T&T: Cell phone as modem for internet access

[Bob Clinkenbeard]

I have been reading the threads for a couple of years now trying how to have 
mobile internet access for the least amount of $.  I finally found the 
perfect combination for me.
I have had a T-Mobile phone for about 5 years now.  In fact the wife and 
daughter have one also.  We have been using a Regional Plan for $49 per 
month each, for 3000 minutes and it was excellent.  The three phone plans 
come to around $180 per month together.

They came out with a family plan for unlimited national minutes, data, 
picture sending etc.  It is $149 for two lines and the third is $49.  For 
about the same money per month, we now have the unlimited national plan.
Internet:
T-Mobile's data plan is only $19.99 per month.  To get a fast internet 
connection, you need a phone that has "Edge" 
https://support.t-mobile.com/knowbase/root/public/tm22696.htm?A2L.SERVICE=EDGE 
I upgraded to the Dash phone for $150.

I can't believe how fast my internet connection is...I have had ATT's best 
dsl for a few years, and this is almost as fast.

My problem is solved and I disconnected my land line and dsl that was 
costing me over $90 per month and replaced it with $19.99.
I tether the phone/modem to my laptop or my home pc and I am on.  The phone 
also has wifi and internet on the phone...included in the plan.  T-Mobile 
hot spots are free.

I love being able to have the internet on the boat....or anywhere.

Of course you have to be able to have a phone connection.  One 
drawback...T-Mobile does not have a phone at this time, that will allow you 
to talk on the phone and be connected to the internet at the same time but 
when it rings you have the choice to answer the call or not.  I think some 
of the others might but their data plans are more.

Bob Clinkenbeard
24' custom trailer trawler "Bobbin Along"
Locust Grove, Georgia
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-aboardbobbinalong