by Gary Wollenhaupt

Created on: February 10, 2009

Using your Bluetooth-enabled, Internet-capable phone as a modem is easy, if you have some basics already in place.

First, make sure your computer is Bluetooth capable. If it is not built in, USB Bluetooth adapters are available at places such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy, as well as on eBay and Amazon.com.

You will also need a data plan on your phone if you are going to use it as a modem frequently. If it's only for emergency back up, you can pay as you go, depending on your carrier. Beware, overseas data use charges can be astronomical. So plan ahead if you're traveling out of the United States. If you use it too much, or download large files such as movies or music, your carrier may block access or drop you as a customer for hogging bandwidth.

Once your computer has Bluetooth installed, pair your phone and computer. Put both devices in discoverable mode. Your phone may require a one-time password to connect it to the computer. Read your phone's manual, call customer service, or search on line for the code. It's usually four digits long. You only have to do this step once.

Once your cell phone and computer are connected, it's time to connect to the Internet.

On a PC running Vista, click on Start then the "Connect To" Menu. Your phone should be listed as a network. Select the phone and press connect. You will be prompted to enter a user name and password from your carrier. It's not your computer user name. For major networks these items are available by searching forums, if you don't have the set up info already. Blogger Ricky Says has clear, concise instructions for using your cell phone as a modem for Mac and PC.

For Macs, check out Ross Barkman's home page for scripts and instructions for many popular phones, such as Motorola, Nokia, and Ericsson. Depending on your phone you may have to install some custom scripts on your Mac and enter the phone network's information in the Network setup preferences.

Currently, Apple does not allow the iPhone to be used as a modem, but instructions are available to jailbreak the iPhone to use as a modem. Many other models of smartphones, such as RIM's Blackberry, are set up to tether your laptop to the Internet. Data plans and fees vary by carrier, so check into your potential costs first so you won't be surprised by a large bill.

Connections speeds on a 3G phone are similar to a home DSL connection. It's certainly good enough for emergency back up, but will seem slow for heavy users.

Falling prices for broadband cards that use cell technology make them an attractive alternative for heavy users compared to using your Bluetooth cell phone as a modem.

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