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