Network access using short-range connectability

A data processing system for accessing a remote network, the system comprising:

• a first and second device capable of having a wireless short-range connection with one another when the devices are within range;
• the second device having radio-enabled access to remote networks, the second device capable of sharing with other devices the radio-enabled access to remote networks;
• preconfiguring the first and second devices to:
• establish the wireless short-range connection with one another when the devices are within range;
• preconfiguring the first device to:
• issue a request to the second device to activate sharing with other devices the radio-enabled access to remote networks,
• access a remote network via the activated shared radio-enabled access to remote networks, and
• establish network presence in an application server in communication with the remote network;
• and
• preconfiguring the second device to:
• notify the first device about the capability of sharing with other devices the radio-enabled access to remote networks, and
• activate sharing with other devices the radio-enabled access to remote networks responsive to the request issued by the first device.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed on a device, facilitate accessing a remote network, the instructions comprising in a first device:

• establishing a short-range connection between the first device and a second device, the first and second devices having short-range connectability when they are within range of each other;
• receiving a notification that the second device offers a service for sharing access to remote networks;
• responsive to receiving the notification, joining the service;
• accessing a remote network via the service;
• and
• establishing a network presence with an application server in communication with the remote network.