[lisakmusco]

Computer is a desktop (using TV as a monitor), and regular home internet service is DSL. Obviously that can't travel. I thought I heard once upon a time about using a cell phone as the internet connection (instead of a landline) -- is that true and still possible? or is there a wireless modem/aircard that can connect to a desktop?

and what about service -- I would only want it when actually traveling (for starters/example: 10 days later this month) , but am concerned that pay as you go could get expensive (I saw my boss' cell phone bill befor he got on an unlimited package and his phone kept connecting to retrieve email...). Can I activate and deactivate an unlimited service without tons of fees and charges? Or is there something I should change my regular service to so that I have mobile access as well?
Is this something I should acquire through my cell provider or my DSL provider, since they are different?

[TerryNet]

One option is EVDO. As mentioned in that article you can get a USB modem, which can be used with a laptop or desktop or a special router. There are other providers; I just picked this article to introduce you to the type of service.

Depending on your cell phone plan and phone you can use the phone sorta like a dial-up modem for internet access with a computer.

Either will probably require a 2-year commitment. I have no experience with either; guess that the EVDO is the better option.

Here is some information about T-Mobile data plans.

[lisakmusco]

Thanks Terry. I found that VirginMobile has a pay-as-you-go/no contract mobile broadband service, which seems like exactly what I was looking for. I didn't want a contract or an every month service bill as it won't be needed all the time, just when on trips.
I also got a wireless pci card to install and hopefully pick up free wifi where available. I understand I have free basic wifi as part of my bellsouth dsl plan, plus many rv parks offer free wifi.
Hopefully between the two we'll be covered.

[d33psky]

Originally Posted by lisakmusco

I found that VirginMobile has a pay-as-you-go/no contract mobile broadband service, which seems like exactly what I was looking for. I didn't want a contract or an every month service bill as it won't be needed all the time, just when on trips.

That certainly sounds like the best way to go.

For anyone else interested in what you were talking about earlier, using a cell phone'ss mobile network as an internet connection for your PC there are several options. The method I just described is known as tethering. Basically you use a tethering software application such as SharkModem (for Blackberrys) to pass the mobile network data connection from the phone to the PC using a USB cable or bluetooth. It works pretty well from my experience but to really make it worth while you'll want at least a 3G network enabled phone, and the unlimited data plan.