| Access to the internet has been available via | | | | offer data service plans allowing internet |
| cell phones for quite a number of years and | | | | access. |
| in many countries, especially in Asia, cell | | | | |
| phones are the primary method of using the | | | | What is Needed |
| web. The major benefits of using cell phones | | | | |
| for internet access are affordability and | | | | To make a connection to the internet, a cell |
| convenience. The cost of a cell phone is | | | | phone must be web enabled. It should be |
| minimal compared to that of a computer and if | | | | either dual mode or tri mode so that it can |
| the truth be known, most of us prefer to tote | | | | handle both voice calls and data |
| our cell phone around when we go out and | | | | transmission. In addition, the cellular |
| about versus our computer. | | | | service provider must transmit via digital |
| | | | signals versus analog. Users will also need |
| The popularity of using cell phones for | | | | to become familiar with the data service |
| internet access in the US has not grown as | | | | plans to be well acquainted with any charges |
| rapidly as it has in many other areas of the | | | | associated with the service. When necessary |
| world. Although nearly three quarters of all | | | | the cellular service provider should also be |
| Americans possess a cell phone, fewer than | | | | able to provide any needed cables and |
| one quarter of them are using their phones | | | | software to make the phone to laptop |
| for internet based services. In the US, | | | | connection |
| internet access via a cell phone can be | | | | |
| achieved through either WAP or a wireless | | | | Other considerations |
| internet connection. | | | | |
| | | | As is true with almost any new service or |
| How to Connect | | | | product, those new to internet services via |
| | | | their cell phone should try it on for size at |
| WAP, or Wireless Application Protocol, was | | | | the store before buying. Not all service |
| developed specifically to provide internet | | | | providers offer equal connection speeds. The |
| access for mobile phones and PDAs. Because | | | | display size on a cell phone is generally |
| WAP was designed differently than the World | | | | small which makes browsing of websites |
| Wide Web, users can best view sites designed | | | | somewhat tedious but newer PDA phones offer |
| specifically for WAP and therefore get a | | | | screens that are significantly larger and |
| smaller, revised version of what is on the | | | | certainly connecting to a laptop makes |
| web. Many WAP based services offer the | | | | viewing easier as well. For users who just |
| ability to retrieve e-mail, check stock | | | | want to check e-mail and obtain information |
| quotes, obtain movie listings, flight times, | | | | on the weather, stock quotes, sports scores, |
| and similar types of information. Services | | | | etc. the smaller screen of the average cell |
| such as 4INFO and even Google offer a | | | | phone should not be a problem however. |
| wireless search service designed specifically | | | | Smaller key pads, less memory, occasional |
| for mobile/cellular devices. | | | | connection disruption, and less power can be |
| | | | drawbacks of using a cell phone for internet |
| To use the wireless internet, a cell phone | | | | access but improvements continue to occur. |
| can either be used as a modem with a laptop | | | | Overall, for those who like to stay connected |
| computer to connect to an Internet Service | | | | the affordability and convenience makes using |
| Provider (ISP) or it can connect to a | | | | a cell phone for internet activity an |
| cellular provider's data service. For | | | | excellent option. |
| instance, Verizon, Cingular, and Sprint all | | | | |