Laptop Computers, Mobile Phones and the Internet.

The fastest and most cost effective way of using a laptop computer and a mobile phone to connect to the Internet in Turkey (including the use of email) is to use GPRS as a method of connecting the mobile phone to the telephone network.

GPRS (General Packet Radio System) uses the same data channel as Text Messages and not the voice channel. One immediate benefit of using GPRS for connection to the Internet is that the mobile can still be used for voice calls at the same time. The costs of using GPRS are directly related to the volume of data sent and received and are NOT time based. This means that when in use there is no time pressure – you can be connected for an hour at no cost if no data is being transferred. In setting up your system to use this facility, there are a number of issues to consider, these include

  • Connecting the mobile phone to the computer;
  • Setting up the mobile phone to use GPRS
  • Setting up the computer to initiate the GPRS Call
  • Selecting the best mobile phone and services for the fastest connection rates.

Connecting the mobile phone to the Laptop Computer

There are three ways that this can be done. Via a cable link (serial port or USB to the mobile phone) via an Infra red link or via Bluetooth.

1. Cable links between the computer and mobile phone have in our experience regularly created problems with bad connections and this method is not ideal or recommended.

2. Infra red has limitations in the positioning of the mobile phone and the computer and in particular the use of the mobile for voice calls during an Internet session.

3. Bluetooth (a short range radio system) is the most satisfactory and is highly recommended. Adding the Bluetooth facility to a laptop is simple and inexpensive. A USB Bluetooth device can be purchased for around 30YTL. The Bluetooth on the mobile is a bit more of an issue as the mobile phone has to have this facility built in. The mobile also needs to have GPRS capability. Some newer models have both and the mobile phones recommended are the Nokia 6310i and the Nokia 6230i.

When the Bluetooth device is installed into the laptop (installation software is normally supplied on a CD) the instructions should be followed to ”pair” the phone with the computer etc.

Setting up the mobile phone to use GPRS

The settings for most models of mobile phone are shown on the Turkcell website (which is now in English) but the simplest way is to have the settings sent direct to you telephone is a type of text message. This is done by sending a text to 2222 saying: wap 6310i (or 6230i or whatever model phone you have). You will then receive a sort of text message (called Service Settings). This should be saved and activated. Once done the mobile must be switched off and switched on to activate these new settings.

Setting up the computer to initiate the GPRS Call

Once the Bluetooth device has been installed to the Laptop and the GPRS settings have been installed in the mobile phone, the last step is to set up a new connection in the computer.

This connection should use the Bluetooth phone modem that will have been installed with the Bluetooth device. The user name is gprs and the password is gprs. The telephone number to dial is *99#

During the set up of the connection you are likely to be asked if you want a short cut on your desk top – answer yes and use this to connect to the internet.

Selecting the best Mobile Phone for the fastest connection rates

EDGE

A relatively new technology is EDGE (Enhanced Datarate for GSM Evolution) EDGE technology provides 2-3 times faster GPRS performance depending on location, telephone and load. It can be used only by telephones that support this EDGE technology. Nokia mobiles that support EDGE and Bluetooth include the 6230 and 6230i
You can use EDGE service in regions where this technology is supported. Such regions in Turkey are marked (E) beside "Cell Information" screen of your cellular phone. e.g.: PORT GOCEK (E)

OnSpeed

OnSpeed is a system that uses compression techniques to speed up the transfer of data to and from the internet and when sending and receiving email or browsing the Internet. Full details are on their website at www.onspeed.com.

This facility costs approximately 80 YTL per annum and is highly recommended for heavy users of the Internet. With GPRS it not only gives a four to five fold speed increase ( and with EDGE approaching broadband speed) but reduces the cost by a similar factor as the amount of data sent and received is significantly reduced.

Once installed OnSpeed is transparant and fully automatic in use.

Advice and Assistance

If you are having problems in this area then please give us a call, we will be delighted to assist you sucessfully connect to the Interner. Help is provided in person locally in the Fethiye, Gocek, Dalaman areas or through the telephone - call 0090 252 644 0065 anytime.

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