There are numerous types of Cell phone data connections. There are numerous types of data you might have with a cell phone. The most common type of data is probably the text messaging many people use. This allows you to send a text message to another person and they do not even need to have their phone on for you to send. Cell phones have evolved from the original "Bag" phone you carried over your shoulder to the small cell phone you can stick in a pocket and have a full qwerty keyboard on it. Full in the sense of having all of the keys but not full size. Text messaging: The sending of text words to another cell phone customer is known as text messaging. This has expanded and now includes the sending of pictures from your camera phone, sending of movie clips you take with your cell phone and even audio clips recorded on your cell phone. You normally either pay per message or purchase a package allowing so many messages per month or an unlimited plan. Messages received as well as messages sent are counted the same as your voice calls received count the same as calls you make. Some wireless companies will now allow you to send a text message to a landline and will convert the text to voice and speak the message to them. This normally carries an additional charge. You can subscribe to different services that will text you joke of the day, thought for the day, and other kinds of information. Many places are now You can even get message that you have been outbid on eBay. The AMBER Alert is a free texting service with most carriers, and can be subscribed to. Data Cable Data Cable and software Bluetooth USB Cell phone to Computer connections: You can connect your cell phone to your computer using a data cable or Bluetooth. You can use the cell phone as a modem to connect your computer to an ISP, or your company network, for internet access plus you can upload and download sounds, ringtones, pictures, videos, contacts and calendars. The access you have to the phone is dependent on the software you use and what your wireless carrier allows. Some carriers will allow broadband access through the phone if you have web access on the cell phone, other carriers block it so you can not access the internet. Check with your wireless carrier as to what they permit and your software as to what it supports. The connection between the cell phone and the computer can be made with a data cable that usually has a USB connection to the computer and the proper plug to connect to your cell phone. You can also purchase the data cable and software together in a package. The other way to connect is through the Bluetooth if your cell phone is so equipped. With the Bluetooth you have no cables to be concerned with. The software can be purchased either from the wireless carrier or where you get the data cable. You can also get shareware or freeware software by doing an search on the internet. PC Broadband Connection: Most cell phone providers have broadband connections to the internet for your computer. These are either a PCMCIA Card or a USB connected device to connect to the computer to the internet through the cell phone providers signal. They are considered about like an additional phone and are charged a monthly fee. They are handy if you require almost constant internet connection and are traveling. You can surf the internet while going down the highway on your laptop(someone else is driving). This is separate from your cell phone and both the broadband connection and your cell phone can be used at the same time. WiFi connections: The WiFi connections available in most hotels and motels and is many fast food and café type places is another way to connect your computer to the internet. This does not involve the cell phone and is just through the computer and a built in wireless card or an installed wireless card. Some locations charge for the wireless connection and others offer it free to their customers. Some wireless providers also sell subscriptions to this type of service. It is only available in certain locations. Some cell phones now will work on the wireless provider network and then transfer over to a WiFi network as it becomes available. You can talk through your company or home wireless computer network instead of the cell phone provider's network. The wireless cell phone companies all have different plans and the plans continue to change. Some wireless providers now charge you per megabyte you send or receive. You could be charged for the message, data charge, and/or airtime charge. Be sure check your cell phone company plan for any charges that may apply. We are only trying to make you aware of the different services available and possible uses for them. Safety: Texting with your cell phone or using the computer while operating a motor vehicle is against the law in many states and is a safety risk. Driving requires you paying attention to the road and other drivers and a short distraction can lead to an accident. Consider using a Handsfree or a Bluetooth and talking to the other party if necessary while driving. Where to purchase: You can purchase the cell phone data cables and other accessories from you wireless carrier but most of them have high prices. With some shopping you can find Discounted prices many up to 80% below the wireless carrier price. Check some of the stores in the box on right side of the page, and also in Shopping with Jo.