Using Smart Phone as Home Internet...

HarryHoskins

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Tethering to my laptop using a T-Mobile smart phone and an Android app was painfully and sickeningly slow, even worse than connecting with an old 14.4 dial-up modem. BTW, my phone is an HTC brand, since you mentioned looking at an HTC phone.

Cheers for the info, Julie. :)
 

Paperback Writer

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It's like I went back in a time machine to the 60'
I have been using the Verizon iPhone with a hotspot plan since it came out. I find it works for browsing regular webpages with text and pictures, but I avoid any video content. I sometimes do a rare download such as a small crucial update for Scrivener (PC version) or an mp3. I have not gone over my 2 gigabyte cap so far and I have found the service reliable.

99% of the time I use the cable tether instead of the wireless connection, because it drains the battery really fast.

What I would check is postings online about other people using the carrier with your particular plan/phone to get an idea of what you are getting into. Also consider the pros and cons of mobility vs stability.