blackberry w/internet access as modem?

Is there an older blackberry that can be setup for internet access,
and then can be linked to a computer for highspeed access? I know it's
possible with the newer ones, as I was informed by a verizon rep.
However, with the new ones, you pay $29.99/month for the internet
plan, and if you want to use the cell phone as the modem for your
laptop/pc, you must purchase a cable and then pay an extra $15/month,
bringing you back up to the regular $45 monthly plan you'd pay for
smartphone internet access. Sucks, in my opinion. They can control the
phone so that you can't get this without paying the extra $15.

So, can I just get this service on an older phone that they can't
control as with the current phones in the store?

Thank you