CELL PHONE INTERNET ACCESS
CELL PHONE INTERNET ACCESS This is designed to explain the basic approach to using your cell phone with your computer to connect to the internet. It is not intended to be an in depth coverage of t...
Forum Discussion
For those not up on computers and interconnections.
There are three basic ways to connect a laptop to the internet:
All three require an account with internet provider (AOL, MSN, Earthlink, Roadrunner, ….)
1. Telephone Landline:
This is the same type of connection you would have in your home if using landline. It requires a modem (which is usually included in your laptop) and a local phone number which your laptop must dial. (So you have to know how to change the phone number in your laptop)
Most campgrounds have at least a single landline connection available in their office or laundry area. You must have local phone number, and you have to wait your turn when others are using it. Many times you also need the telephone cable to connect between the laptop and the wall phone jack. No campground charge for this service.
2. WiFi:
WiFi is basically a radio link from your laptop to a local receiver which can connect to the internet. Most newer laptops have WiFi built in. If not, a WiFi laptop adapter (and software) can be purchased from most electronics stores. Few campgrounds have this capability, but the number is growing. Most require an extra charge. It also requires you to be in close proximity to their receiving antenna. So you should ask for a site which can use that service. (Many Flying J’s have this service $)
3. Cell Phone:
This requires a connection between the laptop and the cell phone. Go to your cell phone company store and see if there is a connection (cable & software) available for your model phone.
If not, your out of luck - you have to buy a new phone.
If there is a connection available ask what different types of packages are offered.
I am grandfathered into a package with Verizon which does not have a monthly fee (except for my normal cell phone charge). I paid $25 for the cable and software back in 2001. This type of connection is very slow and teaches you patience. I only use it after 9 PM and on weekends.
This connection requires a strong signal between your cell phone and a digital cell tower. There are still some analog towers in remote western locations and the connection will not work.
There is also an expensive satellite connection available. I do not have the experience in that type. I do know that it is fast and can connect to the internet as long as the line of sight to the satellite is not restricted.
There are three basic ways to connect a laptop to the internet:
All three require an account with internet provider (AOL, MSN, Earthlink, Roadrunner, ….)
1. Telephone Landline:
This is the same type of connection you would have in your home if using landline. It requires a modem (which is usually included in your laptop) and a local phone number which your laptop must dial. (So you have to know how to change the phone number in your laptop)
Most campgrounds have at least a single landline connection available in their office or laundry area. You must have local phone number, and you have to wait your turn when others are using it. Many times you also need the telephone cable to connect between the laptop and the wall phone jack. No campground charge for this service.
2. WiFi:
WiFi is basically a radio link from your laptop to a local receiver which can connect to the internet. Most newer laptops have WiFi built in. If not, a WiFi laptop adapter (and software) can be purchased from most electronics stores. Few campgrounds have this capability, but the number is growing. Most require an extra charge. It also requires you to be in close proximity to their receiving antenna. So you should ask for a site which can use that service. (Many Flying J’s have this service $)
3. Cell Phone:
This requires a connection between the laptop and the cell phone. Go to your cell phone company store and see if there is a connection (cable & software) available for your model phone.
If not, your out of luck - you have to buy a new phone.
If there is a connection available ask what different types of packages are offered.
I am grandfathered into a package with Verizon which does not have a monthly fee (except for my normal cell phone charge). I paid $25 for the cable and software back in 2001. This type of connection is very slow and teaches you patience. I only use it after 9 PM and on weekends.
This connection requires a strong signal between your cell phone and a digital cell tower. There are still some analog towers in remote western locations and the connection will not work.
There is also an expensive satellite connection available. I do not have the experience in that type. I do know that it is fast and can connect to the internet as long as the line of sight to the satellite is not restricted.
