Use of Phone as Dial-Up Modem -- Voice Time or Data Time?
I might not ask this question quite the right way, so please bear with me.
Many moons ago, I had a cell phone that could attach to my laptop and act as a modem. The laptop would, in effect, dial the number for an access point (e.g. and internet dial-up provider, or my company's direct dial-in ports).
I haven't done that in years. However, I am interested in knowing if I *can* do that without being on a data plan -- just using normal air time (which would be free on nights and weekends). Of course, it would be much slower than a data connection, but it would be a functional backup when I have no DSL or Cable ISP available.
If so, what equipment do I need to enable this on a Nokia 6650 Fold or a Nokia E71?
Thanks ...
Many moons ago, I had a cell phone that could attach to my laptop and act as a modem. The laptop would, in effect, dial the number for an access point (e.g. and internet dial-up provider, or my company's direct dial-in ports).
I haven't done that in years. However, I am interested in knowing if I *can* do that without being on a data plan -- just using normal air time (which would be free on nights and weekends). Of course, it would be much slower than a data connection, but it would be a functional backup when I have no DSL or Cable ISP available.
If so, what equipment do I need to enable this on a Nokia 6650 Fold or a Nokia E71?
Thanks ...
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To do this with either Nokia phone, you will need the cable to connect the phone to the computer and you will need to download ATT's communication manager for the computer to use the phone as a modem. The program is free and can be downloaded at www.att.com/communicationmanager.
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the way to bypass this is go to AIM.com and sign into the mobile messenger service, then its only charged as time on the medianet.
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It uses data not time. It bills in KB increments.
You need to have unlimited web enabled on your phone and a usb cable to sync the phone. There are two ways of accomplishing the modem set up. First. You can download nokia pc sweet for free off of nokiausa.com and it has a function built into the software to use it as a modem. You can also download att communication manager to do the same thing but the pc sweet also helps you sync contacts and media too.
You need to have unlimited web enabled on your phone and a usb cable to sync the phone. There are two ways of accomplishing the modem set up. First. You can download nokia pc sweet for free off of nokiausa.com and it has a function built into the software to use it as a modem. You can also download att communication manager to do the same thing but the pc sweet also helps you sync contacts and media too.
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Arghhh! That is truly disappointing. The laptop's modem will MOdulate-DEMmodulate the PC's data stream to/from an analog (voice) signal. The idea is that the phone behaves as if it is a voice call (it is just a conduit) -- similar to making a normal call and the two people on the phone just whine to one another at high pitches (hmmm, I've been on some calls like that!). It's much slower than a modern data connection, but it works.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
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To be honest the only similar service that I know about is tethering. This will use your phone as a MODEM but will require an unlimited medianet package and the ability to teather (way more expensive) but the good news is it won't count against your minutes. :-)
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The Unlimited Medianet plan is not to be used for tethering. (From system "Customers may be removed from these plans if improper usage is determined.") You are may be exposing yourself to usage charges.
You need a Data Connect plan ($60/month for 5GB limit, $0.00048/KB overage. Also includes unlimited WiFi access to AT&T hotspots, which does not go against the 5GB limit)
You need a Data Connect plan ($60/month for 5GB limit, $0.00048/KB overage. Also includes unlimited WiFi access to AT&T hotspots, which does not go against the 5GB limit)
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