How to Use GPRS on a Mobile Phone

GPRS mobile phones can send and receive data more rapidly.

Many newer mobile phones comes bundled with GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) receivers. GPRS allows you to stay connected to the Internet, download applications and content, check your email, stream music and videos, chat and send MMS messages. You can also connect your GPRS mobile phone to your laptop computer and use it as a modem to access the Internet.

Instructions

1. Use your GPRS mobile phone as a modem to establish an Internet connection on your laptop computer. Plug the USB cable that came with your mobile phone into a USB port on your laptop computer. Click the "Start" button on the taskbar and select "Control Panel" from the menu list.

2. Select the "Network and Internet" option and then select the "Network and Sharing" option. Under "Change Your Network Settings" click on the "Set up a new connection or network" link. Click on the "Set up a dial up connection" option.

3. Type the symbols and numbers "*99#" (without the quotes) in the "Dial Up Phone Number" field. Enter the username and password that your cellular phone provider gave you for setting up your GPRS wireless service in the appropriate fields.

4. Give your GPRS connection a name and enter it in the "Connection Name" field. Click on the "Create" button. Select the name of your GPRS connection from the menu list to establish a dial up connection.

5. Open the Web browser on your laptop computer to start browsing the Internet.

Tips & Warnings

• Before using your GPRS mobile phone to access the Internet, contact your cellular phone provider and request to have the GPRS wireless service on your mobile phone activated. Depending on the type of mobile phone that you own, your cellular phone provider may be able to automatically update the GPRS and MMS settings on your phone for you. If they are unable to update your phone automatically, they will instruct you on how to manually enter the GPRS and MMS settings on your phone.

• Also, keep in mind that you will need to sign up for a subscription plan before you can use the GPRS wireless service on your mobile phone. Find out what types of GPRS plans your cellular phone provider offer their customers. Then select a subscription plan that best fits your needs and budget. When you download content from the Internet like games and ringtones, GPRS tariffs and other usage fees may be charged to your mobile phone account.

References

• "Next Generation Mobile Telecommunications Networks"; Christopher Palmberg; 2006
• "GPRS Demystified"; John Hoffman; 2003

Resources

• Mobile Phones UK: What Is GPRS?
• Lovely SMS: Learn About GPRS Mobile Phone Technology
• China Mobile Phones: GPRS And China Mobile GPRS Setting