You’ve probably seen them: articles in print and online suggesting that uploading and downloading of movies on cell phones is on the rise. I have a hard time believing it, given that cellular Internet connections are not always cheap. But one British man got a huge shock: a cellphone bill for nearly $60,000 after he spent a month downloading the video for between 20-30 TV shows. (Read on for a less expensive solution.)

Using a regular cable or high-speed dialup Internet connection, it wouldn’t be an issue as many of such plans have a fairly high monthly data bandwidth allowance. Unfortunately, Ian Simpson used his his cell phone as a modem for his laptop.

What’s surprising is that it was allowed to get that high. Most cellular Internet plans have an upper limit in terms of data bandwidth used and are not allowed to exceed that. But Vodafone UK says these are legitimate charges.

A Cheaper Solution

This guy’s obviously a doofus for not checking his connection terms, but what do you if you’re a movie buff and tend to be on the go? Ask your cellular provider if they have an Internet conection plan named something called “wi-fi on the go” or “personal hotspot”. These consist of special modems that work on a cellular network but don’t require a cell phone.

Once you’ve got the modem configured and your connection plan activated, you can use the modem typically in any city that your cellular provider has coverage. All you need is a computer and an eletrical outlet. If you’re using the using the modem on a particular computer for the first time, you’ll need to do a little bit of configuration. If you’re using the same laptop all the time, then it’s a one-time effort.

Just be sure to check your “personal hotspot” connection terms. Many of these personal hotspot/ wi-fi-on-the-go plans give much better data bandwidth allowances than a regular cell phone Internet plan. But not always. “Unlimited browsing” doesn’t always mean unlimited browsing, as the video clip below shows.

Now, if you still want to watch full-length movies or TV episodes on the tiny little screen of your cell phone, then you’re beyond help.

Do you have a penchant for the creative? Maybe you want to make movies one day but want to try your hand at something easier first. Like a how-to video. If so, considering entering VideoJug’s video contest.

VideoJug is a video sharing site with a difference: every video shows you how to do something, and they’re eager for more content. First prize is US$2000, second prize: $1000, third prize: $500. Winners will be based on total views in January 2008. Simply sign up as a member on the site and upload your entry. Here are some tips on winning the competition.