How to Use Your Cell Phone as a Modem

How to Use Your Cell Phone as a Modem1 How to Use Your Cell Phone as a Modem The idea of using your cell phone as a modem and access internet through it becomes very much useful, when you do not have an available Wi-Fi service or the regular internet service has gone down. You can even use this option to access internet from your laptop when you are on the go or travelling in a train for long hours. Your cell phone comes with a Bluetooth connectivity option, which allows you to use it as a modem and connect to the internet. Bluetooth also scores over the normal USB cable, as you use this wireless technology to connect and access internet simply by pulling out your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone in your pocket or handbag irrespective of the place or time.

Required Tools

Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
Bluetooth adapter (built-in or external dongle) for your laptop
Data plan from your subscribed mobile provider

Instructions

Activate Bluetooth on your cell phone for connecting wirelessly to the PC. The default value of Bluetooth will be “off”, so you have to set the option to “on” for activating the wireless connectivity service. Based on your handset model you have to set the activation option to “on”, “visible”, or “discoverable”.
Go to your PC and find the Bluetooth program manager to activate the service. The program manger appears differently based on the installed operation system. For example, if you are using Windows XP or Windows 7, you can find the program manager under, My Computer > My Bluetooth Connections. But if you are using Windows Vista, the program manager can be found in the Control Panel. Similarly, on a Mac you have to go to System Settings > Bluetooth.
In case, you fail to locate the Bluetooth program manager on your system, there might be a special Bluetooth application installed by the operating system. You can search the application under Programs > [Your Computer Manufacturer's Name] > Bluetooth.
After locating the Bluetooth program manager on your system, select and enable the option to add a new connection or device. Once the option is enables, the application will search for the Bluetooth devices available inside the covering area. It will find and display your cell phone.
Once you see your mobile phone model/name appearing in the search box, select it and enable the option to connect/pair with your laptop/notebook.
While pairing with your mobile, the system will require and prompt for a PIN code. Use some random number of your choice, but remember it as you have to enter the exact number in your cell phone for pairing it and making compatible with your laptop.
Once both you laptop and cell phone are paired exactly, your system will ask for the desired service to use. Expand the option list and select the Personal Area Network (PAN). After selecting the option, you can get a working internet connection through your mobile service provider and access internet from your laptop. But if your system is not prompting you for the type of service to use with the Bluetooth phone, you can go to the options menu of the Bluetooth application and choose PAN from the available settings.