Given the popularity of mobile broadband, many people are now asking if they can access mobile broadband via a mobile phone.  If your handset supports mobile broadband, then you can probably use it with your laptop to access the internet.  First, you’ll need to find out if there’s a broadband modem in the mobile phone. Your best bet is to visit the website of your handset manufacturer and look it up in the specification pages – you’re looking for technical terms such as HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, or top download speeds of 1.8Mbps, 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps – these will indicate that your phone has the kit required to get you online.  You’ll probably find that performance won’t be a good as a dedicated USB Modem, but it’s a good start.

Warning: watch out for data charges
Before I dive into the detail of getting online, a word of warning… watch out for data charges.  Most price plans for handsets are designed browsing the internet on your phone, not surfing YouTube or iPlayer on your laptop – if you’re not careful you’ll end up with a four-figure bill.  Also, some operator’s terms state that you can’t use your phone as a modem.  There’s nothing they can do to detect it, but if you run up a large data bill they’ll be less than sympathetic.  Your best bet is to call your operator and ask them how much they charge for data usage – as an example, if they charge £2 per MB (megabyte), a 3 minute YouTube video will cost you £14 to watch, ouch.

Getting connected
The actual process of getting online will vary from phone to phone, but generally you:

• Install the manufacturer’s connection software on your machine
  • Nokia users: PC Suite – http://europe.nokia.com/A4678148
  • Sony Ericsson: PC Suite – http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/support/softwaredownloads/detailed/pcsuite
  • Windows Mobile: Try Jason’s guide http://blogs.msdn.com/jasonlan/archive/2007/03/30/internet-sharing-the-most-underutilised-unknown-feature-of-windows-mobile.aspx
  • Samsung: PCStudio – http://uk.samsungmobile.com/supports/softwaremanuals/pcStudio31.do
  • BlackBerry: Desktop software – http://na.blackberry.com/eng/support/downloads/#tab_tab_desktop
• Connect your handset to your laptop using either a USB cable (preferable) or via Bluetooth
• Use the connection software to connect, fire up your browser and surf away

An easy alternative for Nokia S60 users
If you’ve got a Nokia S60 device with WiFi (such as the N95), you can use the excellent JoikuSpot software to get online.  This compact application turns your mobile phone into a portable, mobile broadband WiFi hotspot – just connect your laptop to your phone using WiFi and you’re away.  You don’t need any additional software on your laptop.

An easy alternative for Vodafone customers
If you’re a Vodafone customer, with one of these handsets:

• Nokia: 6020, 6120 Classic, 6124, 6230i, 6234, 6280, 6288, 6300, 6630, 6680, E65, E66, E71, N70, N72, N73,
• N80, N95
• Samsung: ZV10, ZV60, SGH-L810
• LG: KF310, KP270
• BlackBerry: Bold 9000
• Vodafone: V725, V810, V830

You can use Vodafone’s via the phone software to get connected:

• Download the software from here.
• Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable
• Run the software installer you’ve just downloaded, follow the instructions to install the software
• Start up the software and click connect

Upgrading your connection
After you’ve got ‘mobile phone broadband’ up and running, it may be worth looking at USB modem deals, as:

• You’ll get a device that’s dedicated to mobile broadband, offering better performance than your handset
• You won’t have to carry any extra cables
• You won’t have to faff around with clunky software
• You’ll get a better rate for your data charges