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Using WiFi Instead of your Data Plan

Data plans can be expensive and to be honest, they can’t compete with the speeds you’re able to get with today’s fiber optic network. Yet, many people still rely on only their data plans for service and end up going over their allotted monthly caps, even though WiFi can be found in most places. Scott Shpak of StudioD and editor-in-chief, feature writer, and photographer for Your Magazines Canada lays out a few of the advantages of using WiFi in combination with a cellular data plan, below.

Convenience

WiFi is just about everywhere and in most cases available for free at hotels, airports, public green spaces, restaurants, and larger retailers like Target, Walmart, and Macy’s. It’s also available at smaller mom-and-pop stores that have owners focused on remaining competitive against big box retailers.

Generally, you can expect a WiFi signal to be stronger than the cellular signal because you’re inside a building which shields cellular service. Plus, many stores have multiple WiFi access points, so you can walk throughout their store without experiencing dropped or degraded signal. Enabling WiFi access and downloading the appropriate app on your smartphone can also allow you to continue working on large documents and presentations, send emails, and upload or download files without the need for lugging around your laptop or tablet.

Data Usage

Most data plans aren’t nearly large enough to carry you through the whole month, especially if you’re sharing the plan with others or subscribed to a smaller plan due to budget restrictions. This is where a reasonably priced home WiFi connection can really save the day. It’s simple to configure your phone so that it will use your WiFi network while at home and your data plan when you’re away. Many smartphone owners also enable their phones to update or refresh their background programs and apps only when on a WiFi connection. This is a huge data saver. Lastly, most Internet service plans don’t have a data cap, making your home WiFi the best choice for uploading or downloading larger files, pictures, videos, and music.

Increased Speed

In general, you can expect WiFi bandwidth to be faster than cellular service, giving you better results while browsing, streaming video and music, or playing games online. In some cases, the speed you experience through your connection is limited by your device, rather than the hot spot. If your cellular service is 3G level or lower, connecting to WiFi will remarkably improve your browsing performance.

Battery Life

An often overlooked benefit of using WiFi over cellular is an extended battery life. However, because many variable factors can contribute to battery life of your phone, evaluating how battery life compares between WiFi and cellular service is fairly difficult. The general school of thought is that since you are closer to a WiFi transmitter than a cellular tower, your chance for a strong signal is better, thereby reducing the load on your smartphone. Even where battery life is the same, the efficiency of your device is greater with a WiFi signal, as web pages and data transfers will finish faster.

Home Internet WiFi service can save you considerable time and money. Are you taking advantage of the many WiFi perks? Call TrioTel at 425-2238 for all your High Speed Internet needs.