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    Use phone data plan with mobile broadband card?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by mechrock, Mar 31, 2009.

  1. mechrock

    mechrock Notebook Evangelist

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    I was wondering if Verizon or AT&T lets you use a mobile broadband card with an data plan from your phone or do you have to just tether your phone to the computer to get internet?
     
    mechrock, Mar 31, 2009
    #1
  2. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    You can do either, depending on the phone and your plan. In the US, I know AT&T and Verizon charge extra for the ability to tether, or you have to pay extra to get a data card. T-Mobile doesn't charge extra for that, though. I actually use my Blackberry 8800 as a Bluetooth modem for my laptop on T-Mobile when I'm traveling for work.
     
    Pitabred, Mar 31, 2009
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  3. mechrock

    mechrock Notebook Evangelist

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    So for example... I have a xv6800 Verizon smart phone. If I get a data plan that has a 5Gb cap on it will I be able to both use that data on my phone and be able to tether to my laptop from usb or bluetooth? Or can I do that plus be able to buy a separate mobile broadband card and use that with my phone's plan and instead use the card to get internet to my laptop or any other computer I choose?
     
    mechrock, Mar 31, 2009
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  4. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Talk to a Verizon rep. They have the answers. Contracts differ by region, and phones differ in capabilities, and there are way too many phones for me to research that one for you. Figure out what your contract will allow from Verizon, then what the phone supports, and then you can decide what you need to do with your computer. Many times tethering uses a USB cable for data. I could do that, but I just use bluetooth since it's easier (if a bit slower).
     
    Pitabred, Apr 1, 2009
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  5. poliuy

    poliuy Notebook Evangelist

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    If you got an iphone, there is no tethering.... I cry myself to sleep....
     
    poliuy, Apr 1, 2009
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  6. cproaudio

    cproaudio Notebook Enthusiast

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    Tethering is easy. I have an AT&T Tilt. You can tether via WiFi, bluetooth, or data cable. I prefer data cable because it charges at the same time. All you need is a data cable (usually an USB cable like this http://greatcables.net/categorylarge/27329.jpg ) ActiveSync on your PC and ICS (internet connection sharing) on your phone. A basic unlimited data plan is needed to tether. AT&T just updated their data speed to 3mpbs in my area.

    Edit:
    If you jailbreak your iphone you can get PDAnet and tether all you want via WiFi.
     
    cproaudio, Apr 1, 2009
    #6