For academics, being offline can range anywhere from relief to panic. It can be great to be unable to check email for a while, but this also means that messages will pile up. And what if you have revisions on a manuscript that are due, and you’re stuck without wireless access? (Or maybe you’re in an airport but they want to charge you for access — personally, I refuse to pay extra for internet at the gate and then again for a snack on the plane). You could pay a monthly fee for a mobile internet stick which will give you access anywhere that there is cellular coverage, but probably you only need this sort of connection occasionally. If you have a smartphone and a laptop, there is an easy, and usually free, solution: tethering.
Tethering means connecting your smartphone to your laptop, and using it as a wireless modem to get internet access on your existing cellular data network. In fact, as I write this I am without a proper connection, but I am still able to post this because I have tethered my BlackBerry to my computer. This can also be done easily with an iPhone and probably most other smartphones.
With a BlackBerry, simply open the current version of the Desktop Manager, and you will see an option for IP Modem:
Clicking this gives the option to configure or connect:
You only need to configure the first time, and this involves simply choosing your carrier:
Back at the configure or connect screen, click connect:
You’ll soon be back online!
If you don’t have a USB cable with you, or if you prefer not to use one, you can connect via Bluetooth.
Some things to bear in mind:
- Be sure to look into your carrier’s policy on tethering charges (most major carriers should not charge for this).
- Make sure you keep an eye on your data usage.
- Don’t expect to be blown away by blazing speeds — this is a back-up solution only.
