Can I use a cell phone as a modem?

[verytasty]

Here is my situation: I have a vacation home Colorado, in the middle of nowhere. I've got a computer there and I'd like to access the internet with it, but there is no local number I can dial to get an internet connection.

I'd like to sign up for Verizon nationwide because I know that the cell phone will work in the mountains. I would like to know if it's possible for me to use the cell phone and somehow plug it into my desktop computer and use it as a modem. That way I can dial my ISP in Texas and get to the Internet that way.

Is this possible??? Someone please help a fellow out, thanks..

 

[hypeMarked]

you can, but it is really slow, not even 56K, and you will waste a lot of cell phone time. Not recommended.

 

[Scootin159]

Yes it is possible, but no I don't know how to do it. I imagine you need:
#1 a phone that supports it
#2 a modem that supports it
#3 a cell phone company that supports it
and #4 an ISP that supports it

#3 & #4 might not matter as once you get to #2 you can just dial any ISP normally. I would expect it to cost a bunch to do this though (cell phone charges + ISP charges (long distance?)).

 

[verytasty]

At least it's possible. That's great. I really don't care if I use a lot of minutes. As it is, there is no way of getting a phone line to the cabin. I just to check my email and browse cnn.com. I can handle it if it's equilvalent to a 28.8 connection..

hypemarked, do you have any links that might point me in the right direction?? many thanks in advance.

 

[aceO07]

I have a motorola startac 7868w with verizon. There is a data cable for the startac that lets you hook it up to a laptop/computer. It lets you use the phone as a modem. I think the max speed is about 19.2kbps. I have to warn you, the last time I checked (a year ago) the data cable sells for $100.

 

[cardart]

You cant use ur cell phone as a modem, but u sure can use ur cell phone to dial to ur isp.

You need a phone that supports a cable that to connect to ur modem jack.

and

you need a lot of time..................it only connects at 9600 baud the last time i used it, which was a year ago wit sprint PCS.

good luck.

 

[amdskip]

Yeah, way too freakin slow to be practical.

 

[aceO07]

Originally posted by: amdskip
Yeah, way too freakin slow to be practical.

It's not too bad for receiving and sending email, checking weather, etc. 19.2kbps isn't too bad. I used to have a trial deal with Sprint for their wireless internet access, it was only 19.2kbps too.

verytasty, check with verizon. We don't know which phone you have. Also they'd be more of help to you. All, I know for sure is that my startac has a expensive data cable and software cd that would allow me to do it. It probably hooks up to the serial port, so a separate modem isn't required.

I know this because I wanted to buy the cable a couple of years ago, but the price was way too much for a simple cable. 😛 I was also at a conference where Microsoft used the startac w/ datacable on a latop to demonstrate Citrix via dialup access.

Good luck. 🙂

 

[TimeKeeper]

If you are on Voicestream as they provide WAP via GPRS (istream), then your connection speed will be vary depending on your handset.

GSM network provide GPRS connects at approximately 14.4kbps per timeslot instead CDMA or TDMA's CSD only at 9.6kbps. CDMA or older TDMA (AT&T) will push out their 3G system, (AT&T will roll out test market at California w/ their mMode) in theory, they should reach 115kbps.

Most voicestream phones are architected with 3+1 timeslots, but you can buy Unlock GSM phone like my wife's Motorola V66 that has 4+1 timeslots, in other word, if you have Motorla V66 then you can receive data at 4*14 or 56kbps d/l and 14kbps for upstream.

It will be bit different to set up GRPS on your handset, but in general set your PC like following after you turn on the DATA signal ONLY in your phone.

Name: ISTREAM
Homepage: wap.voicestream.com
User ID: leave blank
Password: leave blank
Dial-up number: leave blank
Wap ID: 216.155.165.050
Wap port 1: 9201
Wap ID 2: 216.155.165.050
Wap ID port 2: 9201
Timeout: 2 min
Data Rate: 14.4
Line Type: ISDN
Confirmation: OFF
Cache Setup: ON

Oh make sure you don't over download depending on your service plan (usually 5MB/month for $19.95).
If you think that's crazy then, just use your Phone as browser for 1MB/month for $2.99
And NO, it will NOT take up your min!!!!!!!!

And honestly, I really don't think even at 44kbps is consider slow.

 

[TimeKeeper]

BTW, if you are using Voicestream just activate your Global Roaming for free.
Colorado? That's child's play compare you start web-browsing on Great Wall of China. 😉
Avoid calling from foreign country, they can be quite costly.....oh, most country has prepaid GSM, just buy the SIM card and pop into your phone.