Which cell phones can be used as a modem with a laptop?

[janice32]

Hi!

My current cellphone can, but it is getting old and starting to break. I plug it into my laptop and I can access the internet for free with it, although it does use my "minutes," which is okay. Do any of the wireless companies have this service today? Which ones? Which phones can be used?

Help please. Thanks.

[irina]

Hi!

Cellphones can be an alternative modem for your computer but the internet usage is not free anymore. They'd rather you use their high speed services where they can charge you PER KILOBYTE of transfer. You're aware of a little known secret of unlimited free internet that just comes out of plan minutes, albeit at 9k6 data rates. Verizon is the only carrier I know who still has this. Most of their phones will support it if you get the data cable. I just took a look at the specs on their LG VX3400 and it does when you get the USB
cable available on eBay for cheap. There may still be a GSM carrier who supports circuit switched data, but you'd have to bring your own dialup ISP where

Verizon provides an account to one for free. I believe I checked with T-Mobile a year ago or so and they actually wanted an additional monthly fee to enable

CSD!

Hope that helps!