Laptop 3G or GPRS data connection via mobile phone

[adrian]

Hi all,

Quick question. A new laptop for my Dad, I need to set him up with internet access on the go. He doesn’t need it enough to merit the 3 Mobile or O2 datacard and so I am just going to get him to upgrade his phone to a basic Nokia 3G with a datacable. Question is, how do I set up a GPRS or 3G internet connection for him via his mobile phone and data cable… is this possible or do I just add a new dialup connection with the 1850 150150 eircom dialup number present and the phone will then dial the data number?

Thanks a mil,

Adrian

[Bernard]

I think when you have installed PCSuite on the pc the option to use the phone as a modem will appear.

You'd want a data add on though, otherwise it'd be very costly...

You can get pay as you go 3G modems though.

[CJ]

When you add 3G funtionality to a handset, you connect directly to the providers network as opposed to dialing an ISP. Some form of client software will be required as an interface between the pc, datacable/bluetooth and the phone. I believe you can use the O2 broadband app thats bundled with the 3G modems for this purpose.

CJ

[RussMan]

Setup a bluetooth connection to the Phone and use dial up networking and dial *99# that will initiate an internet connection via the phone.
Easy peezy Should mention that you won't get full broadband speeds but its quite useable.....

[adrian]

Cheers all. RussMan, are they vodafone settings? I am guessing you need username/password and access points etc.

So CJ, no dialling ISP then it's all GPRS type data then? He's getting a 3G phone this week and a data cable so it should be a handy enough setup I think.

Would it work in Northern Ireland ya think once set up?

[CJ]

Would it work in Northern Ireland ya think once set up?

Yes - note that 3G data roaming can be expensive, both O2 and Vodafone have dedicated staff to deal with 3G model 'bill shock' at a corporate level. Check the tarrifs before you try.

You don't dial an ISP with 3G / GPRS, its more of a case of using the mobile providers network for internet access.

CJ