How do you use a 3G phone to create wifi?

Tracyk_2

Following on from earlier queries about the ipad - it was mentioned to use a phone as a wifi hotspot - so I didn't need to buy the 3G ipad.

How would I go about doing this - and what kind of prices are 3g phones. I only have an old Nokia on a £10 a month Virgin tarrif.

kwikbreaks

That ability is built into some if not all Android phones. They don't come cheap - cheapest is probably the Orange San Francisco - http://shop.orange.co.uk/mobile-phones/San-Francisco-from-Orange-in-grey - I don't know if it can create a hotspot though.

neilwoods

If you are on a budget then the Three mifi is probably the best option.

http://threestore.three.co.uk/broadband/?mifi=1&id=1184

Inner_Zone

Android phones need 2.2 to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, some earlier can be rooted.

However you would then be using your phones data allowance for your PC which would be against most networks T&C's. So check first.

rev_henry

Inner_Zone wrote: »

Android phones need 2.2 to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, some earlier can be rooted.

However you would then be using your phones data allowance for your PC which would be against most networks T&C's. So check first.

I have a free app on my Orange San Francisco called Barnacle Wifi Tether which basically makes the phone into a hotspot. Running 2.1 android, albeit rooted.
Although its against T&Cs they cannot actually tell if the data is going through a computer or just browsing through your phone.

Inner_Zone

A PC will use a lot more data than a phone so in time they will spot it. Whether the network operator will pursuit it is another matter. Up to the OP to decide if they wish to risk it.

Fifer

Inner_Zone wrote: »

A PC will use a lot more data than a phone so in time they will spot it. Whether the network operator will pursuit it is another matter. Up to the OP to decide if they wish to risk it.

Internet browsing on an iPad (as per the OP) is unlikely to use more data than doing so on an Android phone.

Inner_Zone

I'm not going to argue about it. I'll leave it to the OP to decide after all it's them who could end up with an unexpected bill.

Tracyk_2

hmm- so it looks as if it wouldn't be much more expensive just to get the 3g ipad straight off. If I went for the wifi ipad - I'd still have to buy myself a 3g phone and plan.
It's annoying that I can't just get the wifi one - and see how much time I need it outside a wifi hotspot - then if it was loads - I could upgrade to a 3g one.
I'm swithering about buying the 3g incase it turns out I don't need it very often.

neilwoods

Why is it annoying, would you sell someone a product and then take it back, leaving you with a second hand item to sell at a loss.

Either way it is going to require some form 3G connection outside of the wifi areas. So extra £100 with contract to guarantee it will work, or new phone with contract but chance of being charged extra or cut off. Not much of a choice really

rev_henry

Inner_Zone wrote: »

A PC will use a lot more data than a phone so in time they will spot it. Whether the network operator will pursuit it is another matter. Up to the OP to decide if they wish to risk it.

I don't do it that often, and the app actually keeps a tab on how much data is transferred. I just use it for emails and forums, as long as you don't take the mickey and torrent stuff through it I would have thought its fine.