Accessing the internet can be achieved via a mobile phone or a computer in several different ways, depending on the type of hardware one has available.
Taking mobile phones first, the most straightforward way to access the internet is by purchasing one of the Third Generation, or ‘3G’, mobile phones. These are built especially to receive high speed broadband signals over the mobile phone network (known as mobile broadband).
Other, more modest, mobile phone consoles are still usually capable of uploading and downloading online data provided they are ‘WAP’ enabled. WAP stands for Wireless Access Protocol and is essentially an internationally agreed means of converting internet signals into a format that is recognised by mobile phones.
WAP signals can be sent and received faster if they are carried via GPRS, or General Packet Radio Service, a built-in feature of many mobile phones.
Both WAP and GPRS may need enabling by one’s mobile phone network provider. At any rate, whether one opts for internet access via a WAP phone or through a 3G phone, it will also be necessary to choose an internet service provider (ISP) to grant access to the web.
In terms of accessing the internet via a computer, this can firstly be achieved through a telephone landline, provided the computer contains a suitable modem. Alternatively, one can attach to the computer’s USB port a small device known as a dongle. This can then access mobile broadband signals over the mobile phone networks. Again, in either case, an ISP will need to be chosen, and it will be worth shopping around to secure the best broadband deal.
A more complex method of accessing the internet on a computer is to link a 3G or WAP enabled mobile phone to the computer, either via a connecting USB lead or through a signalling system such as Bluetooth.