Many lawyers are "dead in the water" if their primary office or home Internet connection goes down. Fortunately, your smartphone, because it has a data plan, can serve as a backup Internet connection. It isn't a perfect solution, but it will do in a pinch (like when you need to comply with an impending e-filing deadline). Most smartphones have the ability to "tether" their connection to your computer in three different ways.
- USB tethering is the fastest and most efficient in terms of connection speed and preservation of your smartphone's battery. You need to connect your Internet-enabled smartphone (or tablet) to your computer using a USB cable. Each operating system and version offers its own set of menu options to enable this connection. An added benefit is that your phone may be able to charge from your computer's USB connection (battery or AC power) while it tethers. It is also the most secure connection.
- Bluetooth tethering, next in terms of smartphone battery life preservation, typically provides the slowest connection. It is great for checking e-mail or light web browsing. You can connect multiple devices to your smartphone using a Bluetooth tether. Since Bluetooth is specifically designed for mobile use, it consumes less power. In my opinion, Bluetooth tethering isn’t used nearly as often as it should be. It is a little involved to set up because you have to pair your computer to your smartphone and do some configuration work. But, because it is relatively easy on a phone's battery, I once left it on all day supplying an Internet connection from my phone to my tablet and used Google Maps to navigate New York City using the larger tablet screen.
- WiFi tethering is one of the easiest to set up, and it is compatible with most types of devices. Simply put, if your laptop (or other device) includes WiFi support, you should be able to tether via WiFi just as quickly and as easily as you would to any other hotspot. It is quick and easy, and up to five devices can typically be wirelessly connected to your phone's Internet connection.
However, there are downsides to WiFi tethering. Depending on what security configuration you use, it could be anywhere from not secure at all to fairly secure. Also, since you’re not required to plug in to a USB port, your battery is going to drain fairly quickly while WiFi tethering. Bring along a wall charger or a portable battery pack.
All three types of tethering are available to the two major smartphone operating systems. Android (version 2.2 or later), and iOS 3.0 (or later) offer tethering over a Bluetooth or a USB connection. Tethering over WiFi, also known as a Personal Hotspot, is available on nearly all Android phones (depending on carrier, manufacturer, and software version). WiFi tethering is also available with iOS 4.2.5 (or later) on iPhone 4 and newer and iPad 3rd generation and newer. (For a how-to on iPhone tethering, go here. For Android phones, go here.)
If you tether by any of these methods, the data run through your smartphone to your computer will count against your monthly data allowance. Depending on your carrier and plan, there could be an expensive "gotcha" at the end of your billing cycle. Some carriers (Verizon, for example) levy hefty charges for exceeding your data cap. Other carriers (T-Mobile) will simply throttle your connection back to a lower speed once your cap is exceeded. Before you tether, know your plan's limitations and your carrier's policies. Still, even with this possible downside, using your smartphone as a backup Internet connection can be a lifesaver.