Bell 5G is Blocking Tethered Computer's IPSec & SSL VPN to Office Network

[-CN1]

Hello, 

We returned to Bell from TELUS and we just discovered that Bell is blocking IPSec and SSL VPN when a computer is tethered to an iPhone on 5G. We called Bell, the first customer service Rep did not know anything, then she escalated into supposedly a senior Rep. who did not fully understand the issue but then understood the issue and outright claimed that Bell does not block VPN connections through the Hotspot service (a tethered computer). He claimed that the issue is with Apple iOS and I would need to contact Apple...then, this senior representative literally hung up on me while I was speaking! I noticed the same issue at a number of clients , even those with iPhone 16 , we talked to Apple and Apple's senior tech confirmed that Apple iOS, even with 18.2, does NOT block any protocols while a computer is tethered to an iPhone, and this is in fact an issue with Bell's 5G.
We are going to try the SSL VPN option, via Hotspot, again to see if we can get it to work before termination of our Bell services.

Then I called Bell again and Bell finally confirmed that Bell DEOS block remote access VPN for a tethered computer as a VPN apparently interferes with their network. We were with Bell about a year and a half ago and GlobalProtect VPN was working, via Hotspot, without an issue .

We have tried a number of VPN agents such as Palo Alto GlobalProtect VPN, both IPSec and SSL VPN's, are dysfunctional when a computer is tethered from an iPhone on Bell 5G. We have no choice but to return to TELUS 5G as we must be able to tether a computer to an iPhone in order to VPN to various office networks.

Unless I have missed something, IMO this is a "breach of contract" as Bell should have clearly stated "Remote Access VPN not allowed for Hotspot service" in the contract. The Bell customer support was very disappointing and this new Hotspot limitation is also very disappointing as it was not listed as a restriction in our contract.

[thanix]

Exact same issue. What a waste of time & money trying to switch networks. If VPN tethering doesn’t work, then it’s a “no deal”.

[ArtP]

Interesting. Does anybody know what exactly are the criteria for blocking? I do use OpenVPN a lot and it does work for me on Bell's network. Including tethered devices (I tried MacBook Pro and iPad)

[dks · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your question. Bell does not support a VPN directly, however you can use a VPN on Bell's services. These tips on using a VPN may be helpful.

My own experience is variable. I have used a VPN in the past, but found it conflicted with my use of Outlook standalone client. Part of the issue was that the VPN moved my location to the US and Bell's network would not allow that as part of their security protection. That may also have been a VPN issue. 

[Pat-k]

My Google Pixel 7 hotspot has the same issue. When I try to connect VPN via my MacBook from the hotspot which connect with BELL 5G, the vpn connection drops immediately. But I move the SIM card to Pixel 4, it is working well. I am not sure the reason yet. 5G/LTE have the same issue 

[Pat-k]

Now I tried with iPhone SE 3 and Pixel 7 pro, both are not working. It is very possible Bell profile issue. The issue bothers me. I think it is important for Bell to fix it.

[dks]

I speculate that the issue is the use of a VPN. I have experimented with them in that past and found that a VPN did not play nice with Outlook (classic) on Bell Internet. In fact it did not work at all. This was long before the Giga Hub. Talking with Bell at the time suggested that it was probably their own network security measures, not the Giga Hub that were issue. Fortunately my employer does not require the use of a VPN. At the same time there are users who have no difficulty with a VPN. It remains a puzzle. 

[Pat-k]

No luck, not working, give up 

[Apears]

I confirm as of today this is still the case. They confirmed that some VPN connection types are blocked over wireless bell network.