is installed properly, and note the COM port assigned. Make sure the handset is connected and powered on.
- Use Control Panel → Modem to Add the handset modem. Windows should detect the modem, and then search for the best driver. When it does, give Windows the location of the modem driver, and complete the installation. (If auto-detection fails, try to Add the modem manually using the appropriate COM port with the driver.)
Create a new Windows Dial-Up Networking (DUN) Connection:

Control Panel → Network Connections → Create a new connection

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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Network Connection Type

Connect to the Internet

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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Getting Ready

Set up my connection manually

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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Internet Connection

Connect using a dial-up modem

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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Select a Device

(Select just your serial, USB, IrDA, or Bluetooth connection)

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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Connection Name

AT&T Data Connect (or whatever you want)

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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Phone Number to Dial

*99# (uses default GPRS profile)

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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User name

WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM (must be all uppercase)

Password

CINGULAR1 (must be all uppercase)

Confirm password

CINGULAR1 (must be all uppercase)

Make this the default Internet connection

(probably not)

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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Completing

Click Finish

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Screen © Microsoft Corporation
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Set the port speed. (Especially important for EGPRS/EDGE!)

See How To Set the Port Speed in Windows XP?

Use this Dial-Up Connection to connect your computer to the Internet with AT&T GPRS/EGPRS(EDGE).

Using AT&T Communication Manager (Handset)

AT&T Communication Manager is a software package that makes it easier to connect your computer to the Internet over AT&T. Available for free download (inc. help files on same download page). Includes drivers for mobile devices sold by AT&T.

Do not connect your mobile device before starting this procedure:

Install and launch the software

Select Configure a phone as a tethered modem.