How do I use my mobile phone as a modem for my laptop?

I've got a Nokia N73 and somebody told me that I can use it as a modem for my laptop, but I'm not sure how to set this up.

It would be really useful because I'm already on a flat-rate data plan and I don't want to buy a separate data card. I run a small business and having the Internet on the go would help me access emails when I'm not in the office.

Amit Shah

Hi Amit,
Your friend is right, you can use your Nokia N73 as a modem for your laptop. Indeed, there are many phones that you can use as a modem, but for now we'll focus on how to set up your N73.

First off, you'll need to make sure that your network operator lets you do this. Some networks will charge you extra to access the Internet on your laptop using your phone, even if you're on a flat-rate data plan.

Once you've confirmed that you can access the Internet using your phone, or paid extra to do it, then you need to make sure that you have all the correct settings on your N73.

Fortunately, Nokia makes this really easy and it's also free. All you have to do is go here on the Nokia Web site and get them to send all the correct settings directly to your phone.

Finally, you need to install the Nokia PC Suite software that comes on a CD in the N73's box. Don't worry if you've lost it, you can get it straight from our Downloads channel.

After installing the software, you then need to connect your N73 to your laptop via the USB cable in the box. If you've lost this, you'll need to buy a new one. You can use a Bluetooth connection, but we thoroughly recommend using a cable as it's less power hungry and more reliable.

Once that's all sorted, your laptop should have recognised your phone. All you need to do then is to click on the icon in the PC Suite application that says 'Connect to the Internet'. If everything has been configured properly, you'll be ready to surf the Web.