Want to connect to internet using cell phone. Can I? Which cell phone?

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Level 1

8 points

Want to connect to internet using cell phone. Can I? Which cell phone?

Want to connect to internet using cell phone. Can I? Which cell phone?
I have Airport, internal modem, cat 5, etc. Will be in an area without WiFi, land line or network. Cell connectivity is available. Can I simply plug a cell phone into either my modem port or USB port and, using a dial-up service such as Earthlink, make the connection? I'm pretty sure it's not possible with my current cell phone (Nokia, very basic). So, if you've done this, what brand/model of cell phone have you used?

PowerBook, iOS 4.1

Posted on Oct 10, 2012 12:40 PM

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Answer 1

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,337 points

Oct 10, 2012 2:39 PM in response to Art Loud

There are several connection methods between computer and mobile phone, depending upon the units involved. To begin with, which PowerBook model and operating system? Exactly which Nokia model is it?

Alternatively, USB mobile broadband modems are available for use in many mobile phone networks.

Jan

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Answer 2

Art Loud Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 10, 2012 7:38 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

My computer is a 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4, running OS X 10.4.11. The Nokia phone is 2330 Classic.

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Answer 3

Art Loud Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 10, 2012 9:24 PM in response to Art Loud

The USB mobile broadband modem idea sounds promising. Does anyone know which one or ones work with my PowerBook G4 running OS X 10.4.11?

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Answer 4

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,337 points

Oct 11, 2012 5:41 AM in response to Art Loud

A Nokia 2330 Classic, with the correct settings and mobile network support, appears to be capable of handling both email messages and web services directly. For additional information see the following links:

http://www.nokia.com/us-en/products/phone/nokia-2330-classic/specifications/

http://www.nokia.com/us-en/support/product/nokia-2330-classic/userguide/

It may also be possible to operate the phone as a 2G modem through a Bluetooth connection (if the mobile phone network provider offers data services).

A better idea might be to use a dedicated (3G) mobile broadband modem (typically, USB). Check with different mobile network providers for details about modem models, plans and system requirements.

If there is a problem with USB mobile broadband modem system requirements, a small standalone mobile broadband modem with a built-in Wi-Fi router (such as the ZTE MF60) can be used instead. Such a device would allow any computer with Wi-Fi (AirPort) to connect through mobile broadband.

Jan

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