Modems

[Denisdiamond]

Is it possible to use my smart phone ( with unlimited internet) as a modem to enable me to get wi-fi on my laptop which only has a dongle ? Thank you.

[Old_Geezer]

No expert but yes. I recall a work colleague who allowed us to "tether" to his mobile when a teaching class /workshop needed it.

[Fitzer]

The answer is, 'it depends', partly on what network your phone is on, what phone it is and what you expect. Unless your phone is 4G and your dongle is 3G you won't see any speed difference, you will, however only need the one contract so you could ditch the dongle. If it's an iPhone you can only tether using the main four networks so GiffGaff, Tesco and Virgin won't allow it, not sure about Android but I think most would work, I know for sure that GiffGaff won't allow people with unlimited data to tether though.

[bibblebub]

With the Samsung Galaxy S3, in the More Networks section of the settings, is a Tethering And Portable Hotspot group of settings which includes USB Tethering so that you connect phone to laptop using a USB cable (usually comes with the (phone). It is surely something similar for other makes of smartphone (don't have access to any to know for sure).

[Old_Geezer]

When we used it it was an wireless connection to a local WiFi spot he'd created with his mobile. He gave us the password he'd entered, and we simply picked it up as we would any other WiFi connection. But for sure some service providers may object to using it this way,but if you have unlimited internet, maybe you'd be ok.