HOWTO: Unlock/Setup AT&T Blue (Charter Plan) Subscribers

[MacGyver]

Since there doesn't seem to be a single dedicated thread/resource for those of us who are long-time AT&T subscribers back when it was AT&T Wireless the first time. ;)

To be clear -- this is for people like me who are "AT&T Blue" customers with our legacy charter plans or similar.

The following is what I did to get up and running, and I can at least confirm i
I take no credit for coming up with any of this...it's almost entirely from searching on this and other forums.

The steps are roughly:

Jailbreak your iPhone
Activate YouTube
SIM Unlock
Modify EDGE settings


Jailbreak your virgin iPhone:

Lots of resources here. You can use the documentation at www.hacktheiphone.com (http://www.hacktheiphone.com) as a great reference.

I prefer to just install Installer.app -- it will jailbreak the iPhone as part of its installation process automatically. You can get Installer.app at iphone.nullriver.com/beta/ (http://iphone.nullriver.com/beta/).

It's worth noting that I do not recommend activating the iPhone at this stage quite yet.

Unlock YouTube

Your next step is to unlock YouTube using the PACAY script and files.

There are two methods that I know of to get YouTube going. One involves editing the activation records on the iPhone to mimic a known legitimate phone on the network. This method is potentially problematic as there are already many people out there at this point that are using the same activation records...at some point should AT&T choose to wise up, they could suddenly find themselves inactive.

The second method, and the one that I use, involves patching the lockdownd binary to make it think it always has the valid activation records its looking for. Essentially, whenever it does a "validity check" it will return a good result. This will serve a dual purpose -- YouTube functionality will be enabled on your iPhone and, more importantly, you can swtich SIMs later without having to reactivate your phone every time.

Search this forum for the PACAY script...I won't link to it here.

Unlock your iPhone

I paid for my unlock with IPSF, but I've also unlocked an iPhone with the free solution as well...the free unlock solution can be had at iphone.unlock.no (http://iphone.unlock.no).

By the end of this stage you should have a fully unlocked iPhone and you should be able to make and receive phone calls as well as text messages (SMS) without a problem.

EDGE

This was borrowed from another thread (http://hackint0sh.org/forum/showthread.php?t=5890&page=2) on this forum --

Presumably you know how to get files on and off your iPhone. If you do not, please see www.hacktheiphone.com (http://www.hacktheiphone.com) and look for the section on how to get files on and off using WinSCP or ssh.

As AT&T Blue customers we have an inherent problem -- our EDGE settings are different than the Cingular/newAT&T folks, but the iPhone doesn't know this nor care. If you put in a non-AT&T SIM in the iPhone a menu option for EDGE settings can be found under the Settings application. However, since it thinks we're AT&T and it already knows what those settings should be, it won't display the application. Which leaves us to editing them manually...

The file you are looking for is:

/var/root/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

Find the following section:

<dict>
<key>apn</key>
<string>wap.cingular</string>
<key>password</key>
<string>CINGULAR1</string>
<key>username</key>
<string>WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM</string>
</dict>

You will need to alter the apn string to proxy and remove the password. You should be left with the following:

<dict>
<key>apn</key>
<string>proxy</string>
<key>password</key>
<string></string>
<key>username</key>
<string></string>
</dict>

There is another APN section in that file -- it is safe to ignore it for our purposes, so do not modify it.

Once you've modified the file and gotten it back on the iPhone (or edited it in-place on the iPhone if you know how), you will need to restart your iPhone by holding down the on/off button until prompted to slide to turn off.

Once your iPhone has been restarted, you should have a working EDGE connection.

That's it...pretty straightforward. Enjoy.


-MacGyver.

[THouck24]

Hi I was wondering if you could help - I am on the Former Blue AT&T Plan with a white SIM card. Ihave an iphone that I purchased unlocked. I put my Sim into the phone and the phone works, but EDGE and You Tube doesnt. The seller who unlocked my phone sent me the file for EDDGE (IBRICKR) and the one for Youtube. My phone still wont work with EDGE and my Youtube still doesnt work. WHen hte file is running for You tube- it states that it cant find the SSL. Please help- does anyone know what can be the problem??

[variance]

MacGyver,

Did you request to add on unlimited data to your AT&T Blue plan?

I am currently an AT&T Blue subscriber, and do NOT want to lose my $9.99 North America package... I recall calling Cingular/New AT&T about adding an unlimited data plan to my existing package, and they said it could be done for a $40 fee or something like that.

Is that what you have done?

[samsil]

Hi I was wondering if you could help - I am on the Former Blue AT&T Plan with a white SIM card. Ihave an iphone that I purchased unlocked. I put my Sim into the phone and the phone works, but EDGE and You Tube doesnt. The seller who unlocked my phone sent me the file for EDDGE (IBRICKR) and the one for Youtube. My phone still wont work with EDGE and my Youtube still doesnt work. WHen hte file is running for You tube- it states that it cant find the SSL. Please help- does anyone know what can be the problem??

I have at & T Blue also but edge only works like if you have a data plan activated on your account. Please dont tell them you have an iphone if you want the edge you have to pay for a data plan. Youtube solution can be easily fixed with apptapp application just look here or on goggle for it.

[kkanuck]

MacGyver,

Did you request to add on unlimited data to your AT&T Blue plan?

I am currently an AT&T Blue subscriber, and do NOT want to lose my $9.99 North America package... I recall calling Cingular/New AT&T about adding an unlimited data plan to my existing package, and they said it could be done for a $40 fee or something like that.

Is that what you have done?



Still waiting on an answer to this myself???


Anyone, MacGyver?

Cheers

[kkanuck]

MacGyver,

Did you request to add on unlimited data to your AT&T Blue plan?

I am currently an AT&T Blue subscriber, and do NOT want to lose my $9.99 North America package... I recall calling Cingular/New AT&T about adding an unlimited data plan to my existing package, and they said it could be done for a $40 fee or something like that.

Is that what you have done?



Still waiting on an answer to this myself???


Anyone, MacGyver?

Cheers

[kkanuck]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone can confirm this....

I already have an iphone, and I am on an old ATT plan, that I unlocked the phone with, and am using with no issues.

My wife now wants one, and she too is on ATT but on the newer sim, the orange kind, out of contract,

If i want to get hers to work, do I still have to unlock the phone, or can I get away with jailbreak and acgtivation without having to unlock the phone seeing as an ATT Sim card will be used.

I tried searching the site on this but was unable to find anything, so I apologize in advance if there is answers to this in the forum.....I just could not find it.


Please let me know,

Many Thanks

[variance]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone can confirm this....

I already have an iphone, and I am on an old ATT plan, that I unlocked the phone with, and am using with no issues.

My wife now wants one, and she too is on ATT but on the newer sim, the orange kind, out of contract,

If i want to get hers to work, do I still have to unlock the phone, or can I get away with jailbreak and acgtivation without having to unlock the phone seeing as an ATT Sim card will be used.

I tried searching the site on this but was unable to find anything, so I apologize in advance if there is answers to this in the forum.....I just could not find it.


Please let me know,

Many Thanks

Hi kkanuck,

I called in last week to at&t, and I have since then added the Unlimited mMode option on my phone. I do not have the iPhone as of yet, and will be receiving it tomorrow hopefully.

Is this what you have done also?

Also, to answer your question about your wife's orange Cingular SIM card, I believe that yes, you will also have to unlock the phone, as the iPhone only accepts the NEWER at&t SIM cards....

If you have the time and patience, you could always re-virginize your iPhone, and stick in your wife's SIM card to test?



Regards,
var

[kkanuck]

Hi kkanuck,

I called in last week to at&t, and I have since then added the Unlimited mMode option on my phone. I do not have the iPhone as of yet, and will be receiving it tomorrow hopefully.

Is this what you have done also?

Also, to answer your question about your wife's orange Cingular SIM card, I believe that yes, you will also have to unlock the phone, as the iPhone only accepts the NEWER at&t SIM cards....

If you have the time and patience, you could always re-virginize your iPhone, and stick in your wife's SIM card to test?



Regards,
var


Hi Var,

Thanks for the input.

Please let me know how you set up the edge to work on the Mmode unlimited. Did they charge you $25.00 extra per month for unlimited?

They told me that Mmode is slower then edge....not sure about that, many times ATT does not know what they are selling?


Curious to see how it goes.

Many Thanks,


kkanuck

[variance]

Hi kkanuck,

To answer your questions, and give you directions:

1. Yes, I added the Unlimimted mMode to my plan for $25/month. I currently am on the old Nation 800 (w/ bonus 100minutes), w/ $9.99 North American Package. I subscribed to this package back in April, 2004.

2. I too thought mMode would be slower, since mMode is technically GPRS. When I unlocked my iPhone, and set up the EDGE settings, I get the "E" indicator at the top-right.

3. Lastly, and the most important, how I set up my EDGE. It took me 35mins to figure it out, but it comprised of only one webpage of information: http://www.modmyifone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6386&p=86244#post86244

In short, I will describe it here, and will assume you know how to WinSCP into your iPhone, and that you have installed OpenSSH:

Step 0:
From the Installer, I went to UNLOCKING TOOLS --> EDGE Settings fix. This little Utility will make turning ON/OFF your EDGE, WiFi, Bluetooth and SSH very easily.

Step 1:
Even tho the above URL I pasted states to TURN OFF YOUR WIFI, do not do so. I left mine on in order to be able to WinSCP into it.

The file to modify is:
/var/root/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

In this file, search for "cingular", you will find this section

----------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>wap.cingular</string>
<key>password</key>
<string>CINGULAR1</string>
<key>username</key>
<string>WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM</string>
---------------------------------------

replace
"wap.cingular"
with
"proxy"

Delete
"CINGULAR1"
and
"WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM"

so this section looks like this:

---------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>proxy</string>
<key>password</key>
<string></string>
<key>username</key>
<string></string>
----------------------

Step 2:
Next, do a search for the next section (close to the top of the file):

<key>Interface</key>
<dict>
<key>DeviceName</key>
<string>ip2</string>
<key>Hardware</key>
<string>com.apple.CommCenter</string>
<key>Type</key>
<string>com.apple.CommCenter</string>
</dict>

add following section after it.

<key>Proxies</key>
<dict>
<key>ProxyAutoConfigEnable</key>
<integer>1</integer>
<key>ProxyAutoConfigURLString</key>
<string>file:///private/var/root/proxy.pac</string>
</dict>

----------------------------------------
Now we are done with this file.


Step 3:
Next step is to add the "proxy.pac" file.

Copy text below to Notepad and save it as proxy.pac (make sure it does not have .txt in the file name)

--------------------------------------------------
function FindProxyForURL(url, host)
{
if (isInNet(myIpAddress(), "10.0.0.0", "255.0.0.0"))
return "PROXY 10.250.250.54:8080";
else
return "DIRECT";
}
--------------------------------------------------

Step 4:
Then upload to iPhone at this directory

"/private/var/root"



Step 5:
WinSCP to and modify:
/var/root/Library/Preferences/com.apple.carrier.plist

Find the following section in com.apple.carrier.plist:
----------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>wap.cingular</string>
<key>password</key>
<string>CINGULAR1</string>
<key>username</key>
<string>WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM</string>
---------------------------------------


Change the information from the above to:
--------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>proxy</string>
<key>password</key>
<string></string>
<key>username</key>
<string></string>

----------------------

I did not reboot the phone afterwards. I just disconnected my WinSCP, and using SERVICES, turned off my WiFi. and turned on EDGE.

I then went to a webpage that I had never been to before, and tested the EDGE network out. Google maps works best.



And there you go! Please let me know how yours turned out.

Regards,
var

[kkanuck]

Hi kkanuck,

To answer your questions, and give you directions:

1. Yes, I added the Unlimimted mMode to my plan for $25/month. I currently am on the old Nation 800 (w/ bonus 100minutes), w/ $9.99 North American Package. I subscribed to this package back in April, 2004.

2. I too thought mMode would be slower, since mMode is technically GPRS. When I unlocked my iPhone, and set up the EDGE settings, I get the "E" indicator at the top-right.

3. Lastly, and the most important, how I set up my EDGE. It took me 35mins to figure it out, but it comprised of only one webpage of information: http://www.modmyifone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6386&p=86244#post86244

In short, I will describe it here, and will assume you know how to WinSCP into your iPhone, and that you have installed OpenSSH:

Step 0:
From the Installer, I went to UNLOCKING TOOLS --> EDGE Settings fix. This little Utility will make turning ON/OFF your EDGE, WiFi, Bluetooth and SSH very easily.

Step 1:
Even tho the above URL I pasted states to TURN OFF YOUR WIFI, do not do so. I left mine on in order to be able to WinSCP into it.

The file to modify is:
/var/root/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

In this file, search for "cingular", you will find this section

----------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>wap.cingular</string>
<key>password</key>
<string>CINGULAR1</string>
<key>username</key>
<string>WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM</string>
---------------------------------------

replace
"wap.cingular"
with
"proxy"

Delete
"CINGULAR1"
and
"WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM"

so this section looks like this:

---------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>proxy</string>
<key>password</key>
<string></string>
<key>username</key>
<string></string>
----------------------

Step 2:
Next, do a search for the next section (close to the top of the file):

<key>Interface</key>
<dict>
<key>DeviceName</key>
<string>ip2</string>
<key>Hardware</key>
<string>com.apple.CommCenter</string>
<key>Type</key>
<string>com.apple.CommCenter</string>
</dict>

add following section after it.

<key>Proxies</key>
<dict>
<key>ProxyAutoConfigEnable</key>
<integer>1</integer>
<key>ProxyAutoConfigURLString</key>
<string>file:///private/var/root/proxy.pac</string>
</dict>

----------------------------------------
Now we are done with this file.


Step 3:
Next step is to add the "proxy.pac" file.

Copy text below to Notepad and save it as proxy.pac (make sure it does not have .txt in the file name)

--------------------------------------------------
function FindProxyForURL(url, host)
{
if (isInNet(myIpAddress(), "10.0.0.0", "255.0.0.0"))
return "PROXY 10.250.250.54:8080";
else
return "DIRECT";
}
--------------------------------------------------

Step 4:
Then upload to iPhone at this directory

"/private/var/root"



Step 5:
WinSCP to and modify:
/var/root/Library/Preferences/com.apple.carrier.plist

Find the following section in com.apple.carrier.plist:
----------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>wap.cingular</string>
<key>password</key>
<string>CINGULAR1</string>
<key>username</key>
<string>WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM</string>
---------------------------------------


Change the information from the above to:
--------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>proxy</string>
<key>password</key>
<string></string>
<key>username</key>
<string></string>

----------------------

I did not reboot the phone afterwards. I just disconnected my WinSCP, and using SERVICES, turned off my WiFi. and turned on EDGE.

I then went to a webpage that I had never been to before, and tested the EDGE network out. Google maps works best.



And there you go! Please let me know how yours turned out.

Regards,
var


Hi Var,


Thanks for the guide.

I once modified these settings in my 1.0.2, but never signed up. Now I upgraded to 1.1.1, so it is back to factory.

I am on a 1000 minute anytime, nationwide, nighttime/weekend free, for $39.95 from like 2002.

Let me know how you like the Mmode.

Not sure if I will get it yet. Is there a contract, or can you cancel anytime? Did they ask you what kind of phone you had?

Cheers for the info,

[variance]

Hi Var,


Thanks for the guide.

I once modified these settings in my 1.0.2, but never signed up. Now I upgraded to 1.1.1, so it is back to factory.

I am on a 1000 minute anytime, nationwide, nighttime/weekend free, for $39.95 from like 2002.

Let me know how you like the Mmode.

Not sure if I will get it yet. Is there a contract, or can you cancel anytime? Did they ask you what kind of phone you had?

Cheers for the info,

Hi kkanuck,

I have good news!

So after using the $25/month unlimited mMode for up to 5MB ( I had the Services app installed to turn off EDGE - and incase I would get hosed with usage, I could afford paying the 5MB pay per use if I was charged that ), I have verified in my statement of account that it is in fact UNLIMITED!

See here:
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z75/var1126/mMode_unlimited_verify.jpg


So to answer your question in how I added $25/month, when at&t asked me what device I have, I told them that I am buying an unlocked Samsung Blackjack from eBay, and that I wanted the unlimited mMode on my EXISTING ACCOUNT, without changing anything. I told them I just wanted the addition of the unlimited mMode, and that's all.

The rep kept telling me that I wouldn't be able to use the network or its speed as efficiently, but I rebutted saying that it didn't matter.

Anyhow, he finally added it, I verified it in my account.

Once I received the iPhone, I proceeded to unlock and utilize the proxy setting as described above in my previous post. I had thought I would be utilizeing GPRS speeds, but it is in fact EDGE.


As for your last question, I do not believe there is any contract. I have been out of contract for over a year and a half now, and adding an unlimited mMode service has no bearing on your contract, as it is currently grandfathered.

Regards,
var

[variance]

hmm... something doesn't seem to be right.

I pay an extra $4.99/month for 100 text messages.

From this printscreen from my online bill:
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z75/var1126/mMode_sms_charges.jpg

It looks like I have used NONE of my included text messaging, and have used 16 text messages that are charged.

Not quite sure why that is, but I'll be scouring the forums.

Regards,
var

[kkanuck]

hmm... something doesn't seem to be right.

I pay an extra $4.99/month for 100 text messages.

From this printscreen from my online bill:
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z75/var1126/mMode_sms_charges.jpg

It looks like I have used NONE of my included text messaging, and have used 16 text messages that are charged.

Not quite sure why that is, but I'll be scouring the forums.

Regards,
var


Keep me posted var on what happens.....


So you are paying $24.95 extra per month, and it is edge, not Mmode, even though that is how it is "worded" and it is unlimited, no contract? I do not think it includes text message, as that is a different link to add......

[Arkanine]

hi i have done this to my iphone and if you restart the phone by powering it off than i would lose the coding. is their any way to keep the coding on the phone

i have tried surreal networks sticky apn too.

ty

[peternyc]

iPhone FW: Ver 1.1.1 I have AT&T Blue and Mmode

I have done the mods indiacted on this thread. EVERYTHING WORKS FINE:)

Calls, youtube, Edge WiFi all fine.:)

From time to time an application will lock up the iphone (not unusual) of course a lock-up requires a reboot (two button) when iphone reboots it looses the code that has been modified (full explanation below):mad: A code re-edit is required, then Edge will work again fine.:)

Q. Has any one experienced this ?

Q. Any solutions ?


I wonder if a small program could be done that when this happens you start the app via an icon, it then makes the changes and prompts for a reboot

Below is a detailed example of the issue:

Staring with the original config:

key>apn</key>
<string>wap.cingular</string>
<key>password</key>
<string>CINGULAR1</string>
<key>username</key>
<string>WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM</string>
---------------------------------------

replace "wap.cingular" with "proxy" Delete "CINGULAR1" and "WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM"

so this section looks like this:

---------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>proxy</string>
<key>password</key>
<string></string>
<key>username</key>
<string></string>
----------------------

Reboot

All Edge now works (proxy.pac and the added code never change)

but the:
---------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>proxy</string>
<key>password</key>
<string></string>
<key>username</key>
<string></string>
----------------------
changes back to:

key>apn</key>
<string>wap.cingular</string>
<key>password</key>
<string>CINGULAR1</string>
<key>username</key>
<string>WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM</string>

That is when you have to SFTP and manually chnge it to:

---------------------------------------
<key>apn</key>
<string>proxy</string>
<key>password</key>
<string></string>
<key>username</key>
<string></string>
----------------------

It is a very inconvenient situation when traveling.

Thanks to al that continue to contribute solutions !!!

[ilikecornpops]

are you using an original at&t white and blue sim card?

[kkanuck]

correct, the old white and blue!

[cobra75007]

Hi. I have the 1.1.3 that i just unlocked. I have tried to WinSCP to the iphone to chnge the file in: /var/root/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

but it is not there. is the file in a different location in 1.1.3???