“Tethering” is where you can access the internet from a device such as a PC, by connecting to a mobile phone connected to a 3G network. Such a connection can also be made through a data dongle or “MiFi” unit. But if you haven’t got one of these, a mobile phone can be very useful:
- If you are out and about with your laptop or tablet and need to access the internet when WiFi is not available
- In the office, as a backup for your fixed line broadband.
Like a MiFi, some phones allow 5 or so PCs to connect. So a phone can act as broadband backup for a small group of people, at home or in an office.
However tethering is not as straight forward as it could be. Here’s some tips:
- If you have an iPhone and try to use it for tethering, it will not connect to your PC unless iTunes is up to date on the PC. The error message only appears if you try to connect using a USB cable.
- A USB cable is a better way of tethering any phone to a PC, as it keeps the phone charged during use. Other people should still be able to connect wirelessly, but worth testing.
- Many smartphones support tethering, but it’s worth checking this and the number of devices that can be connected.
- Just because your phone supports tethering doesn’t mean you can use it on your mobile network. Each mobile phone company has a different commercial approach. For example one company only allows tethering if you are on their top plan. Other providers may make a daily charge each time tethering is used, or expect you to pay an additional monthly subscription.
So next time you are changing your phone contract, it’s worth clarifying exactly what’s involved for tethering.