Internet Access Guide : GPRS

You can access the Internet over GPRS using mobile phone, PDA, notebook, or PC. A mobile phone with WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) or XHTML microbrowser can be used to surf the Internet WAP sites, check e-mails, read news and perform other Internet activities. A PDA, notebook, and desktop PC must be equipped with a GPRS modem to access the Internet through a GPRS network. GPRS modems are available in the forms of CF cards, PCMCIA cards and mobile phones.

To make a mobile phone as a GPRS modem, you must have the mobile phone modem drivers from its manufacturer and one type of connections to your computer, i.e. Bluetooth, IrDA or serial (USB) cable. You have to install the modem drivers in the PDA, notebook or desktop PC before configuring the modem for Internet connection. Then you have to set up a connection between your computer and the mobile phone. Check your mobile phone specification for more details and also check available ports in your computer.

Internet access over GPRS is offered by cellular network (GSM) operators. The operators usually act as ISPs and own the gateways to the Internet. A GPRS provider may offer several subscription plans, e.g. flat monthly rate for unlimited connection time, charging based on the number of bytes transferred, pre-paid packages. A GPRS provider usually informs its subscriber a phone number to dial, the address of its GPRS gateway, user name and password.