Of course, there are those who use their Internet connection moderately, spending only a few hours online three or four times per week. Yet, one will still find that these users (along with the heavy broadband users) will still look at mobile broadband options. The mobile broadband connection will allow you to complete online tasks while away from your computer - a very convenient ability.
Tethering for dummies
In order to utilize the tethering feature on your smart phone, you must first understand how tethering actually works. Tethering is defined as a process whereby the Wi-Fi mobile broadband hotspot on the smart phone is enabled and then connected to your tablet via the wireless network. It is important to configure this wireless network with a security password to ensure no people use your mobile broadband as a free connection.When connecting to the iPad for the first time, if using an iPhone as the Wi-Fi hotspot origin, you will be required to enter the security password. However, the iPad should connect to the iPhone automatically from there on out.
How can I obtain this mobile broadband facility?
The mobile broadband connection is available via a mobile device that has a 3G or 4G connectivity facility. At the moment, the majority of people will obtain this connection via a smart phone; however, it is also available via a tablet that presents with this broadband capacity.It is highly recommended that you purchase a tablet with the 3G or 4G connectivity, as it is more sophisticated and convenient that a smart phone. The smart phone is smaller than a tablet and thus as a smaller screen, making it less efficient when using the Internet for streaming films or utilizing social networking sites. Furthermore, the tablet has more storage space making it more efficient in saving downloaded files than the smart phone.
One point in the smart phone's favor is that it can be used as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. This means it can share its built-in mobile broadband Internet connection with the Wi-Fi only tablet. This sharing is known as 'Internet sharing' or 'tethering', and can be found on the majority of smart phones including the Android, Blackberry and iPhone handsets.
Using my iPhone as a mobile broadband Wi-Fi hotspot
One aspect that must be remembered is not all mobile phones allow tethering. If you wish to utilize this feature, you must be sure the smart phone you choose offers this feature. However, if you are purchasing one of the latest handsets the chances are you will have this facility available - these phones include the Blackberry Z10, Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5.Another consideration that must be made when looking at the tethering facility is whether or not your mobile tariff supports this. iPhone users will often notice that the tethering feature will not appear on the settings menu if tethering is not allowed by the mobile provider.
In some instances, the tethering feature may not appear on the general settings menu but is a facility allowed by the mobile tariff. If this is the case you may find it possible to set-up tethering as an additional feature to your phone.
However, if the feature is rejected and cut off you could face a warning from your mobile broadband Internet service provider for going against contract rules. It is highly recommended that you check your broadband contract before setting up any tethering facilities.
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The various alternatives if tethering is not an option
If you find that tethering is not available as a facility on your smart phone, and you cannot add it as an additional feature, there are various alternatives one can use to rectify the situation. The first is to change Internet service providers or mobile tariffs.By doing this you will have the option to purchase a mobile broadband package that offers tethering as a facility; however, this may be one of the more expensive choices and may not be suitable for you financially.
Another alternative is to purchase a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. This battery operated device can be defined as a wireless router into which you place a SIM card, similar to a 3G tablet. This Mi-Fi (as they are known) is relatively inexpensive and, in some cases, is part of a mobile broadband package including a data SIM card.
Finally, one can consider purchasing a tablet that supports either 3G or 4G broadband connectivity. Once you have the tablet you will be required to buy a data-only SIM card and mobile broadband package. One can purchase either a pay monthly or pay as you go option with a separate tariff. If you already have a tablet you may be able to get a SIM only broadband deal to use with it.
The disadvantages of a mobile broadband Internet connection
Although tethering can be a highly convenient facility, it does have its disadvantages. The greatest pitfall experience is described below.1. A confusion of connections
One difficulty mobile Internet users have found with tethering is that the tablet being used will often confuse the smart phone (being used as a Wi-Fi mobile broadband hotspot) as a fixed or static broadband Internet connection.
This confusion can lead to an increase in the amount of data allowance being used at that point in time as the tablet will download files of any size assuming that the connection is large enough to handle them.
In order to eliminate this downloading problem it is recommended that you disable all downloads and updates on your tablet and smart phone when not in use. This will not only decrease the chance of data allowance being used inappropriately, but also extend the mobile device's batter life.
Final words on the matter
In conclusion, tethering can be extremely convenient; however, you must have a working knowledge of the feature and how to use it in order for this feature to be effective. It will save you absolutely having to have a sim-only broadband contract for each and every device that you own.You must also be aware of whether or not tethering is allowed in your contract to avoid any warnings - some of this information can be found on uSwitch.com.
Phil TurnerAbout the Author:
Phil Turner came across some good SIM only broadband deals on the uSwitch website. He found deals for all the new tablets that the family got for Christmas.