Using your Windows Mobile phone for laptop Internet access

As ubiquitous as Wi-Fi networks are, they're not everywhere, and open Wi-Fi access points designated for public use are becoming more and more rare every day. You can pay to subscribe to Wi-Fi networks, but that can be expensive over time—as can buying latte after latte at your local coffee shop. The cellular networks will sell you a USB or ExpressCard-based wireless modem for anywhere Internet access, but they'll charge you an extra monthly fee (usually in the $50 realm) for the privilege of this service. There's a better way, and it involves using your Windows Mobile phone in a way you might not have considered before: as a wireless modem.

There are two ways you can use your Windows Mobile phone as a wireless modem:

One of the first things you should do is look for a program icon on your phone called Internet Sharing. Most Windows Mobile 6 and Windows Mobile 6.1 phones have this program installed; however, depending on your phone carrier, it might have been removed. Unfortunately, you can’t install this application if it's missing. If you don't have the Internet Sharing program on your phone, third-party software options—such as USB Modem—are worth looking at.