Page 70 - digitalliteracy

3.1 What Is a Network, and How Do You Join One?

Internet Access on the Go

Another popular option is to have a
mobile or portable hotspot, which
allows you to connect digital devices
such as your computer or tablet to the
Internet—to create a traveling hotspot
you can use whenever you are in the cell
phone company’s service area. A USB
Internet device, called a USB Inter-
net stick, acts like a modem and plugs
into your laptop computer through a
USB port, giving you wireless Internet
service. In some instances, even your
smartphone can serve as the wireless
Sean Gallup/Getty Images News/Getty Images
hotspot to your computer.
USB Internet sticks give you wireless Internet
service.
These services use mobile broadband
telephone services from your cellular
service provider, such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or U.S. Cellular, for Internet access.
A USB Internet stick looks similar to a USB memory device/USB stick/flash drive, and not
every USB Internet stick works with all cellular phone provider networks. Contact your cel-
lular phone company to obtain more information about devices that are compatible with that
company’s network.

Remember that cell company data usage fees apply, and you will use your minutes when you
use a mobile hotspot. Some hotspots can be expensive if you use them for any length of time.
When deciding whether to use a local hotspot or a mobile hotspot through your phone, con-
sider all the options available to you. In a large city where other hotspots are readily avail-
able, using your smartphone mobile hotspot may be more expensive. In a rural area, though,
a mobile hotspot may be the best option when running a wired connection would be very
expensive and there aren’t many other choices.

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