The extent of the differences can be felt based on what you’re using the phone to do. Needless to say, there will be a significant effect on your user experience.
Speed
The majority of smartphones today access the Internet through the mobile provider’s 3G network. There is a vast disparity in the speeds that you’ll get as factors such as location and time of the day will affect the speed. In general though, you’ll get an average speed of 1MB per second. This is not bad for a mobile connection, but when compared to Wi-Fi connections it can seem quite small.Wi-Fi networks function off the Internet connection in your home or office, which incidentally could be many times faster than 3G networks. This means that downloads and uploads will move at a much faster rate. While mobile Internet performance has improved a lot with the introduction of 4G networks, the performance is still affected by the network provider and other outside influences.
Availability
Mobile internet has a distinct advantage in that you can access the internet as long as you have a signal on your phone. A lot of carriers have nationwide coverage, so that means that you can go online from almost anywhere. It turns out that this benefit is just as crucial for the average consumer as it is for business people who need to stay connected on the go. |
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Wi-Fi networks have a much shorter range of mobility since they are built for use locally. The moment that you step out of the range of the Wi-Fi connection, your phone will lose its ability to connect to the internet if you have not activated 3G.
Cost
To enable mobile broadband on your smartphone, you’ll need to sign up for a separate data plan from your carrier. This will incur an additional monthly charge on your bill even if you choose the smallest package available. Many users often exceed their monthly data allowance and drastically increase the amount they pay for mobile broadband.These extra charges do not apply if you use a Wi-Fi network to access the internet on your phone. In other words, an available Wi-Fi connection will cost less than your mobile broadband package.
Network Passwords
You might be able to pick up open Wi-Fi connections at your favorite coffee shop or library, but private Wi-Fi networks are generally password protected. This security measure is used to keep intruders from tapping into your internet connection.Since your mobile broadband is exclusive to you, there’ll be no need to enter a password to connect to the internet. This convenience along with the mobility of the service makes it a clear winner for smartphone users who are willing to overlook the costs.
Steve BrownAbout the Guest Author:
Steve Brown knows good broadband. Find his latest BT Broadband review and list of available packages, to help consumers find the best deals, on uSwitch.