Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Use your iPhone's GPRS/3G data plan, on your laptop

Yes this is possible, with something called iPhone tethering, available in the latest iPhone OS3.0 and above. With this feature you can use the data plan on your iPhone (GPRS or 3G), and use it to connect to the internet via your laptop/desktop. The data transfer happens either via bluetooth (will reuqire your laptop to have a bluetooth module as well) or the classic USB cable that comes with the iPhone. Activating this feature is pretty simple. Go to Settings >> General >> Network >> Internet Tethering. Turn this option ON. It would ask you how you would like to connect your iPhone's internet connection (ie. via bluetooth or USB). Choose the option you want and you are all set. A Blue band appears (see picture) on the top section of the iPhone indicating that the internet connection is being tethered to another device.You should also see the network available on your laptop/desktop and you can enjoy internet anytime, anywhere as long as you have GPRS/3G coverage in that area.

PS: There have been issues with certain operators in some countries on not allowing internet tethering and it would be advisable to check with your operator for any legal issues on using internet tethering on the iPhone.


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