Mobile phone as a dongle

[saxy_jag]

Is it possible to use a web-enabled mobile phone as a dongle (via a USB connection) for a laptop? I can sometimes get a phone signal where I can't get a wireless signal but I'd much rather access the web using the 'full-sized' browser on the laptop.

[deggers316]

the cost of using your mobiles modem would be very expensive indeed (and slow)

[hc4361]

It's called tethering.
Who is your phone provider and what plan are you on?

[saxy_jag]

I'm with BT Broadband Anywhere for both. The mobile comes on the back of the broadband package and costs next to nothing - less than £5 a month on calls. If I have a lot of internet usage, such as when I'm away, then it can be nearly twice that, but that's not something that happens very regularly.

Deggers, I'm used to it being a bit slow, but it can't be any slower than no wifi signal at all (not even Openzone).

[hc4361]

Phone BT and ask them how much they charge for tethering. Ask for it in writing.

[society]

Hi Sexy_jag, I think there's some interesting and helpful information in this link -
http://tinyurl.com/25uv7qh

[saxy_jag]

Thanks peeps - all very useful. HC, I will do that before I go away again. Phoning BT is a day's excursion on its own and I need to prepare for it. ;-)