Can a PS3 Log in on a Verizon Portable Modem?

Verizon Portable Modems

• Verizon offers two kinds of mobile broadband modems: the sort that plug into your computer via USB and a mobile hotspot. These hotspots create a mobile broadband hotspot that is accessible to any device in range. As this is just a wireless network, this is easy to use on any wireless-capable device. The more problematic for connecting your PS3 is the USB modem; this device connects to your computer via USB and allows that one computer to connection to Verizon's mobile broadband network.

Internet on the PS3

• Connecting to the Internet on the PS3 is handled either via Ethernet cable or via a wireless connection. It does not recognize Internet devices plugged in via the USB ports, nor can it run the software required to connect to the Verizon mobile broadband network via USB modem -- which is why you cannot use these devices with the PS3. Use your Verizon modem to create a wireless network to connect the PS3 to your mobile broadband connection. You can do this with the mobile hotspot or by using a specialized router.

Creating a Wireless Connection

• If you've got a mobile hotspot, you're set. Once you've set up your mobile hotspot, place it somewhere central in your home without a lot of barriers or interference; keep it away from other mobile devices that might cause signal interference. If you have a USB modem, you can purchase a router designed especially for sharing a mobile broadband connection; while these routers tend to be more expensive than a mobile hotspot device from Verizon, they do allow Ethernet connections, as well as wireless connections. Once you've set up your wireless connection, you can connect the PS3 wirelessly. To connect to a wireless connection on your PS3, go to "Settings" and select "Network Settings." Choose "Internet Connection Settings," select "Wireless" and select "Scan." Follow the prompts to set the PS3 up on your mobile broadband network.

Concerns

• Keep in mind that online gaming in a bandwidth intensive activity; at the low end, an online game might run around 40 megabytes an hour, but that can easily double if there's a lot of players and a lot of chatter between players. If you're also using your Verizon connection for your home network, consider that adding regular daily online gaming can easily surpass your bandwidth cap. Verizon mobile broadband plans have caps of 2GB per month, 5GB per month and 10GB per month. The cost for overage is $10 per gigabyte, an expensive overage if it occurs without you noticing.