You in all likelihood use your mobile phone to browse the Web. It is nice of course to be competent to reach the info you need at the time you need it rather then waiting until you find a computer connected to the Internet. The only disfavor is the little screen of mobile phones. But in fact, one may use mobile phone as a modem for one’s laptop. Then one may combine commodious Web browsing on computer with the mobility of mobile phones. Before going on with the explanation, just want to mention that one has to have an limitless info plan, other than as supposed or expected using mobile GPRS or 3G connection for the Web browsing may result in unpleasantly high phone bills.
Let us original describe the procedure for Windows Mobile phones. If your laptop runs MS Windows, then no further and added software is required. In that case both operating systems have already all that is necessary to establish a connection, one just needs to adjust a great deal of settings. Then we will speak with regards to other mobile operating systems.
To get started with, you will need to establish a connection amid your phone and laptop. Connection may be made using either the USB cable that came with your phone or Bluetooth. We are not going to speak with regards to cable connection here because in that case the procedure is much more tricky. Besides, you will also need to install phone-specific drivers, so those who prefer to use this way of connection will have to consult their phone manufacturer.
For Bluetooth connection, not only the modem function set up is very simple, it is likewise more commodious as any wireless connection. (But better do not keep the phone in your pocket because you will be subjected to strong radiation as long as you surf the Web. As it is commended to use a headset for mobile calls, likewise, when using mobile phone for the Internet connection, it is better not to keep it too close to yourself).
So, introductory thing you need to do is to pair your phone with the computer (if your laptop does not have a built-in Bluetooth feature, you may buy a Bluetooth dongle). Bluetooth will have to be activated on you mobile device and it must be discoverable to other devices. Then on your laptop right-click the Bluetooth icon and select “Add New Connection”, then just follow the prompts. On your phone you will see a popup saying that your laptop wants to connect. Allow the connection. Your laptop will display a passkey, which you will have to note down to enter on the phone when prompted. Then follow further Wizard prompts on the laptop. The only field you will need to modify is the phone number in the “Create Dialup Connection” screen. For GSM mobile networks, this number will have to be *99#. For CDMA networks, this number may be different, you may learn it from your carrier. Do not alter any other field.
Now your phone has been paired with the laptop and a dialup connection has been set up. Now you just need to add numerous info to the modem configuration. Go to Start -> Settings -> Control panel -> Modems. Find the mobile modem you have just devised and choose Properties. On the Advanced tab, you need to enter string in “Extra initialization commands”. This initialization string ought to look as follows:
+CGDCONT =1,”IP”,”apn.address” – you must alternate apn.address with the name of the GPRS APN (Access Point Name) of your mobile carrier. You may find the Access Point Name in the Internet connection settings (under Settings -> Connections) in your phone or you may learn it from your carrier.
That’s all, now you may use your phone as a modem. The dial-up connection you have just devised may be reached by clicking on the WiFi icon in the task tray. One may likewise find that connection underneath Bluetooth devices. Then right-click on the phone icon and you will see Dial-Up Networking.
Let us now turn to other mobile platforms. For Blackberry the procedure is rather similar but you must basi install Blackberry Desktop Software on your laptop and connect the phone to laptop by USB cable at least once, so that all the necessary drivers will be installed automatically. Notice, however, that not all Blackberry models have a modem feature. You may consult your local Blackberry service or your carrier to learn if your device may be employed as a modem.
For Google Android gadgets and iPhone this procedure will not work. This has been done because of the pressure from the mobile carriers, who do not want their clients to use the phone’s Internet connection for their computers so that they may extract more cash from the customers. One may bypass that restriction by using pdaNET program, which is available for Windows Mobile, Palm OS, Blackberry, iPhone and Google Android.