Can't find wireless hotspots everywhere you travel, or perhaps you just don't want to pay for an expensive Internet connection at home? Fortunately for you, it is possible to use a cell phone as an Internet modem, depending on your carrier and your phone's features. It may not be as fast as most high-speed connections, but it can give you a reliable connection for basic Internet use.
Instructions
1. Call your cell phone carrier or sign into your account online to see if you have a "phone-as-modem" feature installed on your phone and included in your plan. Some phones have the features installed, but it requires activation, while other phones may not have it at all. Also, using your phone as a modem can be expensive if it is not included at a flat rate you can afford with your plan, so make sure you know what you will be charged for this service.
2. Download and install any program necessary from your carrier in order to make the phone-as-modem feature work. Every carrier has a different program which can usually be found on their site. If you cannot find the site or get online to download the program, visit one of your carrier's locations and pick up a CD with the program so you can install it.
3. Explore your phone for any tools or setup areas called "phone-as-modem." Some phones do not have a specified mode that you have to turn on, but others do. If you do find this tool or setup feature, make sure to put the phone in modem mode when you are ready to use it. You will probably not receive calls, text messages, email notifications, or other forms of outside data while in modem mode.
4. Plug your phone into the computer using a cord provided by your carrier or which came with your phone. Make sure your phone is in modem mode, if it has one, and open any program your carrier has provided you with for this purpose. Once the program is open, it should detect your phone, and ask you if you would like to connect to the Internet with it. You may simply have to click an icon that represents the phone, and the connection will start automatically.
5. Disconnect from the Internet by using the program provided when you are finished using the connection. Make sure to do this before unplugging the phone from the computer.
Tags: your phone, your carrier, modem mode, phone modem, phones have