Understanding the Connection
Although you may not realize it, your Windows Mobile device is a fully-functional wireless modem. Even if your device doesn't support the process outlined here, it's only because your carrier has disabled the service. When connected to a Windows PC, your Windows Mobile device connects to your wireless service provider's data network and provides you with an Internet connection. This makes it possible to brows the Web on your laptop or desktop from any location with wireless coverage.
You'll need to check with your wireless service provider (AT&T/Cingular, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) about a wireless data plan. These are often seperate from voice plans and allow you to use your Windows Mobile device as a wireless modem.
Step 1: Bluetooth Pairing, Setting Up a Partnership
In order for your Windows Mobile device to be used as a Bluetooth dial-up modem, you must first pair it with your Windows PC. Make sure your device's Bluetooth is powered on and that the unit is in discoverable mode:
Next, open your PC's Bluetooth software utility and search for nearby devices. When the name of your Windows Mobile device appears, select it and click Next:
Pair your Pocket PC Phone or smartphone and your Windows PC. Enter a PIN code if necessary (this is a code of your own choosing varifying the connection from both ends; using anything you like, but keep it short, e.g. 1234). When the Services menu appears, select Dial-Up Networking, then click the Finish button:
If Dial-Up Networking does not appear as an available option, you won't be able to use your device as a Bluetooth wireless modem.
Don't worry about configuring the connecton just yet. Your Windows PC may install some drivers for the Bluetooth modem connection. Allow the process to complete.
Step 2: Configure Your Bluetooth Modem
Your new Bluetooth modem connection has been added to the Connect To subsection of the Start Menu (you can also view the new connectoin in the Network Connections menu by clicking Show All Connections or right-clicking My Network Places and choosing Properties). In this example, our Cingular 8525 Pocket PC Phone has been added as a modem:
Click the new connection. The following screen will appear:
You'll need to enter the Username and Password later, but first click the Properties button. The Properties menu is where you configure the connection to interface with your wireless service provider, or ISP. First, under the General tab, click the Configure button:
In this menu, you'll need to raise the maximum the maxium modem speed. Raise it to at least 460000bps (bits per second). Also enable Hardware Flow Control and Modem Error Control. Click OK:
Back in the Properties menu, enter the phone number for your dial-up ISP. If you're connecting to you wireless carrier's data network, there's usually a dialing string to enter rather than a phone number. The string, for example, for AT&T/Cingular is *99#. You'll need to get this information from your wireless carrier.
Click OK. You''re finished with the Properties menu.
You're now back at the Connect screen. The dial-up number for your ISP or wireless carrier's data network, should now appear in the Dial field near the bottom of the screen. Enter the Username and Password for your ISP. These will be provided by your wireless carrier and may be specific to your account or may be system wide:
Save the information for later use. Click Dial to connect to the Internet.
You're done!
Step 4: Using the Connection
Whenever you want to connect to the Interet using your Windows Mobile Bluetooth Modem, just click Start, Connect To and the title of your device, perhaps Bluetooth Modem):
To disconnect from the device's Internet connection, right-click on the device and select Disconnect.
You can also connect to, disconnect from and manage the connection from inside Network Connections:
Final Thoughts
The screenshots shown above reflect the Bluetooth software on our primary Windows PC. Your Bluetooth interface may look a bit different.
The speed of the Internet connection with your Windows Mobile device will vary depending on your signal strength, the type of network (EDGE, EV-DO, GPRS, HSDPA, etc.)in your area.
If you want to dial into another ISP, like Earthlink, you can follow the same method shown above, but when entering the connection name, username, password, etc., enter the settings provided by your ISP.
