Setting Up a Cellular Data Connection
To set up a cellular data connection in
Windows 8, you use the same Networks pane that is used for wired and
wireless (Wi-Fi) connections. This is accessed from Settings (Winkey +
I), Network, or by clicking the Network icon in the Notification Area
in the desktop environment. Either way, you’ll see a Mobile broadband
area in the Networks pane, as shown in Figure 4, with an entry representing your cellular data connection.
When you select the cellular data connection, the Networks display expands to show additional options. As you can see in Figure 5, these include View my account, Connect automatically, and Roam automatically.
We’ll look at these options in a moment. For now, the goal is to get this connection set up. So click Connect to continue.
After a bit of configuration, you’ll be connected
to the wireless carrier’s custom Metro-style experience where you can
create a (or connect to an existing) account, determine which data plan
you would like to use, and so on. This experience will vary by wireless
carrier, but in Figure 6, you can see an AT&T account portal for a pay-as-you-go data plan.
Meanwhile, back in the Networks pane, the
cellular data connection will note that it’s connected. You will need
to disconnect from that network to configure the two other options
noted previously. These include the following:
- Connect automatically: If
selected, your cellular data connection will attempt to connect anytime
you are otherwise not connected to the Internet via a wired or Wi-Fi
connection. Most users with 2 GB of more of monthly data allowance are
probably safe with this option enabled, though you’ll want to monitor
it and ensure that it’s configured as a metered connection; both of
these options are discussed in the next section.
- Roam automatically: If
selected, your cellular data connection will attempt to connect anytime
you are otherwise not connected to the Internet, even if you’re outside
of your own wireless carrier’s network. This is not
recommended unless your carrier explicitly allows this and doesn’t
charge extra for the privilege; such connections often come with
additional charges. Check with your wireless carrier to be sure.
