Ways to connect to the Mobile Internet

Written on 8/27/2008 12:00:00 AM by poison_ivy

I know that WiFi hotspots can be found almost anywhere in the UK, however, it’s also a fact that unauthorized use of WiFi hotspots has become a crime. You may actually be sitting in a coffee shop thinking you’re using the free WiFi they’re providing when you’re actually logged on to someone’s unprotected WiFi network. You could get a hefty fine of £1,000 for that offense. So, how do you protect yourself from inevitably using someone else’s WiFi network? Two words: mobile internet.

Mobile Phones. There are different ways of connecting to the mobile internet, simplest way is using your mobile phone as a modem. In order to make use of your mobile phone as a modem, you need to have the software that will allow you to use it as such. Usually for Nokia phones, you need the Nokia PC Suite, the Motorola Phone Tools for Motorola, ActiveSync for windows mobile devices, etc.

AirCards. I don’t know the other term for aircards but this is a device for laptops that allows you to connect to the mobile internet using a compatible simcard. Aircards can usually be connected using the PCMCIA card slot or the ExpressCard slot for newer laptop models.

Dongles. In recent months, dongles have become a popular way of connecting to the mobile internet. Dongles or USB Modems are usually the size of USB drives or flash drives and they allow you to connect to the internet using 3G signals. Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, 3 Broadband and O2 are already providing separate dongles which you can rent monthly. Broadband Expert has a simple chart comparing the different dongle being offered by these wireless carriers. You can also check out their mobile internet comparison chart if you don’t have a monthly plan yet.

Whichever way you prefer to connect to the mobile internet, one thing’s for sure: Mobile Internet is the newest way to get connected ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

*links in italics are sponsored links.