Written By: Rob Weatherby
Staying connected is more important than ever these days. While you can always fall back on your home Internet connection, you'll want to remain in touch while you're on the go as well. Here are five ways to stay connected no matter where your day takes you.
5. Get a Phone with WiFi Hotspot Capabilities
Many phones can actually be set up to relay a wi-fi signal to your laptop or other portable device (this is called "tethering"). This way you can use your phone's coverage to get online without having to use a less secure public network or borrowing someone else's connection.
This is particularly useful, for example, when the connection at your local Starbucks gets so crowded that you don't have enough bandwidth to run Skype or Facebook. Many phones, including the iPhone 5 and many Android devices, have tethering capabilities. Just be sure to watch your data usage — it's easy to hit your data cap.
4. Invest in a Mobile Broadband Card
Some devices (such as many laptops) require a separate add-on to use a 4G network, because their design isn't originally compatible with this new technology. You can overcome this obstacle by getting a mobile broadband card. With this kind of card, you can connect from anywhere to the people you care about, regardless of where they might be.
3. Don't Get Snared By Usage Limits
Being highly mobile and staying connected means that you're likely to run into usage limits on your devices. However, you can minimize this whenever you're home by logging into your home wi-fi network via Internet providers like the one found at http://www.clearwireinternet.com. That way you won't be using up precious data while you're at home. After all, the best way to connect is to forget about limits and simply enjoy the time you spend with the people you talk to, regardless of how you get to talk to them.
2. Consider a Pay-As-You Go Mobile Hotspot
Another way to stay connected while on the move involves contract-free, pay-as-you go mobile hotspots. Although these devices aren't commonly known, they're a handy alternative to other options like the aforementioned tethering technique. Not only do you not have to commit to a contract, but many of these devices allow you pay for unlimited (though capped) service by the day for a low rate. They also provide access for multiple devices like any other wireless router. This is an ideal option for businesses that do a lot of field work, but which need to remain connected to a wireless network.
1. Make a Mental Map of Public Hotspots
Of course, the trusty go-to for staying connected on the go involves using free wi-fi at public hotspots. Plenty of businesses even have some encryption to make the connection somewhat safer. Just remember not to access anything financial and to keep your firewall running. But it still helps to develop and keep a mental map of public hotspots in your area — often you may find yourself having to move around between various hotspots if you're really on the move or if the routers become overloaded.
The Internet isn't everything, because real connection is about the people you connect with, not how you connect. But sometimes you need to use technology, and there are plenty of ways you can keep this tech on your side.
About the Author: Rob Weatherby is a freelance writer and digital designer. A recent graduate, with a communications degree from the University of Tampa, Rob has a passion for technology and writing. Besides writing and design, he is also an addict of all things fitness related and a pretty awesome cook. To get in touch with Rob, you can email him at: mrweatherby86@gmail.com