Getting Online on the Go

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By J. D. BIERSDORFER
Published: July 20, 2006

Q. Is there a way to get online by connecting a cellphone to a laptop computer?

A. Many mobile phones can serve double duty as laptop modems these days. This can come in handy when you’re nowhere near a wireless hotspot, an Ethernet network or even a telephone landline. If both the phone and the laptop can support Bluetooth connections, you can even link them wirelessly.

In general, if you don’t have Bluetooth capability, you will need a data cable that connects your phone to your computer’s U.S.B. port. Some phones include this cable in the box, but if your model didn’t come with one, you can find them for less than $30 at electronics shops or sites like www.3gcables.com.

You will need to sign up for a data plan from your wireless phone company, and you may need to install driver software on your laptop so the computer can recognize the phone. Some carriers also have their own connection programs that make it easy to jump on the airwaves. Check with your wireless service provider for the specific hardware, software and procedures needed to get the laptop online. Some companies have their own connection kits that give you everything you need to use the Internet anywhere you can get a cellphone signal.