Tethering

[Raeanne Dimick]

using your [cellular] [phone] as your computer [modem].

[PussyCat]

In the context of GSM mobile phones, tethering describes the process of connecting a phone to a computer so that the computer can access the internet via an EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA network. In this way, the mobile phone acts as a modem for the computer.
That specific use of the word tethering stems from the fact that to be used as a modem, the mobile phone usually has to be connected to the computer via a USB data cable. In recent years however the same thing has become possible without cables by using a Bluetooth connection.
Thus, tethering has turned into a generic term for using your mobile phone as a GSM modem for your computer.
Some carriers require that you sign up for special plans in order to use your phone for tethering, while for others its simply a matter of paying the data traffic used, much like you pay for browsing on your mobile phone.

[Sarah]

The action of tying an animal with a rope or chain so as to restrict its movement.

[Kai]

The process of connecting your phone to your laptop in order to [facilitate] an Internet connection. Usually performed via [bluetooth] or [USB].

[Julene]

the use of a mobile phone as a wireless internet connection to which you can connect other devices: